Getting a drone license in 2026 depends on where and how you fly. In the United States, the FAA oversees most airspace. Commercial pilots need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. In Canada, Transport Canada issues a Pilot Certificate for Basic or Advanced Operations. Both countries have changed small drone rules in recent years. Drone laws USA covers U.S. specifics. Drone laws Canada covers Canadian rules. You must understand local requirements before you book an exam. Do not assume a small drone is exempt from every rule.
Recreational flyers still have a different path. The FAA TRUST test is free and quick. Canadian recreational pilots follow similar weight based and airspace based rules. If you fly for money, even a real estate photo shoot, you need a commercial certificate. That includes selling photos from a drone under 250 grams. This guide walks through both systems step by step. Use it to avoid costly mistakes and fly legally. You will learn the exact tests, fees, and renewal steps for both countries.
What You’ll Need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Drone serial number and proof of purchase
- FAA Tracking Number for U.S. applicants
- Transport Canada user account
- Payment card for exam fees
How Do You Get a Drone License in 2026?
- Determine whether you need a license or just registration
Your first decision is about operation type and aircraft weight. In the U.S., recreational pilots flying a drone under 250 grams do not need to register the drone. But any commercial use requires Part 107, even for a 249 gram DJI Mini 5 Pro. In Canada, drones under 250 grams are exempt from registration and pilot certificate when flown recreationally. Commercial flights still follow Transport Canada rules based on operation type.
You can use the official decision tools to confirm. Transport Canada publishes a simplified decision flow at Transport Canada drone safety. The FAA offers its own airspace and registration lookup. If you are new to lift off, start with how to fly a drone beginners to understand your aircraft controls first. This step matters because taking the wrong path leads to fines or test retakes. Once you know your category, set aside time for study and paperwork.
- Meet the basic eligibility requirements before you study
Both countries set age and language rules. For FAA Part 107, you must be at least 16 years old. You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English. Transport Canada requires age 14 for Basic Operations and age 16 for Advanced Operations. You must also be able to show government issued identification.
Physical fitness works a bit differently. The FAA does not require a separate medical exam. You must self certify that you are mentally and physically safe to fly. Transport Canada applies a similar self declaration for Basic Operations. But Advanced Operations near people may require a flight review and a recommend from a training provider. If you are a first time pilot, one option is to practice on a simple drone before testing. Our list of best drones for beginners includes stable models for building skills. Confirm your eligibility now to avoid discovering a barrier after you have paid for study materials.
- Study the FAA Part 107 or Transport Canada exam content
The exam content is not a simple drone trivia quiz. FAA Part 107 covers airspace classification, weather, loading, emergency procedures, maintenance logs, and radio communication. You need to read sectional charts and interpret METARs. Transport Canada Basic Operations tests similar topics plus rules for controlled airspace. The Advanced Operations exam adds flight planning near people and authorization requirements.
Use current study guides and practice tests. Pay attention to your aircraft performance data. For example, a DJI Mini 5 Pro advertises up to 45 minutes of flight time, but real flights average 30 to 35 minutes. Battery voltage matters too. The intelligent flight battery stores energy at 7.2 volts. Check our dji mini 5 pro review to understand real world performance before relying on marketing numbers. These details show up indirectly on exams when you calculate power margins and flight time. Study for at least 10 to 15 hours if you are new to aviation. Recurrent pilots can refresh faster.
- Register your drone before you test
Registration is a separate step from your pilot certificate. In the U.S., drone registration costs $5 per aircraft for three years. You register through the FAA DroneZone portal. Canadian drone registration costs $5 per aircraft through Transport Canada. You must label your drone with its registration number before outdoor flights. If you plan to use a third party label mount, some options appear in our best drone accessories roundup.
Remote ID is mandatory for most U.S. drones in 2026. Many new consumer drones have built in Remote ID. Older models may need a broadcast module. Canada does not require FAA Remote ID, but you must follow Canadian airspace and registration rules. Keep proof of registration with you when you fly. Do not confuse aircraft registration with pilot certification. Both documents are checked differently. Missing registration can bring fines even if you hold a valid certificate.
- Pass the FAA Part 107 knowledge test or Transport Canada online exam
Time to book the test. In the U.S., the FAA Part 107 exam costs $175 per attempt. You take it at an approved PSI testing center. The test has 60 multiple choice questions. You need 70 percent or higher to pass. You have two hours to complete it. Schedule early because slots fill fast in spring and summer. The FAA page at FAA drone information lists current test centers and rules.
