Forgotten Drone Registration ID in the UK

Where to Find Your Flyer ID and Operator ID

Your Flyer ID and Operator ID are two separate identifiers issued by the CAA when you register. Both are displayed within your account on the CAA drone registration portal. If you have forgotten either one, recovering them is usually straightforward.

The fastest ways to retrieve your IDs are:

• CAA account dashboard — log into register-drones.caa.co.uk and both IDs appear on your main account page
• Registration confirmation email — the CAA sends an email containing your IDs when you first register. Search your inbox for emails from the CAA
• Drone label — your Operator ID should be physically displayed on every drone you operate, either as a printed label or engraved plate
• Phone or digital notes — if you previously saved your Flyer ID in a notes app, photo, or screenshot

Your Flyer ID begins with the prefix FLY followed by a series of characters. Your Operator ID begins with OP followed by a series of characters. These formats can help you identify them in old emails or saved notes.

If You Cannot Access Your CAA Account

If you have forgotten your password or can no longer access the email address linked to your CAA account, there are still options available to you.

Forgotten password: Use the password reset function on register-drones.caa.co.uk. A reset link will be sent to the email address associated with your account. Follow the link to create a new password and regain access to your dashboard.

Lost access to your registered email: If you no longer have access to the email address you used to register, you will need to contact the CAA directly. They can verify your identity through other means and help you regain access to your account or update the email address on file.

The CAA can be reached through their general enquiries contact. Be prepared to provide personal details that match your registration record so they can verify your identity.

Why You Must Know Your Flyer ID Before Flying

Under UK regulations, you must hold a valid Flyer ID to fly any drone that weighs 250g or more, or any drone equipped with a camera regardless of weight. Flying without a valid Flyer ID — or without being able to confirm your registration status — is an offence under the Air Navigation Order 2016.

If stopped or questioned during a flight, you may be asked to provide your Flyer ID. While you are not required to carry a physical card, you should be able to confirm your registration details. Having your Flyer ID saved digitally on your phone is a practical solution.

Your Operator ID serves a different purpose: it must be displayed as a label on every drone you own or are responsible for. If someone finds your drone or if there is an incident, the Operator ID allows the CAA to trace the drone back to the registered operator.

Creating a Backup of Your Registration Details

Once you have recovered your IDs, take steps to avoid losing them again. A few minutes of preparation can save significant stress in the future.

• Screenshot your dashboard — take a screenshot of your CAA account page showing both your Flyer ID and Operator ID, and save it to a dedicated folder on your phone
• Save to a notes app — create a note titled something obvious like "Drone Registration" with both IDs recorded
• Print a backup card — write or print both IDs on a small card and keep it in your drone case alongside your batteries and propellers
• Email yourself — send yourself an email with both IDs so you can search for it easily in the future
• Star or flag the CAA confirmation email — locate the original registration email and mark it so it is easy to find

These simple steps mean you will always have your registration details to hand, whether you are at the flying field or planning a flight from home.

Multiple Drones and Your Operator ID

If you own more than one drone, remember that you only have one Operator ID. The same Operator ID label must be displayed on every drone you are responsible for. You do not need a separate registration for each drone — the Operator ID covers you as the responsible person, not the individual aircraft.

This means if you recover your Operator ID from the label on one drone, it is the same ID that should appear on all your other drones. If any of your drones are missing the label, replace it immediately.

Your Flyer ID, on the other hand, is personal to you as the pilot. If multiple people fly your drones, each pilot needs their own Flyer ID. But all drones you own carry your single Operator ID.

What Not to Do

While you are trying to recover your registration details, keep these important points in mind:

• Do not fly until you have confirmed your Flyer ID is valid and current. Flying without valid registration can result in a fine of up to £1,000
• Do not re-register unless instructed by the CAA. Creating a duplicate account may cause complications with your existing records
• Do not assume your registration has expired just because you cannot find your ID. Log in first to check your current status
• Do not remove the Operator ID label from your drone. Even if you cannot remember the number, the physical label is still serving its purpose

In most cases, a simple login to the CAA portal is all it takes to recover your details and get back in the air with confidence.