Can You Transfer an NYPD Drone Permit or Add an Alternate Pilot in New York City? (2026)

An NYPD Unmanned Aircraft permit is tied to the people named on it. It cannot be lent, sold, or handed to a different pilot or company. If you may need more than one pilot for an operation, the correct approach is to name alternate operators when you apply. Flying in New York City is legal, but the authorization belongs only to the named pilots.

The Permit Is Non-Transferable

Under the permit conditions, the authorization is non-transferable: only the named operator(s) and alternate operator(s) may fly. Transferring a permit to another pilot or entity is a violation. There is no mechanism to reassign a permit to someone who was not part of the application.

How Alternate Operators Work

The application lets you add alternate operators in the Proposed Operator(s) section. For each operator and each alternate you provide name, date of birth, address, contact details, a government photo ID, and an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Adding an alternate when you apply is how you build in a substitute pilot lawfully — if your primary pilot is unavailable, a named alternate can fly.

Every Named Pilot Needs Part 107

Under 38 RCNY § 24-03(a)(8), each application must document FAA authorization to operate under 14 CFR Part 107 for every proposed operator and alternate operator. You cannot name a pilot who lacks a current Part 107 certificate, and the certificate name must match the person's photo ID and the application.

If You Did Not Name an Alternate

If a pilot who is not named on the permit needs to fly, they are not authorized under that permit. Because the permit is non-transferable and dates cannot be changed after submission, the route is a new application that names the needed pilot — restarting the lead time and the $150 fee. The lesson is to name every potential pilot, including alternates, at the application stage.

The Repeat-Applicant Connection

Naming pilots correctly also affects your future lead times. A qualifying repeat applicant may file 14 days ahead if every proposed operator appeared on a permit issued within the prior 180 days. Keeping the same named operators and alternates across your operations helps you maintain repeat-applicant eligibility, while adding a brand-new pilot may return you to the 30-day standard timeline.

Why the Permit Is Pilot-Specific

The non-transferability rule exists because the NYPD permit authorizes specific, vetted people to operate over the city. Each named operator and alternate is reviewed against the requirements — a current FAA Part 107 certificate, identification, and the rest of the application. Allowing an unnamed pilot to fly would mean someone who was never reviewed is operating under the authorization, which the rule does not permit.

Document Possession on the Day

Under 38 RCNY § 24-05(b), at the time of take-off and landing each operator must have in physical possession, readily available for inspection by any federal, state, or local law enforcement official, the documents the rule requires — which include the permit and supporting credentials. Because only named pilots are authorized, the person actually flying must be one of those named on the permit and must carry the required documentation. This is a practical reason to name every potential pilot, including alternates, at the application stage.