All Regulations
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
FAA Part 107 — Commercial Drone Operations
Part 107 governs commercial (non-recreational) drone operations in the United States. Operators must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the Part 107 knowledge test. Covers requirements for flying drones for business purposes including photography, surveying, inspection, and delivery.
Effective: August 29, 2016
Remote Pilot Certificate Required
All commercial drone operators must hold a valid Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Pass the FAA Part 107 knowledge test (60 questions, 70% passing score)
- Pass TSA background check
- Renew every 24 months via recurrent knowledge test
- Study topics: airspace, weather, loading, emergency procedures, regulations
Operational Limitations
Standard Part 107 operations have specific limitations that can be waived.
- Maximum altitude: 400 feet AGL (or within 400 feet of a structure)
- Maximum speed: 100 mph (87 knots)
- Daylight operations only (civil twilight with anti-collision lighting)
- Visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times
- Cannot fly over people without waiver or compliant drone category
- Cannot fly from a moving vehicle (unless over sparsely populated area)
- Yield right-of-way to manned aircraft
Registration Requirements
All drones used for Part 107 operations must be registered with the FAA.
- Register at faadronezone.faa.gov
- Registration fee: $5 per drone for 3 years
- Unique registration number must be displayed on the drone
- Drones 0.55 lbs (250g) and above require registration
- Registration transfers with the drone if sold
Remote ID Requirements
As of March 2024, drones operating under Part 107 must broadcast Remote ID.
- Standard Remote ID: built into drone, broadcasts identity, location, altitude, velocity
- Remote ID broadcast module: add-on for older drones
- FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Areas): fly without Remote ID in designated areas
- Remote ID is required for BVLOS and operations over people waivers