Sign in

Drone rules · United Kingdom

United Kingdom

In the UK you need two IDs: a Flyer ID (free online theory test) to fly a drone of 250 g or more, and an Operator ID (annual fee, 18 and over) if the drone is 250 g or more or has a camera. Fly at or below 120 m (400 ft), keep the drone in sight, stay out of flight restriction zones around airports, and keep your distance from uninvolved people according to the Open category subcategory.

Key points

Operator ID
Required if the drone is 250 g or more, or has a camera (toys excepted). Annual fee, age 18+. Label the ID on every drone you are responsible for
Flyer ID
Required to fly a drone of 250 g or more. Free 40-question online test, valid five years
Altitude
120 m (400 ft) above the surface
Open category
A1 (fly over people with the lightest drones), A2 (close to people with an A2 CofC), A3 (far from people: 150 m from residential, commercial and industrial areas)
Airports
Flight restriction zones around protected aerodromes need permission from the aerodrome
Remote ID
Not yet mandatory in the UK as of the last check; the CAA has consulted on it
Visitors
The same Operator ID and Flyer ID apply to visitors

Before you fly

  1. 1Register for an Operator ID and pass the Flyer ID test on the CAA service
  2. 2Label the Operator ID on the drone
  3. 3Check the subcategory (A1, A2, A3) your drone and flight fall into
  4. 4Check for flight restriction zones and local by-laws at the site
  5. 5Fly under 120 m, in sight, away from uninvolved people

Sources

Authority：Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ↗

This is an overview, not the regulation. Rules change; confirm with the CAA before you fly.Last checked: 2026-09-26

Other countries