Register the drone online with Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) through its DIPS 2.0 portal before you fly. Every drone of 100 g or more must be registered, show its registration ID on the outside, and broadcast Remote ID, including drones that tourists bring in. Online registration with passport verification costs 1,450 yen per drone, and the ID usually takes one to two weeks to arrive, so start before your trip.
Who has to register
MLIT says all drones and model aircraft weighing 100 g or more that fly outdoors must be registered under the Civil Aeronautics Act. Its FAQ answers the tourist question directly: if you live overseas and bring a drone into Japan temporarily, you must still register it and have a Remote ID function. A drone registered in another country, including with the FAA, must also be registered in Japan.
Every DJI drone we sell is over 100 g, including the 249 g DJI Mini 5 Pro and Mini 4 Pro. Indoor-only flights don't need registration.
How to register
- Create an account on DIPS 2.0, MLIT's drone portal. It works from outside Japan and has an English interface.
- Verify your identity. Online verification can use your passport. MLIT also asks for a document showing your address; its FAQ lists examples such as a certificate of residence, health insurance card or international driving permit. Check what it accepts for non-residents before you start.
- Enter drone details: maker, model, serial number, weight and your contact information.
- Pay the fee by credit card or another listed method.
- Receive your registration ID and write it into the drone's Remote ID settings if needed.
- Display the ID on the outside of the drone so it's clearly visible.
Fees and timing
| Application | Fee per drone |
|---|---|
| Online, with Japan's Individual Number Card or gBizID | 900 yen |
| Online, other identity verification (including passport) | 1,450 yen (1,050 yen for each extra drone in the same application) |
| Paper application | 2,400 yen |
MLIT says you'll get a payment notice within one to five working days after applying, and the registration ID within one to five working days after paying. Registration is valid for three years.
Remote ID
Japan requires a Remote ID function that meets its own technical specifications, built in or as an external module. MLIT's FAQ says even drones bought overseas must comply with Japan's specs, and that its website lists compatible products. US-version DJI drones broadcast FAA Standard Remote ID. Before you go, confirm with MLIT's help desk whether your model's built-in broadcast is accepted or whether you need an approved external module.
Penalties
Flying an unregistered drone can bring a fine of up to 500,000 yen or up to one year in prison under the Civil Aeronautics Act. Flying without the Remote ID function counts as a violation of the duty to display registration, and the owner can be penalized.
Registration isn't permission to fly anywhere
You still need MLIT approval to fly above 150 m, near airports, over Densely Inhabited Districts, at night, beyond line of sight, or within 30 m of people and property. Parks, temples and many city areas ban drones in their own rules. The full rule set is on drone laws in Japan.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. MLIT's drone registration portal has the current process and fees.
Packing for the flight there? See traveling with a drone and drone batteries on a plane.
Related guides
- Drone laws in Japan: flying there as a US tourist
- Flying a drone in Europe as a US tourist: EU rules and operator registration
- Drone laws in Argentina: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Aruba: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Australia: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Austria: flying there as a US tourist
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