1.4 Registration and Marking Requirements

1.4 Registration and Marking Requirements

All drones operated under Part 107 must be properly registered with the FAA and marked with the registration number. These requirements come from 14 CFR Part 48 and apply to all small UAS operations.

Who Must Register?

Any small UAS weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds must be registered with the FAA before operation. This applies to:

• All Part 107 commercial operations
• Recreational operations (different registration process)

Weight Threshold: Drones weighing 0.55 pounds or less (such as some small toy drones) do not require registration, though they still must comply with all other Part 107 rules if flown commercially.

Part 107 Registration Process

Part 107 operators register through FAA DroneZone (faadronezone.faa.gov):

1. Each drone must be registered individually (unlike recreational flyers who can register all drones under one number)
2. Registration costs $5 per aircraft (as of 2026)
3. Registration is valid for 3 years
4. The FAA issues a unique registration number (format: FA + numbers)

Marking Requirements

Once registered, you must mark your drone with the registration number:

• The registration number must be visible on the exterior of the aircraft
• It must be legible and maintained in a condition that is legible
• As of February 25, 2019, the registration number must be displayed on the outside (external surface) of the drone — it can no longer be placed in an enclosed compartment

Acceptable marking methods:

• Permanent marker
• Label/sticker
• Engraving
• Paint

Remote ID and Registration Integration

Since March 16, 2024, the registration and Remote ID requirements are closely linked:

• Part 107 operators must register each drone separately in FAA DroneZone
• Each registration receives a unique Remote ID serial number
• The drone must broadcast this Remote ID information during flight
• The Remote ID serial number is different from the older registration number format

Registration Renewal

• Registration must be renewed every 3 years
• Renewal is done through FAA DroneZone
• If you sell or transfer the aircraft, you must update or cancel the registration
• If the aircraft is destroyed, lost, or abandoned, you should cancel the registration

Record-Keeping Requirements

For Part 107 operations, remote pilots should maintain:

• Proof of registration for each aircraft
• Current Remote Pilot Certificate
• Evidence of current recurrent training
• Any applicable waivers or authorizations
• Maintenance logs (recommended but not required by regulation)

For the Exam: Remember that Part 107 drones must be registered individually and the registration number must be on the exterior of the aircraft.