It's about weight, not size. Under FAA rules, a drone flown just for fun must be registered if it weighs more than 0.55 lb (250 g). Every drone flown under Part 107, for work or any business purpose, must be registered no matter how light. Registration is done online at FAADroneZone, costs $5, and lasts three years.
The weight line: 250 g
The FAA's rule is that all drones must be registered except those that weigh 0.55 pounds or less and are flown under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations. Weight means the drone as it takes off, including the battery and anything attached.
| Drone | Takeoff weight | Register for fun? |
|---|---|---|
| DJI Neo | 135 g | No |
| Mini 4 Pro (standard battery) | Under 249 g | No |
| Mini 5 Pro (standard battery) | Under 250 g | No |
| Mini 4 Pro or Mini 5 Pro with Plus battery | Over 250 g | Yes |
| Air 3S | 724 g | Yes |
Watch the add-ons. A Plus battery, a propeller guard or a third-party light can push a sub-250 g Mini over the line. If it flies over 250 g, it must be registered for that flight. See Mini 4 Pro Battery Plus.
Recreational vs Part 107
Recreational: one $5 registration covers all the drones in your inventory for three years. You get one number and put it on each drone.
Part 107: each drone gets its own registration, $5 per drone, valid for three years. The FAA's exception for light drones doesn't apply, so a 135 g Neo used for paid real estate photos must be registered.
Two more rules:
- A drone registered under the recreational exception can't be flown under Part 107. Register it again under Part 107 if you start using it for work.
- You must be 13 or older to register. If the owner is younger, a person 13 or older registers it. You must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident; visitors register as foreign operators.
What registration comes with
- Mark the drone. The FAA requires your registration number on the drone before you fly. See where to put your registration number.
- Remote ID. The FAA says drones that are required to be registered, or are registered, must comply with Remote ID. Current DJI drones have it built in. See Remote ID explained.
- Carry proof. Have your registration certificate with you, printed or on your phone.
How to register
- Go to the FAA's FAADroneZone and create an account.
- Choose Recreational Flyer or Part 107.
- Enter your details, and for Part 107 the drone's make, model and serial number (with the Remote ID serial number).
- Pay $5 by card.
- Label the drone with your number.
Full steps are in our FAA registration guide.
Under 250 g and flying for fun?
You skip registration, but not the rules. You still need to pass the free TRUST test, stay at or below 400 ft, get authorization in controlled airspace, and keep the drone in sight.
Rules current as of November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Want to skip registration for fun flights? Browse our Mini series drones under 250 g.
Related guides
- Does the DJI Flip have Remote ID? Serial number and FAA registration
- Can you fly a drone over people? FAA rules explained
- Which DJI drones have Remote ID built in?
- Best drone for filming sports and football practice
- Can you fly a drone higher than 400 feet?
- Can you fly a drone in a TFR or NOTAM area?
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