FAA Drone Registration: A Guide for NYC Pilots

Who Must Register

FAA drone registration is required for any unmanned aircraft weighing 0.55 lbs (250 grams) or more at takeoff, including any payload or attached accessories. This covers virtually all consumer drones used for photography, videography, inspection, or recreation.

Drones under 250g are exempt from registration for recreational use, but must still comply with all other applicable rules including Remote ID and airspace restrictions.

Two Registration Pathways

Recreational (49 U.S.C. § 44809)

• One registration covers all drones owned by the registrant
• Cost: $5 for 3 years
• Registration number must be marked on each drone
• Must be 13 years of age or older (or registered by parent/guardian)
• Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or registered through a Trust or VOC (Verified Operator Certification)

Part 107 (Commercial)

• Each individual drone must be registered separately
• Cost: $5 per aircraft for 3 years
• Registration number must be visible on the exterior of each aircraft
• Must be 16 years of age or older

How to Register

1. Go to the FAA DroneZone at faadronezone.faa.gov
2. Create an account (or log in to an existing one)
3. Select recreational or Part 107 registration
4. Enter the required information about yourself and your aircraft
5. Pay the $5 registration fee
6. Receive your registration certificate and number immediately
7. Mark your drone with the registration number — it must be visible on the exterior without tools

Registration and the NYPD Permit

When applying for an NYPD drone permit under 38 RCNY Chapter 24, you must provide your FAA registration certificate as part of the application (38 RCNY § 24-03(a)(9)). An unregistered drone cannot receive an NYPD permit.

The registration certificate confirms that you are the legal operator of the aircraft and that the FAA has a record of the drone's identifying information.

Penalties for Flying Unregistered

Operating an unregistered drone carries significant federal penalties:

• Civil penalty: Up to $27,500 per violation under 49 U.S.C. § 46301
• Criminal penalty: Up to $250,000 fine and 3 years imprisonment for knowing and willful violations under 49 U.S.C. § 46306

In NYC, flying an unregistered drone also violates the federal compliance condition of any NYPD permit and may result in separate city enforcement action.

Marking Requirements

Your FAA registration number must be displayed on the exterior of the drone in a location where it can be seen without the use of tools. Starting in 2023, external marking is mandatory — internal placement (such as inside a battery compartment) is no longer sufficient.

The registration number must be legible and durable. Many operators use adhesive labels, engraving, or permanent marker on a visible surface of the airframe.

Registration Renewal

FAA drone registration is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. You will receive a renewal reminder from the FAA before expiration. Flying with an expired registration is treated the same as flying without registration.