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Licence guide · United States

How to fly drones for money in the US.

In the US you need an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107, a drone registered for Part 107 with Remote ID, and airspace authorization where needed. The FAA does not require insurance, but most customers do. This guide explains each step in order.

Last checked September 2026. Rules change, so always check with the FAA before you fly.

Step by step

From drone owner to paid pilot.

Part 107 covers all standard paid drone work. You do not need a separate operator certificate.

  1. 1

    Get an FAA Tracking Number

    Create a profile in IACRA, the FAA's online system. You get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), which you need to book the test.

    Who:
    FAA (IACRA)
    Cost:
    Free
    • You must be 16 or older
    • You must read, speak, write and understand English
    • There is no medical exam, but you must be fit to fly
  2. 2

    Pass the knowledge test

    Study with a school or on your own, then pass the Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing centre.

    Who:
    FAA-approved testing centre
    Cost:
    Set by the testing centre
    • Book the test with your FTN
    • Take photo ID to the test
    • Already a licensed pilot with a current flight review? Take the free online course ALC-451 instead
  3. 3

    Apply for your certificate

    Send FAA Form 8710-13 in IACRA. The TSA does a security check. Then you get a temporary certificate, and the card arrives by mail.

    Who:
    FAA and TSA
    • You need the exam ID from your test report
    • You can fly with the temporary certificate
  4. 4

    Register each drone for Part 107

    Register every drone you fly for work on FAA DroneZone, including drones under 250 g.

    Who:
    FAA DroneZone
    Cost:
    $5 per drone
    Valid:
    3 years
    • Mark the registration number on the outside of the drone
    • Carry the registration certificate when you fly
    • A recreational registration does not cover paid work
  5. 5

    Make sure it has Remote ID

    Every registered drone must broadcast Remote ID. Use a drone with Standard Remote ID, add a broadcast module, or fly only in an FAA-recognised identification area (FRIA).

    Who:
    FAA
    Since:
    September 2023
    • Add the Remote ID serial number to your registration
    • With a broadcast module, the drone must stay in your sight
  6. 6

    Get insured

    The FAA does not require insurance, but most customers do. The insurance section below explains what to ask for.

    Who:
    A drone insurer
    • It must cover commercial flights
    • Keep the certificate with your documents
  7. 7

    Join Kiteshot

    Apply as a pilot. A person checks your documents within 5 working days. Then you fly a paid test job and start getting job offers.

    Time:
    Document check in 5 working days
    • Apply with your Part 107 certificate number. We check the rest with you
    • Our editors do the editing, maps and reports for every job
    • We remind you before your documents expire

Insurance

What insurance you need.

Insurance protects you and your customer if something goes wrong. Most paid jobs need it, even though the FAA does not.

The law

Part 107 does not require insurance. Customers commonly ask for $1 million of liability cover, and some ask for $2 million.

  • Third-party liability

    Pays for injury to people and damage to property caused by your flight. This is the most important cover.

  • Cover for paid work

    Check that the policy covers commercial flights. Many hobby and home policies do not.

  • Cover for your drone

    Pays for damage to your drone or its loss. It is not required by law, but a crash can be expensive.

  • Local rules

    Some states, cities, parks and venues have their own rules. Check before the job.

When you fly

The main rules for every flight.

These are the main limits in Part 107. A waiver from the FAA can allow more.

  • Height

    No higher than 400 ft above the ground. Close to a tall structure, you can fly up to 400 ft above its top.

  • Line of sight

    Keep the drone in sight with your own eyes. Glasses are fine. Binoculars are not.

  • Airports

    Near most airports (Class B, C, D and surface Class E airspace) you need authorization first. Use LAANC for a fast answer, or apply on DroneZone.

  • Temporary restrictions

    Check for temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) before every flight, for example around events.

  • Night

    Night flights are allowed with anti-collision lights you can see from 3 miles, and the updated test or training.

  • Over people

    Only within one of the FAA's four categories. Check which category your drone meets before you fly over anyone.

  • Weather and speed

    At least 3 miles of visibility, 500 ft below and 2,000 ft away from clouds, and no faster than 100 mph.

  • Accidents

    Report any serious injury, or damage over $500, to the FAA within 10 days.

Keep it valid

Renewals and records.

  • Your Remote Pilot Certificate does not expire.
  • Complete the free online recurrent training (ALC-677) every 24 calendar months.
  • Renew each drone's registration every 3 years.
  • Carry your certificate and photo ID when you fly.
  • Part 107 does not require a logbook, but a flight log helps with insurance and customer questions.

Kiteshot tracks the expiry dates on your documents and reminds you before anything expires.

Common mistakes

Things new pilots often get wrong.

  • Thinking drones under 250 g need no registration

    That only applies to recreational flying. For paid work, every drone must be registered.

  • Using the TRUST certificate for paid work

    TRUST is for recreational flyers only. Paid work needs Part 107.

  • Thinking the certificate expires every 2 years

    The certificate does not expire. Only the recurrent training is due every 24 calendar months.

  • Thinking night flights always need a waiver

    Since April 2021, night flights and flights over people are allowed if you meet the rules.

How Kiteshot helps

We help with the licence. Then we find you the work.

  • Help getting ready for Part 107
  • Partner training schools, being set up for the US
  • First job offers when your city opens
  • Our editors do all the editing, maps and reports
  • Reminders before your training and registrations expire
Check my drone Already licensed? Apply as a pilot

Questions

Questions about licences.

Something else? Email [email protected].

Official sources

This guide is general information, not legal advice. The FAA rules and your partner school have the final word.

United States
How long does it take?
It depends on how fast you study. After you pass the test, you apply in IACRA and wait for the security check and your temporary certificate.
What does it cost?
The testing centre charges a fee for the knowledge test. Registration costs $5 per drone for 3 years. The recurrent training is free.
Can I fly beyond visual line of sight?
Only with an FAA waiver. The FAA has proposed a new rule for these flights (Part 108), but it is not in force yet.
Can I still buy a foreign-made drone?
The rules for new foreign-made drone models changed in December 2025. Drones you already own can still be flown. Check the latest FCC rules before you buy a new model.