Most recreational drones under 55 pounds do not require a license

If you fly a small drone for fun in your backyard or a local park, you almost certainly do not need a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA's rules distinguish between recreational flying and commercial flying, and the requirements are very different.

Recreational flying means you fly for hobby or personal enjoyment and do not receive payment or compensation of any kind. If that describes what you do, you can fly without a license as long as your drone weighs less than 55 pounds and you follow the recreational rules. Those rules include keeping your drone in sight at all times, staying below 400 feet, and not flying near airports or over people.

The moment you accept money—whether you are paid directly to fly, or you use drone footage in a video you sell, or you fly for a business even if you do not charge—you move into commercial territory. That is when you need a license.

Key Takeaways

  • Recreational drone flying under 55 pounds requires no license, but you must follow FAA rules about altitude, line of sight, and where you can fly.
  • Any commercial use—including flying for a business, selling footage, or accepting payment—requires an FAA Part 107 license, which involves passing a written test.
  • The Part 107 test covers airspace rules, weather, emergency procedures, and drone operation; you study from FAA materials and take the exam at an approved testing center.
  • Even with a license, you cannot fly over people, near airports, or in restricted airspace without additional permission from the FAA.
  • State and local laws may add their own rules about where drones can fly, so check with your city or county before you start.

What counts as commercial drone use

Commercial use is broader than you might think. It is not just professional videography or photography. If you fly a drone for any business purpose—even if you do not charge for the flight itself—you need a license. That includes flying to inspect your own roof, film real estate listings for your own property, or scout land for a construction project you own.

The FAA considers it commercial if you receive any form of compensation or benefit. That means a real estate agent filming a listing, a farmer surveying a field, an insurance adjuster inspecting storm damage, or a YouTuber monetizing drone footage all need licenses. Even flying a drone as part of your job duties—such as a construction supervisor using a drone to monitor a site—counts as commercial.

The only exception is if you are flying purely for fun and no money or benefit changes hands. Once money or business value enters the picture, you cross the line.

How to get your Part 107 commercial license

The FAA issues commercial drone licenses under a rule called Part 107. To get one, you must pass a written test called the Part 107 exam. You do not need flight hours or in-person training—you can study on your own and take the test whenever you are ready.

The test covers airspace rules, weather, emergency procedures, drone mechanics, and regulations. You study using materials from the FAA's website, including the Part 107 study guide and practice tests. Most people spend 10 to 20 hours studying before taking the exam. You take the test at an FAA-approved testing center, which you can find through the FAA's website. The test costs between $150 and $175, depending on the testing center.

You must be at least 16 years old, have a valid government ID, and be able to read and speak English. Once you pass, you receive a Part 107 certificate that lasts for two years. After two years, you renew by passing the test again.

What you can and cannot do with a Part 107 license

A Part 107 license lets you fly commercially, but it does not remove all restrictions. You still cannot fly over people, fly at night without special permission, fly faster than 100 miles per hour, or fly higher than 400 feet above the ground. You cannot fly your drone beyond your line of sight, and you cannot fly near airports without clearance from air traffic control.

You also cannot fly in restricted airspace—areas around military bases, national parks, and certain government facilities—without permission from the FAA. To check whether your location is restricted, use the FAA's B4UFLY app or the airspace map on the FAA website.

If you want to do something the Part 107 rules do not allow—such as flying at night, flying over people, or flying beyond line of sight—you can request a waiver from the FAA. The FAA reviews waiver requests on a case-by-case basis and may grant them if you can show you have a safety plan.

State and local drone laws you need to know

The FAA sets federal rules, but your state and city may have their own laws. Some states require drone registration even for recreational flying. Some cities ban drones in parks or over certain neighborhoods. A few states require a state-level license on top of the FAA Part 107 certificate.

Before you fly, check your city or county website for local drone ordinances. Call your local parks department if you plan to fly in a park. If you are flying on someone else's property, get written permission from the owner. These local rules vary widely, and ignoring them can result in fines.

Registering your drone with the FAA

If your drone weighs more than 0.55 ounces (about 16 grams), you must register it with the FAA before you fly, whether you are flying recreationally or commercially. Registration is free and takes five minutes on the FAA's website. You receive a registration number that you must mark on your drone.

Registration lasts for three years. If you own multiple drones, you register each one separately. If you lose or sell your drone, you can deregister it on the FAA website.

When to call a lawyer or the FAA

If you are unsure whether your specific use counts as commercial, contact the FAA directly through their website or call your local Flight Service Station. They can answer questions about your situation without charging you.

If you have already flown commercially without a license and are worried about enforcement, consult a lawyer who handles aviation law. The FAA can issue fines for unlicensed commercial flying, but a lawyer can advise you on your specific circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fly a drone in my backyard?

No, as long as you are flying recreationally—for fun, not for any business or payment—and your drone weighs less than 55 pounds. You still must follow FAA rules: keep it in sight, stay below 400 feet, and do not fly near airports. You do need to register your drone with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 ounces.

Can I sell drone footage without a license?

No. The moment you sell footage or receive payment for flying, you are operating commercially and need a Part 107 license. This applies even if you only sell footage occasionally or use it in a monetized video.

How long does it take to get a Part 107 license?

You can take the test as soon as you are ready. Most people study for 10 to 20 hours before passing. Once you pass, you receive your certificate when ready. The whole process can take a few weeks if you study part-time, or a few days if you study intensively.

What happens if I fly commercially without a license?

The FAA can issue civil fines up to $27,500 for operating a commercial drone without a Part 107 license. The FAA investigates complaints and can also pursue criminal charges in serious cases, though that is rare for first-time violations.

Do I need a license to fly a drone for my own business?

Yes. If you use a drone for any business purpose—inspecting your own property, surveying land you own, or monitoring a job site—you need a Part 107 license, even if you do not charge anyone for the flight.