How to Get Operator ID for Your Drone UK

If you’re in the UK and want to fly a drone, you’ll need something called a Drone Operator ID. This registration number is given to people or companies who use and own drones.

It’s like a license plate for your drone, showing that you’re in charge of it.

An Operator ID is needed if your drone weighs more than 250g, or if it’s under 250g and equipped with a camera.
Drone Operator ID Requirements

To get an Operator ID, you need to be at least 18 years old and it’s a number you can use for all your drones.

To get this ID, you register with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). They’ll ask for your personal details and a £10.33 fee. Your ID will be good for a year, and you’ll need to pay that £10.33 renewal fee each year to keep it active.

For anyone under 18 wanting to fly a drone, there’s a way for you too. You just need a parent or guardian to register and get the Operator ID for you.

To obtain an Operator ID for your drone in the UK, follow these steps:

Visit the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) drone registration site: [CAA Drone Registration](https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/individual)
Scroll down to ‘Before you start’ and click the ‘Start’ button to begin your registration process.
Follow the instructions on the website to complete your registration.
Pay the £10.33 fee, which is required for the Operator ID. This fee must be paid annually to keep your ID active.
After completing the registration and payment, you will receive an email with your Operator ID.

Remember, operating a drone without the required Operator ID is against the law in the UK. Always register and label your drone according to the regulations to ensure you are flying legally and safely.

Determining if Your Drone Needs an Operator ID in the UK

In the UK, you’re required to have an Operator ID for your drone if it weighs more than 250g, or if it’s under 250g but comes equipped with a camera.

List of Common Drones Requiring an Operator ID

The following drones, among others, require an Operator ID due to their weight or on-board cameras:

DJI Mini 2
DJI Mini 3 Pro
DJI Mini 4 Pro
DJI Mavic 3
Autel Evo Lite+
Autel Robotics Evo Nano+
DJI Air 2S
DJI Air 3
DJI Avata
DJI Mini 2 SE

Now, let’s walk you through how to get your Drone Operator ID and start flying your drone in the UK.

Step-By-Step Guide To Obtaining Your UK Drone Operator ID

The process of obtaining your Drone Operator ID in the UK involves a series of simple steps, designed to ensure that drone operations are conducted safely and in accordance with UK regulations.

Follow these detailed instructions to get your UK drone Operator ID:

1. Visit the CAA Website

Start your journey by going to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) drone registration site: CAA Drone Registration (Opens In a New Tab)

2. Begin the Registration

Scroll down to ‘Before you start’ and click the ‘Start’ button to kick off your registration process.

Select the Type of operator ID drones UK

3. Select the Type of Drone Operator ID

On the ‘Who is the operator ID for?’ page, choose between an individual or an organisation. Since this guide is for drone operators for individuals, select ‘Individual’.

4. Enter Your Email Address

When prompted, type in your email. The system will use this email for all communications about your Drone Operator ID registration.

Verify Your Email For Registering Operator Drone ID

5. Verify Your Email

Check your inbox for a verification code. Copy and paste this code into the CAA website to verify your email address.

6. Consider if a Flyer ID is Required

The website will then ask ‘Do you also need a flyer ID?’ This is needed if you are going to fly the drone yourself. For this guide, select ‘No’.

7. Provide Your Legal Name

Next, enter your name exactly as it appears on official documents like your passport or driving licence.

8. Input Your Date of Birth

Now, type in your date of birth. This is an essential piece of information for the registration process.

The form will ask for your home address. This can be used as an alternative way to contact you about your Drone Operator ID.

10. (Optional) Provide Your Phone Number

The form will also ask for your phone number. This step is not mandatory. If you prefer, you can leave the field empty and click ‘continue’.

11. Answer About Insurance

The system will then ask ‘Do you have insurance?’ Remember, you only need insurance if you use your drone for work, for receiving payment, or if it weighs 20kg or more.

12. Agree to Your Responsibilities

Next, you’ll see a confirmation page. Here, you need to tick three boxes to show that you understand and accept the legal requirements for drone operation.

13. Review Your Details

You will then be given the chance to review all the information you’ve entered. Make sure everything is correct, scroll to the bottom, and agree to the privacy policy.

14. Proceed to Payment

Click ‘continue to pay’. This will lead you to the payment page for the £10.33 Drone Operator ID registration fee.

15. Complete Your Payment Details

Finally, fill out your payment information and submit it. When you finish this step, your Drone Operator ID registration is complete. You will receive an email with your operator ID

Drone Operator ID Labelling Guide

After registering and obtaining your UK drone operator ID. You will need to add a label to all the drones you will be flying under the operator ID.

how to legally label your drone with operator ID

1. Understand What You Must Do

It’s crucial to label your operator ID on every drone or model aircraft for which you’re responsible. You should use the same operator ID for all your drones or model aircraft. Make sure to use your operator ID, not your flyer ID.

2. Learn How to Label Your Drone or Model Aircraft

Your operator ID must be clearly visible. It can be on the outside or within an easily accessible compartment that doesn’t require a tool to open.

3. Label Your Drone in Clear, Block Capitals

Your operator ID should be written in clear block capitals, with each letter being taller than 3mm. This size and clarity ensure that the ID can be read easily.

4. Secure Your Label

Attach your operator ID label securely to the drone, ensuring it’s safe from potential damage. This helps keep your ID intact and legible even during flight or in case of minor accidents.

