Flying Drones for Fun

You don’t need permission from the FAA to fly SOME UAS (aka drones) for fun or recreation, but you must always fly safely.

Examples of UAS that do and do not require registration (PDF)

If you do need permission, then before you fly outside you must:

• Register your UAS if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds and less than 55 pounds, and you’ll need:
  1. Email address
  2. Credit or Debit card
  3. Physical address and mailing address (if different from physical address)
  4. Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years.
• Label your UAS with your registration number
• Read and understand all safety guidelines

You must be:

• 13 years of age or older (if the owner is less than 13 years of age, a person 13 years of age or older must register the small unmanned aircraft)
• A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident*

* Visiting foreign nationals must register their UAS upon arrival in the United States (online registration serves as a certificate of ownership).

Safety Guidelines

• Fly at or below 400 feet
• Keep your UAS within sight
• Never fly near other aircraft, especially near airports
• Never fly over groups of people (except those part of the operation)
• Never fly over stadiums or sports events
• Never fly near emergency response efforts such as fires
• Never fly under the influence
• Be aware of airspace requirements