In Canada, the Basic Operations exam is an online test through Transport Canada. The fee is $10 per attempt. The exam is timed and requires a pass mark of 65 percent for Small Basic. The Advanced exam may require an in person flight review after the online test. If you plan to use your license for real estate work, consider reading best drones for real estate to match the right aircraft to your job. After you pass, keep the test result as proof for the next step.
- Complete the FAA application or Transport Canada certificate process
Passing the test is not the final license. In the U.S., you must complete an IACRA application online. The TSA background check follows. Once approved, you get a temporary Remote Pilot Certificate by email. The permanent card arrives by mail in about 6 to 8 weeks. Do not fly commercial jobs with just a test result. You must wait for the temporary certificate email.
In Canada, your Pilot Certificate appears in your Transport Canada portal after you pass the online exam. For Advanced Operations, you must also complete an in person flight review with a recognized training provider. You may fly Basic Operations with only the Basic certificate. If you are still deciding which drone to buy for compliant commercial work, our best dji drones compared page breaks down Remote ID and camera options. Keep both your certificate and your registration accessible. They are part of your flight documents.
- Maintain your certificate and follow airspace rules
Your work does not end after you receive the card. FAA Part 107 certificates require recurrent training every 24 calendar months. The online course covers current rules and operational changes. Transport Canada standards do not set a fixed expiry on the pilot certificate. But you must keep your drone registered and follow any new regulatory updates.
Always check NOTAMs and controlled airspace before takeoff. A valid license does not override a Temporary Flight Restriction. You may need additional authorization for flights near airports. If you upgrade your drone, verify that it meets Remote ID and weight standards. Some owners choose alternatives outside the usual brand. Check best dji alternatives 2026 if you want other compliant models. Log your flights, battery charges, and maintenance. Good records help if regulators or insurers ask questions after an incident.
Red Flags & Warnings
- 🚨 Never use the free FAA TRUST certificate for commercial jobs. It covers recreational flying only and will not satisfy Part 107.
- 🚨 A drone under 250 grams can still trigger licensing rules if you get paid. Check the operation type before you skip the test.
- 🚨 Do not fly a U.S. registered drone in Canada on an FAA certificate. Transport Canada requires its own Canadian Pilot Certificate.
- 🚨 Check battery voltage before each flight. A swollen or over-discharged LiPo pack can catch fire during storage or charging.
- 🚨 Keep a copy of your certificate and registration on you. Some law enforcement agencies ask for both during spot checks.
- 🚨 Watch for local airspace restrictions. A valid license does not let you fly in restricted zones without extra authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a drone license to fly a DJI Mini 5 Pro for fun?
No, not if the drone weighs under 250 grams and you fly recreationally. In the U.S. you still must pass the free TRUST recreational test. In Canada, micro drones under 250 grams do not require a pilot certificate. But commercial use of the same drone requires a license.
How much does a drone license cost in 2026?
The FAA Part 107 knowledge test costs $175 per attempt. U.S. drone registration costs $5 per aircraft for three years. The Transport Canada online exam costs $10 per attempt, with drone registration at $5 per aircraft.
How long does it take to get a drone license?
After you pass the FAA exam, the TSA background check can take a few days. You get a temporary certificate by email once approved. The permanent card arrives in 6 to 8 weeks. In Canada, the online certificate appears quickly after you pass.
Does a U.S. Part 107 certificate work in Canada?
No. The FAA certificate is only valid in U.S. airspace. To fly legally in Canada, you need a Transport Canada issued Pilot Certificate. You must register your drone in Canada and follow Canadian rules.
What score do I need to pass the FAA Part 107 test?
You need 70 percent or higher. The test has 60 multiple choice questions. You have two hours to finish. The Canadian Basic Operations exam has a 65 percent pass mark.
Can I fly at night with a Part 107 certificate?
Yes, if your initial test or recurrent training covered night operations. Your drone must have anti collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles. Canada has similar requirements for night flying with anti collision lights.
What Should You Remember?
- Commercial operation: Any paid flight requires a license, even for drones under 250 grams.
- Two systems: FAA Part 107 covers U.S. flights, while Transport Canada issues Canadian certificates.
- Registration first: Register your drone for $5 in either country and label it before outdoor flights.
- Study topics: Airspace, weather, loading, maintenance logs, and flight performance all appear on exams.
- Exam costs: The FAA test is $175, and the Transport Canada online test is $10 per attempt.
- Renewal rules: FAA certificates need recurrent training every 24 months, but Canadian certificates do not expire.
- Airspace checks: A legal license does not override TFRs or controlled airspace restrictions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice.
