How to get a drone license in the United States
The license you need depends on why you fly, not on your state or the size of your drone. If you fly only for fun, you need the free TRUST certificate. If you fly for any business purpose, including selling photos or flying for a client, you need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
TRUST vs Part 107 at a glance
| TRUST (recreational) | Part 107 (commercial) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | Anyone flying only for fun | Anyone flying for work or pay |
| Where you take it | Online, with an FAA-approved provider | In person, at an FAA-approved testing center |
| Cost | Free | Test fee set by the provider (often about $175) |
| Minimum age | None | 16 |
| Test | Short online course and quiz | Knowledge test, 60 questions, 70% to pass |
| Stays valid | Does not expire | Free online recurrent training every 24 months |
| Drone registration | Drones over 250 g ($5, 3 years) | Every drone ($5 each, 3 years) |
What to expect on the Part 107 test
The Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) test covers regulations, airspace, weather, loading and performance, and operations. Expect questions that ask you to read sectional charts, so practice with a real chart and a current study guide. Bring a government-issued photo ID to the testing center.
Before you book, create your IACRA profile to get your FAA Tracking Number. You’ll need it to schedule the test.
Register your drone and fly legally
Register on the official FAA website only; look-alike sites charge extra fees. Mark your registration number on the drone, and make sure it meets Remote ID rules. Before every flight, check the airspace with a B4UFLY app. Read our full guides to FAA rules for DIY drones and Remote ID.
Where can I fly a drone?
After you’re licensed, the finder shows places to fly near your ZIP code. The best options for most pilots:
- Model aircraft club fields: AMA clubs run flying sites with clear rules; many welcome drone pilots.
- FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs): sites where drones without Remote ID can fly within visual line of sight.
- Drone-friendly parks and open land: check the park’s own rules, and get permission on private land.
- Racing and FPV club events: organized sessions with spotters and safe layouts.
Places to avoid without authorization: airports and controlled airspace (use LAANC), temporary flight restrictions, stadium events, and National Park Service land, where launching and landing drones is generally prohibited. Check every spot with a B4UFLY app before you fly.
Drone license by state
Drone licenses are federal, so the steps are the same in Florida, Texas, California and every other state, plus DC and Puerto Rico. What changes locally is where you take the Part 107 test and where you can take off and land: many state parks, cities and counties have their own rules. Enter your ZIP code in the finder to see testing centers, flying fields and drone clubs near you.
This tool gives general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees can change; always confirm on the official FAA website. Map results come from Google Maps; book your test through the official locator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to fly a drone?
In the U.S., yes, in some form. Recreational pilots need the free TRUST certificate. Anyone flying for work or pay needs an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
How much does a drone license cost?
TRUST is free. The Part 107 knowledge test has a fee set by the testing provider, often around $175. Registering a drone costs $5 for three years.
How do I get my Part 107 license?
Create an IACRA profile for your FAA Tracking Number, pass the knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center, complete Form 8710-13 in IACRA, and print your temporary certificate after the TSA check.
Where do I take the Part 107 test?
At an FAA-approved knowledge testing center. Use the official PSI locator or the map button in the Drone License Finder to see centers near your ZIP code.
How old do you have to be to get a drone license?
You must be at least 16 to get a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. TRUST has no minimum age.
Does a drone license expire?
The TRUST certificate does not expire. Part 107 pilots must complete free online recurrent training every 24 calendar months to stay current.
Is the drone license different in each state?
No. U.S. drone licenses are issued by the FAA and are the same in every state. States and cities can still have rules about where you can take off and land.
Where can I legally fly my drone?
Club flying fields, FAA-Recognized Identification Areas and open areas away from people, roads and airports are the safest options. Check the airspace with a B4UFLY app and follow the property owner's rules.
Can I fly a drone in a national park?
Generally no. Launching, landing or operating drones from National Park Service land is prohibited unless a park specifically allows it.
Do I need to register my drone?
Recreational drones over 250 g must be registered, and every drone flown under Part 107 must be registered regardless of weight.