5. Choose the Right Spot on Your Drone

Place your operator ID on the main body of the aircraft. This standard placement makes it easier for the ID to be found when needed.

6. Consider Purchasing Special Drone Labels

You may want to consider using specially made drone labels that meet the UK requirements. These labels often come with a 3mm font size and an additional line for extra information. Premade drone operator ID labels can be conveniently purchased on Amazon.

7. Get Inspired

Look for inspiration from other drone operators on where to place the label on various drone models. However, remember that the label must still meet the visibility and accessibility requirements.

Always comply with these labelling requirements to help ensure responsible and legal drone operation.

Happy flying!

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re in the UK and want to fly a drone, obtaining a Drone Operator ID is a crucial step to ensure compliance with the regulations. This ID serves as a license plate for your drone, indicating that you are the responsible operator.

The requirements for obtaining a Drone Operator ID include being at least 18 years old and registering with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), along with a fee of £10.33. It is important to note that if you are under 18, a parent or guardian can register and obtain the Operator ID on your behalf.

To register for a Drone Operator ID, you can follow a simple step-by-step process provided by the CAA. The process involves visiting the CAA website, selecting the type of Operator ID (individual for personal use), entering your email address, verifying your email, providing personal details, completing the payment, and obtaining your Operator ID.

It’s also necessary to label all the drones you will be flying under the Operator ID, ensuring that the ID is clearly visible, written in block capitals taller than 3mm, and securely attached to the drone.

Remember that an Operator ID is required for drones weighing more than 250g or drones under 250g equipped with a camera.

Operating a drone without the required Operator ID is against the law in the UK.

By following the registration process and adhering to the labeling requirements, you can ensure that you are flying your drone legally and responsibly.

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of the process, you can confidently obtain your Drone Operator ID and enjoy flying your drone in the UK. Happy flying!

Do I need an operator ID for my drone UK?

If you are responsible for a drone or model aircraft, you must register for an Operator ID. You must be 18 or over to register for an Operator ID, and you can use the same Operator ID for all your drones and model aircraft. The Operator ID must be renewed annually, and there is a £10 cost for applying

Do I need to put my operator ID on my drone?

Yes, you need to display your Operator ID on your drone in the UK. The Operator ID serves as a registration number for the drone(s) you are responsible for, similar to a car number plate.

Here are some guidelines for displaying your Operator ID on your drone:
– The Operator ID must be visible without needing to disassemble the drone or use any tools.
– You can use the same Operator ID for all the drones and model aircraft you are responsible for.
– The Operator ID should be clear and legible, so it can be easily read by anyone who needs to check it.

Remember that it is against the law to fly a drone or model aircraft without having the required IDs, and you can be fined or even sent to prison for breaking the law when flying

Do I need an operator ID for drone under 250g?

In the UK, you need an Operator ID for a drone under 250g if it is not considered a “toy” and/or if it is equipped with a camera.
Here are the key points:
If your drone is a toy and weighs below 250g, you do not need an Operator ID.
If your drone weighs below 250g and does not have a camera, you do not need an Operator ID.
If your drone weighs less than 250g but has a camera, you must register for an Operator ID.

Additionally, you will need a Flyer ID if you fly a drone or model aircraft outdoors in the UK, regardless of its weight. To obtain a Flyer ID, you must pass a theory test. Keep in mind that it is against the law to fly a drone or model aircraft without having the required IDs, and you can be fined or even sent to prison for breaking the law when flying.

What is the cost of registering for an Operator ID in the UK

Registering for an Operator ID in the UK costs £10.33 and is valid for 1 year. It is important to note that the Operator ID must be renewed annually, and you must be over 18 years old to register for it

Can police ask for drone operator ID?

Yes, police can ask for your drone Operator ID if they suspect you are not following the rules and regulations for flying a drone in the UK. As a drone operator, you are required to display your Operator ID on every drone you own or manage. The Operator ID serves as a registration number, similar to a car number plate, and helps authorities identify the person responsible for the drone.
It is important to follow the UK drone laws and regulations, including obtaining the necessary Flyer ID and Operator ID, as failing to do so can result in fines or even imprisonment in the most serious cases.

What is the purpose of the Operator ID for drone operators in the UK?

The purpose of the Operator ID for drone operators in the UK is to indicate who is responsible for managing the drone(s).
The Operator ID serves several functions:
– Acts as a registration number for the drone(s), similar to a car number plate.
– Helps authorities identify the person or organisation responsible for the drone(s).
– Ensures that drone operators follow the UK laws and regulations for flying drones.
– Can be used for all the drones that the operator is responsible for, streamlining the registration process.

By having an Operator ID, drone operators demonstrate their compliance with the UK drone regulations and their commitment to flying safely and responsibly.

Do I need operator ID for DJI mini?

You will need an Operator ID for your DJI Mini if it has a camera and is not considered a toy. The DJI Mini series, including the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro, are unique aircraft with a flying weight under 250g. However, the presence of a camera on these drones requires you to obtain an Operator ID. Keep in mind that you will also need a Flyer ID if you fly a drone or model aircraft outdoors in the UK, regardless of its weight. To obtain a Flyer ID, you must pass a theory test.

How To Get A Drone Operator ID UK 2024

To obtain an Operator ID for your drone in the UK, follow these steps:

Determining if Your Drone Needs an Operator ID in the UK

List of Common Drones Requiring an Operator ID