Resources

Getting your drone pilot license

If you fly a drone for work, even to shoot a roof for a customer, the FAA requires a Remote Pilot Certificate. People call it a Part 107 license. Flying only for fun is different, and the next section covers that.

The steps

1. Be at least 16 and able to read, speak and write English.
2. Create a free account at FAASafety.gov and get your FAA Tracking Number through IACRA.
3. Study, then pass the Unmanned Aircraft General (Small) test at an FAA-approved testing center. Bring a government photo ID.
4. Finish your application in IACRA using your test ID.
5. The TSA runs a background check. You get an email with a temporary certificate, and the permanent one comes in the mail.
6. Every 24 months, take the free online recurrent training to keep it current.

Rules and links change. The FAA pages on the right are the official source, so go by those.

Just flying for fun?

If you only fly for recreation, you don't need a Part 107 license, but you do need to pass a short free safety test called TRUST. The FAA has the details.