There's no minimum age to fly a drone for fun in the US. A child of any age can take the free TRUST test and fly a recreational drone, but anyone under 13 needs a person 13 or older to register a drone that requires registration. To fly commercially under Part 107, you must be at least 16.
The age rules
- Recreational flying: no FAA minimum age. Every recreational pilot must pass TRUST, which is free and online. See our TRUST guide.
- Registration: the person registering a drone must be at least 13. If a child under 13 owns a drone that needs registration (250 g or more for recreational use), a parent or another person 13 or older registers it. See FAA registration.
- Part 107 (commercial): you must be at least 16 to take the knowledge test and hold a Remote Pilot Certificate. See Part 107.
Kids and sub-250 g drones
Drones under 250 g don't need FAA registration for recreational flying, which keeps things simple for families. The child still takes TRUST, and an adult should supervise. Good first drones:
- DJI Neo: 135 g, takes off from your palm, with prop guards built in. Good for younger kids with an adult flying alongside.
- DJI Mini 2 SE: 249 g, easy GPS hovering, Return to Home, and simple controls for older kids and teens.
More picks are on best drone for kids.
What parents should know
- TRUST is written for all ages. It's free, online, and you can't fail; wrong answers are explained.
- The rules are the same for kids. 400 ft limit, visual line of sight, no flying over people or moving cars, and LAANC near airports.
- Supervise flights until your child can handle a lost signal or a low-battery return calmly.
- Commercial use includes selling footage. A teen under 16 can't legally fly for paid work, even with a parent's permission.
Does DJI set an age limit?
DJI's apps and accounts have their own terms, which may require a parent or guardian to set up the account for younger users. Check the terms in the DJI Fly app when you activate the drone.
Questions people search
How old do you have to be for a drone license? 16 for the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. There's no license for recreational flying, just TRUST.
How old for a DJI Mini 3? No FAA age limit for recreational flying. The Mini 3 is 248 g with the standard battery, so recreational pilots don't register it.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Shopping for a young pilot? Try the drone finder or our beginner drones guide.
Related guides
- Can you fly a drone in a public park or other public places?
- Can you fly a drone in your neighborhood or other residential areas?
- Can you fly a drone from a cruise ship?
- 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 over your own house or backyard?
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