TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) is the FAA's free online safety test, and every recreational drone pilot in the US must pass it before flying, at any drone weight. You take it through an FAA-approved test administrator, get a completion certificate at the end, and carry that certificate whenever you fly for fun. You can't fail: wrong answers are explained and corrected before the certificate is issued.
Who needs TRUST
- Anyone flying for fun, including a 249 g Mini or a 135 g Neo. Weight doesn't matter.
- Not Part 107 pilots on commercial flights. They hold a Remote Pilot Certificate instead. If you also fly for fun, a Part 107 certificate can cover recreational flights too, as long as you follow the Part 107 rules.
- Kids and teens can take it. The FAA doesn't set a minimum age for TRUST, though you must be 13 to register a drone.
Not sure if you count as recreational? Flying for your own enjoyment is recreational. Flying for a business, a client or pay is Part 107. See Part 107 vs recreational.
How to take it
- Pick a test administrator. The FAA lists 16 approved providers, including the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Pilot Institute, UAV Coach and the Boy Scouts of America. All offer it free.
- Work through the lessons and questions online. It covers the basics in plain language.
- Correct any wrong answers. Every question is correctable to 100% before you finish.
- Download your certificate right away. Save it as a PDF and print a copy.
Test administrators don't keep a record of your certificate. If you lose it, you have to take the test again.
What TRUST covers
- The rules for recreational flyers, including staying at or below 400 ft in uncontrolled airspace
- Airspace classes, and getting authorization before flying in controlled airspace
- Keeping the drone within visual line of sight
- Giving way to manned aircraft
- Flying near people, stadiums and emergency scenes
- Where to check for restrictions, such as B4UFLY
After TRUST: the rest of the checklist
| Step | Needed when |
|---|---|
| Carry your TRUST certificate | Every recreational flight |
| Register the drone ($5, 3 years) | Drone weighs 250 g or more |
| Mark the registration number on the drone | Whenever it's registered |
| Remote ID | Every drone that must be registered. See Remote ID explained |
| Airspace authorization | Before flying in controlled airspace. See LAANC explained |
Recreational pilots also need to follow the safety guidelines of a community-based organization, such as the AMA's.
Showing your certificate
You must present it if the FAA or a law enforcement officer asks. A photo or PDF on your phone works, but a paper copy in your drone bag is a good backup when your phone is dead.
Common mistakes
- Not saving the certificate. Closing the browser before downloading means retaking the test.
- Thinking TRUST covers paid work. It doesn't. Selling a single photo makes it a Part 107 flight.
- Confusing TRUST with registration. TRUST is for the pilot. Registration is for the drone.
- Using a paid "TRUST" site. All approved administrators offer it free. If someone charges, pick another provider.
Quick answers
Does the TRUST certificate expire? No. Keep it safe.
Do I need TRUST for a drone under 250 g? Yes. It applies to every recreational pilot, whatever the drone weighs.
Can my child fly my drone under my certificate? Each pilot needs their own TRUST certificate. Young kids should fly with an adult supervising.
Can I take it on my phone? Yes, it's online with any approved provider.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. The FAA's TRUST page lists the current test administrators.
New to drones? A sub-250 g drone like the DJI Mini 4 Pro means TRUST is the only FAA step you need for recreational flying. Then read how to fly a drone.
Related guides
- Drone insurance for flying in Europe (what US pilots need)
- Recreational drone rules: what hobby pilots must follow
- Remote ID explained: what drone pilots need to know
- Do I need a license to fly a drone?
- Drone laws by country: a quick guide for traveling pilots
- Can you fly a drone in a national park?
Not sure which to pick?
Tell us what you'll fly and your budget. One of our drone pilots will reply with a recommendation.
Buying drones for a business, agency or store? Get wholesale pricing →
