It depends on why you fly. If you fly purely for fun, you don't need a pilot license, but you must pass the FAA's free TRUST test and carry the certificate. If the flight is for pay or helps a business in any way, you need an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107, which means passing a knowledge test at an approved testing center.
Flying for fun: the TRUST certificate
TRUST is the Recreational UAS Safety Test. It's free, online and offered by FAA-approved test administrators. You can't fail it: wrong answers are explained and corrected before you get your certificate. It never expires. See how to take the TRUST test.
The recreational checklist:
- Pass TRUST and carry the certificate (printed or on your phone) when you fly.
- Register the drone with the FAA if it weighs 250 g or more ($5, valid 3 years). See FAA registration.
- Fly at or below 400 ft in uncontrolled airspace.
- Get LAANC authorization before flying in controlled airspace near airports.
- Keep the drone in your own sight, and don't fly over people or moving vehicles.
- Follow the safety guidelines of a community-based organization.
Flying for work: Part 107
If the flight is connected to a business, you're a commercial pilot under Part 107. That includes real estate photos, weddings, roof inspections, paid video, work for your employer, and posting content that promotes a business.
How to get it:
- Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an IACRA account.
- Schedule the knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center. The test fee is about $175. You must be at least 16.
- Pass the test. It has 60 multiple-choice questions, a 2-hour limit, and a 70% passing score.
- Apply in IACRA for your Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Register every drone you fly commercially, even a 249 g Mini, and mark the registration number on it.
- Stay current with the free online recurrent training every 24 months.
Our Part 107 guide covers each step.
Recreational vs Part 107 at a glance
| Recreational | Part 107 | |
|---|---|---|
| Credential | TRUST certificate | Remote Pilot Certificate |
| Cost | Free | About $175 test fee |
| Minimum age | None for TRUST | 16 |
| Registration | Drones of 250 g or more | Every drone |
| Renewal | None | Free recurrent training every 24 months |
| Paid work allowed | No | Yes |
Do I need a license for a drone under 250 g?
For recreational flying, you need no pilot license and no registration, but TRUST still applies. For commercial flying, Part 107 and registration apply at any weight. Note that a Plus battery or accessories can push some sub-250 g drones over the limit. See rules for drones under 250 g.
Do I need a license for drone photography or YouTube?
If you sell the photos, use them for a business or fly for a client, yes: Part 107. Photos and videos you take purely for yourself are recreational. Monetized channels and sponsored posts are a gray area, and the safe choice is Part 107.
Does my state require a license?
For recreational pilots, no state adds its own pilot license. A few states add paperwork for commercial drones: Minnesota requires MnDOT registration and usually a commercial operations license, and Washington requires yearly WSDOT registration. States and cities can also restrict where you take off and land. See drone laws by state.
What happens if you fly without one?
Flying a drone that needs registration without registering it can bring FAA civil penalties up to $27,500. Flying for pay without a Part 107 certificate can lead to enforcement and fines. For honest first mistakes, the FAA usually starts with education, but that isn't guaranteed.
Quick answers
Is a drone license the same as a pilot's license? No. The Part 107 certificate is for drones only. Manned-aircraft pilots still need it to fly drones commercially, though a current certificated pilot can skip the knowledge test and take a free online course instead.
How long does Part 107 take? Most people study for a few weeks, then book the test.
Do kids need a license? Kids can take TRUST and fly for fun. You must be 13 to register a drone and 16 for Part 107.
New to flying? A sub-250 g drone like the DJI Mini 4 Pro lets you start with just the free TRUST certificate.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Related guides
- Do you need a license or registration to fly the DJI Mini 4 Pro?
- Do you need a license or registration to fly the DJI Neo?
- Can you fly a drone in a national park?
- Can you fly a drone in a TFR or NOTAM area?
- Can you fly a drone in your neighborhood or other residential areas?
- Do you need a license or registration to fly the DJI Air 3?
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