FAA drone rules for beginners
Updated October 2026
The US rules depend on two things: whether you fly for fun or for money, and whether your drone weighs 250 grams or more.
Flying for fun (recreational)
- Pass the free TRUST test and carry the certificate.
- Register your drone with the FAA if it weighs 250 g or more. Registered drones must broadcast Remote ID.
- Fly at or below 400 ft and keep the drone within your visual line of sight.
- Do not fly over people or moving vehicles, and get authorization (for example via LAANC) before flying in controlled airspace.
Flying for money (Part 107)
Selling photos, filming a client's house or posting monetized content counts as commercial use. You need an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107 knowledge test), and every drone you fly must be registered and broadcast Remote ID — regardless of weight.
Why 250 grams matters
Sub-250 g drones skip registration and Remote ID for recreational pilots, which is why most beginner drones are built to that limit. See the best drones under 250 g.
Official resources
Rules change — always check the FAA website before you fly. This page is not legal advice.
FAQ
Do I need to register a drone under 250 grams?
Not if you fly it only for fun under the recreational rules. If you fly for any commercial purpose, you must register it under Part 107 regardless of weight.
What is the TRUST certificate?
TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) is a free online test every recreational drone pilot in the US must pass. You get a certificate you must be able to show if asked.
How high can I fly a drone?
Recreational and Part 107 pilots are generally limited to 400 feet above ground level in uncontrolled airspace.