How to Get an FAA Part 107 Drone License

The document commonly called a “Part 107 drone license” is officially an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating. First-time pilots earn it by obtaining an FAA Tracking Number, passing the UAG knowledge test, and completing the application through IACRA.

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 that allows safe operation of a small UAS.
Pass the initial Unmanned Aircraft General—Small knowledge test if applying as a first-time pilot.
Complete the FAA application and Transportation Security Administration security vetting process.

Step 1: Create an IACRA Profile and Obtain an FTN

Create a profile in the FAA Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application system. IACRA assigns an FAA Tracking Number, or FTN. Obtain the FTN before registering for the knowledge test because the testing provider uses it to connect the exam result to the FAA application.

Enter your legal name consistently. A mismatch between the testing record, identification, and IACRA profile can delay the application. Save the FTN; it remains associated with your FAA airman records.

Step 2: Schedule the UAG Knowledge Test

Schedule the Unmanned Aircraft General—Small exam through an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. Bring the identification required by the testing provider. Testing fees and appointment availability are managed by the provider and can change, so confirm them during scheduling rather than relying on an old third-party article.

Step 3: Prepare for the Exam

The UAG exam tests the rules and operating decisions a remote pilot must make in the National Airspace System. Memorizing a list of drone facts is not enough. A candidate should be able to read airspace information, interpret weather, apply Part 107 limits, recognize airport risks, and choose a safe course of action.

Knowledge area	What the pilot should understand
Regulations	Remote pilot responsibilities, operating limits, waivers, registration, reporting, and restrictions
Airspace	Classes, chart information, airport operations, authorizations, and flight restrictions
Weather	Weather sources, visibility, clouds, wind, density altitude, and performance effects
Loading and performance	Weight, center of gravity, battery condition, payload, and aircraft limitations
Human factors	Decision-making, drugs and alcohol, fatigue, communication, and crew coordination
Operations	Preflight inspection, emergency procedures, night operations, and maintenance awareness

Use primary study material Build the study plan around the current FAA Airman Certification Standards, Remote Pilot Study Guide, sample questions, and the current text of Part 107. Third-party courses can help organize the material, but they should not replace current FAA sources.

Step 4: Pass the Exam and Submit FAA Form 8710-13

After passing the UAG exam, complete FAA Form 8710-13 electronically through IACRA. Enter the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID when prompted. The test result may take time to appear in IACRA, so verify the number carefully before submitting.

The FAA then processes the application and conducts the required security vetting. When approved, IACRA can provide a temporary certificate while the permanent certificate is produced.

Existing Part 61 Pilots

A pilot who already holds an eligible Part 61 certificate and has completed a flight review within the previous 24 calendar months can use the FAA’s alternative training path instead of taking the initial UAG knowledge test. The pilot completes the applicable online course and has the application identity validated by an authorized person under the FAA process.

Part 61 status does not eliminate the need for the Remote Pilot Certificate itself. It changes the certification path.

Keep the Certificate Current

The Remote Pilot Certificate does not expire on a printed date, but the pilot must complete the appropriate FAA online recurrent training every 24 calendar months to maintain aeronautical knowledge recency. A pilot who is not current may not act as the remote PIC under Part 107 until the recency requirement is restored.

Keep the recurrent training completion record with the company compliance file. The pilot should also maintain immediate access to the certificate and identification during every Part 107 operation.

What to Carry During a Commercial Flight

Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating.
Identification that satisfies the FAA inspection requirement.
Paper or digital aircraft registration certificate.
Airspace authorization and waiver documents when applicable.
Recurrent training record or company currency record.
Site plan, emergency contacts, and operational checklist as appropriate for the job.

Foreign Applicants and Operators

Foreign citizens can obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate if they meet the certification requirements. Separate aircraft registration, foreign-registered aircraft, Remote ID, immigration, tax, and business rules may apply. Operators with a foreign address should also review the FAA’s current foreign-operator guidance and U.S. Agent for Service requirements before applying or operating in the United States.

Common Certification Mistakes

Scheduling the exam before obtaining an FTN.
Using different versions of the legal name in IACRA, testing records, and identification.
Studying outdated night-operation or operations-over-people rules.
Assuming the certificate automatically covers employees or the entire company.
Forgetting recurrent training because the plastic or digital certificate has no printed expiration date.
Treating exam preparation as practical flight training. Part 107 certification establishes aeronautical knowledge; it does not prove proficiency with a specific aircraft or payload.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a practical flight test required?

No FAA practical flight test is required for the initial Remote Pilot Certificate. Commercial operators should still document aircraft-specific training, emergency procedures, payload setup, and mission proficiency before assigning a pilot to client work.

Can I fly while the permanent certificate is being mailed?

Yes, once the FAA issues the temporary certificate and the pilot can access it. The temporary certificate carries the privileges of the certificate during its validity period.

Can I use another pilot’s certificate number?

No. The certificate is personal to the individual named on it. The company must assign a qualified remote PIC for each operation.

Related Guides

Compliance notice This page provides general federal compliance information and is not legal advice. Confirm current FAA rules, airspace restrictions, waivers, authorizations, and local requirements before each operation.