Do You Need FAA Part 107 for an NYC Drone Permit? (2026)
Quick Answer: Yes. Each NYPD drone permit application must document FAA Part 107 authorization for every proposed operator and alternate operator (38 RCNY §24-03(a)(8)). The FAA Remote Pilot Certificate is earned by passing the Aeronautical Knowledge Test and applying through IACRA. It does not expire but knowledge currency must be maintained every 24 months, and you must carry it on every flight.
The NYPD drone permit and the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate are two different authorizations, and you need both. The city permit authorizes take-off and landing within the five boroughs; the federal certificate authorizes you to pilot the aircraft at all. This guide explains the Part 107 requirement as it applies to NYC permits.
The Requirement
Under 38 RCNY § 24-03(a)(8), each application must include documentation of FAA authorization to operate pursuant to 14 CFR Part 107 for every proposed operator and alternate operator. There is no industry exemption: commercial, news, research, and other operators all need it. The federal certificate is a prerequisite to the city permit — without it, your application will be disapproved for lacking required FAA authorization.
What the Part 107 Certificate Is
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Credential | FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) issued under 14 CFR Part 107 |
| How to obtain | Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an approved testing center, then apply through IACRA (iacra.faa.gov) |
| Validity | Does not expire, but knowledge currency must be maintained every 24 calendar months (14 CFR § 107.65) |
| For the application | Upload a copy of each operator's RPC and any applicable waivers |
Carrying It on Every Flight
The certificate is not just an application document. At the date and time of take-off and landing, each operator must have the FAA Part 107 documentation in physical possession and readily available for inspection upon request by any federal, state, or local law enforcement official (38 RCNY § 24-05(b)(2)). Keep it with your permit, registration, and insurance copies.
Operators and Alternates
The requirement covers everyone who may pilot the aircraft, including alternate operators. If you list an alternate on the permit, that person must hold a current Part 107 certificate and provide it with the application. Only named operators and alternates may fly under the permit, and the permit is non-transferable.
A Note for Recreational Flyers
The NYPD permit process under 38 RCNY Chapter 24 requires documentation of FAA authorization pursuant to Part 107. Operators intending to fly recreationally should verify current NYPD requirements directly at dronepermits.nypdonline.org, or by contacting DronePermits@nypd.org, to confirm what documentation is accepted for their situation.
Part 107 Is the Floor, Not the Ceiling
Holding Part 107 is necessary but not sufficient in New York City. You still need the NYPD permit, $2M/$4M insurance naming the City of New York, FAA registration and Remote ID for the aircraft, and LAANC or DroneZone airspace authorization. Think of Part 107 as your pilot qualification — the foundation on which the rest of the NYC compliance stack is built.
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