Remote pilot certificate, registration, Remote ID and accident reports
Who can get a Part 107 certificate, how recency works, drone registration rules, the three ways to meet Remote ID, and when to report an accident to the FAA.
Checked against the rules in force on 2026-10-01This part of the test is about paperwork, but the questions are precise. Small differences in numbers decide the answer.
The certificate
To hold a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating you must be at least 16 years old, read, speak, write and understand English, have no known condition that would make flying unsafe, and pass the initial knowledge test. Pilots with a Part 61 certificate and a current flight review can take an online course instead. No FAA medical certificate is required.
- A temporary certificate is valid for up to 120 days.
- You must carry the certificate and photo ID while flying, and show them on request to the FAA, NTSB, TSA, or any federal, state or local law enforcement officer.
- Change of permanent address: tell the FAA within 30 days.
- Failed the test? Wait 14 days before retaking it.
Recency
The certificate does not expire, but to act as remote pilot in command you must have passed the initial test or completed recurrent training within the previous 24 calendar months. Recurrent training is free and online.
Registration
Every drone flown under Part 107 must be registered, whatever its weight. Registration lasts 3 years. The registration number goes on an outside surface of the aircraft. A small unmanned aircraft is one that weighs less than 55 pounds at takeoff, including everything on board.
Remote ID
There are three ways to comply:
- Standard Remote ID: the drone broadcasts its own identity, position, altitude and velocity, plus the control station's position.
- Broadcast module: an add-on that broadcasts the takeoff point's position. You must keep the drone in sight.
- FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA): fly without Remote ID only inside the FRIA, with the drone in sight.
If a standard Remote ID drone stops broadcasting in flight, land as soon as practicable. ADS-B Out cannot be used for Remote ID.
Reporting an accident
Report to the FAA within 10 calendar days if a flight causes serious injury or loss of consciousness, or damage to property other than the drone unless repair costs or the property's value are $500 or less. Damage to your own drone does not count.
Sources: 14 CFR 107.9 · 14 CFR 107.61 · 14 CFR 107.65 · 14 CFR Part 48 · 14 CFR Part 89
Try 5 questions on this topic
Free sample questions with a debrief for each answer.
What is the minimum age to be issued a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating?
Under Part 107, a small unmanned aircraft is one that weighs
In flight, your standard Remote ID drone stops broadcasting. What must you do?
Your drone hits a tree and is destroyed. It cost $1,200. Nothing else is damaged and nobody is hurt. What must you report?
To keep exercising the privileges of your remote pilot certificate, what must you complete?
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