It depends on why you fly, not how. If you fly only for fun, you're a recreational flyer: pass the free TRUST test, register drones of 250 g or more, and follow the recreational safety rules. If the flight helps a business or job in any way (paid photos, real estate, roof checks, monetized content, work for your employer), you need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, and every drone you fly that way must be registered, even a 249 g Mini. There's no separate "personal use license" in the US; for personal use, TRUST is the credential.
Side by side
| Recreational flyer | Part 107 remote pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Purely recreational | Commercial, work, or any non-recreational purpose |
| Pilot credential | TRUST certificate, carry proof | Remote Pilot Certificate, carry it |
| How to get it | Free online test, no minimum age | FAA knowledge test at an approved center, age 16+, about $175 |
| Keeping it current | Doesn't expire | Free online recurrent training every 24 months |
| Drone registration | Required at 250 g or more, $5 for 3 years | Required for every drone, $5 for 3 years |
| Remote ID | Required on registered drones | Required on registered drones |
| Max altitude | 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace | 400 ft AGL, or within 400 ft of a structure |
| Controlled airspace | LAANC or DroneZone authorization | LAANC or DroneZone authorization |
| Night flying | Allowed if lights show the drone's position and orientation | Allowed with current training and lights visible 3 statute miles |
| Over people | Not over people or moving vehicles | Under four operations-over-people categories |
| Waivers | Not available | Available for some rules |
| Other rules | Follow a community-based organization's safety guidelines | Max 100 mph, yield to manned aircraft |
Both require visual line of sight. A visual observer is needed when you fly in FPV goggles.
How the FAA decides
The FAA looks at the purpose of the flight. Flights for fun are recreational. If you're flying to support a business, sell photos, inspect property for a client, or as part of your job, it's Part 107, whether or not you're paid for that specific flight. If you're unsure, follow Part 107. The FAA's pages for recreational flyers and commercial operators explain each path.
Getting each credential
Recreational: take the TRUST test online from an FAA-approved provider, save the certificate, and register any drone of 250 g or more.
Part 107: study, schedule the knowledge test at an approved center, pass, then apply for your certificate in IACRA. Register your drone at FAADroneZone and mark the number on it. Details in Part 107 and how much Part 107 costs.
Which drones work for each?
Any of them. Weight only changes registration for recreational pilots: a sub-250 g drone like the Mini 4 Pro needs no registration for fun flying, but must be registered for commercial work. Every DJI drone we sell at 250 g or more has Standard Remote ID built in. See Remote ID explained.
Common mix-ups
- "I'll post it on YouTube." If the flight supports a business or monetized channel, the safest reading is Part 107. Purely personal sharing is recreational.
- "It's under 250 g, so no rules." Recreational flyers still need TRUST and must follow all safety rules. Commercial pilots must still register it.
- "I have Part 107, so I can fly anywhere." You still need airspace authorization and must avoid no-fly zones.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Ready to go pro? Start with our Part 107 study guide, or use the drone finder to pick a drone for your work.
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