FAA drone registration cost, $5 for three years.

The fees

The FAA registration page says "Part 107 registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three (3) years" and "The Exception for Limited Recreational Operations registration costs $5, covers all drones in your inventory, and is valid for three (3) years." 14 CFR 48.30 sets the fee for issuing or renewing a Certificate of Aircraft Registration at $5.00 per aircraft for section 48.100 and $5.00 per certificate for section 48.105 and requires payment through the FAA web-based system.

Who has to register

All drones must be registered except those that weigh 0.55 pounds or less (less than 250 grams) and are flown under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations. A drone registered under the recreational exception cannot be flown under Part 107, and registration cannot be transferred between the two types. Drones that weigh 55 pounds or more follow a different process.

What you need to register

• Physical address and mailing address if different, an email address and phone number.
• Make and model of the drone and the Remote ID serial number from the manufacturer when applicable.
• A credit or debit card.
• Age: 13 or older; if younger, a person 13 or older must register. A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

After registering

You get a registration certificate to carry (paper or digital) when you fly. The registration number must be labelled on the drone. Registered drones, including those flown for recreation, must comply with Remote ID. When the registration expires you renew through FAA DroneZone.

Worked example

A business with four Part 107 drones pays 4 x $5 = $20 each three-year period, so $40 over six years. A hobbyist with four drones pays $5 for the whole inventory, so $10 over six years.

FAQ

How much does it cost to register a drone with the FAA?

$5. Part 107 is $5 per drone; the recreational registration is $5 and covers all drones in your inventory.

How long does the registration last?

Three years, per the FAA registration page.

Which drones do not need registration?

Drones weighing 0.55 pounds or less flown under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations.

Can I switch a drone between recreational and Part 107?

No. Once registered, the registration cannot be transferred between operation types.

Where do I register?

Online at FAA DroneZone for drones that weigh less than 55 pounds.

What happens if I do not register?

The FAA page warns that failure to register a drone that requires it may result in regulatory and criminal penalties.

Sources

Retrieved 2026-11-02. Statute and regulation text read through the eCFR API (current as of 2026-10-29) or the publisher URLs below.

• FAA, How to Register Your Drone: Fees, term, who must register, requirements. Page footer says last updated March 18, 2024.
• 14 CFR 48.30, Fees: $5.00 per aircraft or per certificate; payment through the FAA system.