Quick Verdict: In the United States, recreational drone flyers do not need a traditional license — but they do need to pass the free TRUST safety test. Commercial flyers (anyone who receives compensation or flies for business purposes) need the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, which requires passing a $175 knowledge test at a testing center. This guide explains exactly who needs what, and how to get certified. For a broader overview of US drone law, see Drone Laws & Registration in the US. For drone recommendations, see the Best Drones guide.
Quick Summary: License Requirements by Use Type
| How You Fly | What You Need | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Recreational hobby flying | FAA TRUST test completion | Free |
| Drone over 250g (recreational) | TRUST + FAA registration | Free + $5 |
| Commercial / paid work | FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate | $175 (test fee) |
| Government public safety | COA (Certificate of Waiver or Authorization) or Part 107 | Varies |
Recreational Flying: TRUST Test (Not a License)
For purely recreational drone flying in the United States, there is no pilot license required. However, the FAA does require all recreational operators to complete the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
What is TRUST?
TRUST is a free, online safety knowledge test administered through FAA-approved organizations. It is designed to ensure recreational pilots understand basic airspace rules, safety requirements, and the limitations on where and how they can fly. It is not a scored exam with a minimum passing grade in the traditional sense — the test is educational and everyone who completes it receives a certificate.
TRUST Requirements
- Who must take it: All recreational drone pilots in the US, regardless of drone weight.
- Cost: Free.
- Where to take it: Through any FAA-approved TRUST administrator. The FAA website lists approved providers, including the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), AUVSI, and others.
- Proof requirement: You must carry your TRUST completion certificate — printed or digitally accessible — when flying recreationally. You can be asked to show it.
- Expiration: TRUST certificates do not expire.
Commercial Flying: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
If you fly a drone for any business purpose — receiving payment for footage, conducting real estate photography, inspection work, agricultural use, or any other commercial activity — you are required by US law to hold the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
The “commercial” line is broad. It is not only about direct payment. If a business benefits from the drone footage, or if you fly to promote a business or service, it is considered commercial use. Flying for a YouTube channel with monetization is a gray area that many legal interpretations treat as commercial.
Part 107 Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
- Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a small UAS (self-certified).
- Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test.
- Pass TSA security vetting (handled automatically through the application process).
The Part 107 Knowledge Test: What to Expect
| Detail | Specifics |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 60 multiple-choice |
| Time limit | 2 hours |
| Passing score | 70% (42 of 60 correct) |
| Cost per attempt | $175 |
| Testing location | FAA-approved testing centers (PSI Exams, Pearson VUE) |
| What it covers | Airspace classification, weather, drone performance, loading, regulations, charts, radio communication, physiological factors |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Part 107 Certified
- Study: Use the FAA’s free study guide (FAA-G-8082-22) or third-party courses. The test covers aeronautical charts, airspace classification, weather, sectional chart reading, loading and performance, and Part 107 regulations. Most people study 10–30 hours.
- Create an IACRA account: IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) is the FAA’s online certification portal. Create your account at iacra.faa.gov and obtain your FTN (FAA Tracking Number).
- Schedule the test: Find an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center through PSI Exams or Pearson VUE. Schedule in advance — availability varies by location.
- Take the test: Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. You may bring a calculator but not aeronautical charts — they are provided at the testing center.
- Apply for the certificate: After passing, log in to IACRA and complete the application for your Remote Pilot Certificate. Your knowledge test result is automatically linked to your FTN.
- TSA vetting and certificate issuance: TSA security vetting occurs automatically as part of the application. Temporary certificates are typically issued within 10 business days; permanent plastic certificates arrive by mail.
Part 107 Recurrent Training
Part 107 certificates do not expire, but the FAA requires recurrent training every 24 months to maintain currency. As of 2026, this recurrent training is provided free online through FAASafety.gov. Completion is logged to your airman record. Failing to complete recurrent training does not invalidate your certificate, but it does make you not current — which means you cannot legally act as pilot-in-command of a commercial drone operation.
Part 107 Waivers
Part 107 regulations include standard prohibitions — no night flying without lights, no flights over people, no beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. However, the FAA provides a waiver process for operators who demonstrate they can conduct these operations safely. Common waivers include:
- Operations over people: Part 107.39 waiver. Also, Part 107 was updated to allow operations over people and moving vehicles in certain cases (with compliant drones and procedures) without a waiver — check current FAA guidance.
- Night operations: Allowed under Part 107 with proper anti-collision lighting (visible to 3 statute miles).
- Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS): Requires a waiver. The FAA has been expanding BVLOS authorization for commercial applications including delivery and inspection.
Do You Need a License to Fly a Drone in Every State?
The FAA has federal jurisdiction over airspace and drone operations as UAS. States cannot require an additional pilot license for drone flight in federal airspace. However, states and localities can regulate where drones take off and land — effectively restricting flight from state and local property. Some states have additional laws around drone use near critical infrastructure, prisons, and sporting events. None of these constitute a separate pilot license requirement; federal Part 107 or TRUST compliance remains the primary framework.
Non-US Pilots Flying Drones in the US
Foreign nationals can fly drones in the United States, but must comply with FAA rules. For recreational use, they must complete TRUST. For commercial use, they must obtain Part 107 certification — the same process applies. There is no separate international certification route; FAA registration numbers can be obtained by foreign nationals.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I have a manned aircraft pilot’s license, does it replace Part 107?
Holding a manned aircraft pilot certificate (Private, Commercial, ATP) streamlines but does not fully replace the Part 107 process. Manned aircraft pilots can obtain Part 107 through an online training course (rather than the full knowledge test) that covers the differences between manned and unmanned operations. The online recurrent training requirement still applies.
Can I fly commercially with just the TRUST certificate?
No. TRUST is for recreational use only. Any commercial operation — including accepting any form of payment or flying for business benefit — requires the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Flying commercially without Part 107 certification is a federal violation.
How hard is the Part 107 exam?
The pass rate hovers around 70–80% for first-time test takers who study adequately. The most challenging sections for people without aviation backgrounds are airspace classification using sectional charts and weather interpretation. Third-party prep courses (from providers like UAV Coach, Pilot Institute, or Drone Launch Academy) significantly improve pass rates and are commonly used. Budget 15–30 hours of study time.
What happens if I fly commercially without a Part 107 certificate?
Flying commercially without Part 107 certification violates federal law and can result in civil penalties. The FAA has pursued enforcement cases, and penalties can include fines and cease-and-desist orders. The $175 test investment is the correct approach — not a workaround.
Does drone weight affect whether I need Part 107?
For commercial operations, no — all drones operated commercially under 55 lbs require Part 107, regardless of weight. The 250g weight threshold only affects registration requirements for recreational flyers.