Using a Remote ID Broadcast Module for Drones in New York City (2026)

Not every drone has Remote Identification built in. For aircraft without Standard Remote ID, a broadcast module is the way to comply with 14 CFR Part 89. This guide explains what a broadcast module does, when it is needed, and how it fits into the broader compliance picture for New York City.

What a Broadcast Module Does

A Remote ID broadcast module is a separate device attached to a drone. When the drone is operated, the module broadcasts the Remote ID message required under Part 89 — including identification, the aircraft’s location and altitude, the take-off location, and a time mark. The module effectively gives a non-Remote-ID drone the broadcast capability it would otherwise lack.

When You Need a Module

If your drone is not a Standard Remote ID aircraft (Remote ID built in by the manufacturer) and you are not operating within an FAA-Recognized Identification Area, you generally need a broadcast module to comply. This is common for older drones and amateur-built aircraft. When using a module, the operation must keep the aircraft within visual line of sight, consistent with the module-based compliance route under Part 89.

Declaring the Module With Your Registration

The broadcast module has its own serial number, which must be entered into your FAA registration record through FAA DroneZone (faadronezone-access.faa.gov). This links the module to the operator and aircraft. Confirm the module is listed by the manufacturer as meeting the FAA’s Remote ID requirements; the FAA does not endorse specific products, and the operator is responsible for verifying compliance and that the module is broadcasting correctly before flight.

Two Layers of Authorization Always Apply in NYC

No federal waiver or Remote ID step replaces the local requirement. Flying a drone in New York City is legal but requires authorization on two separate levels. First, the federal layer: the FAA governs the airspace through 14 CFR Part 107, Remote Identification under 14 CFR Part 89, and airspace authorization (LAANC or FAA DroneZone) for the Class B airspace that blankets the city. Second, the city layer: under NYC Administrative Code § 10-126(b) and (c), causing an unmanned aircraft to take off or land in the five boroughs without an NYPD permit is unlawful, with narrow exemptions for the five designated model aircraft fields and certain government operations. A federal waiver or Remote ID compliance satisfies the first layer only; you must still hold the applicable NYPD permit.

Using a Module in NYC

• A broadcast module satisfies the federal Remote ID requirement only; it does not replace the NYPD permit under § 10-126 or FAA airspace authorization.
• The NYPD application records the drone serial number and Remote ID information, so have your module details ready when you apply at dronepermits.nypdonline.org.
• Module-based compliance generally requires visual line of sight — flying beyond it would itself need a separate waiver or exemption.
• Verify the module is broadcasting before each flight; a non-functioning module means the operation is not Remote ID compliant.