AIM ¶ 11-2-2 — UAS Registration Requirements
AIM 11-2-2 explains FAA UAS registration under Part 47 and Part 48, including weight thresholds, fees, marking, and certificate inspection rules.
In Plain English
AIM 11-2-2 explains how unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) must be registered with the FAA before flying in the NAS.
Which rule applies depends on weight and how you fly:
- 14 CFR Part 47 — Required for UAS weighing 55 lbs MGOW or more. Issues an "N"-number like manned aircraft. Optional for any smaller UAS if the owner prefers it.
- 14 CFR Part 48 — The online DroneZone process for sUAS under 55 lbs. Most expedient and least expensive option.
Who must register under Part 48:
- Part 107 flyers — all UAS must be registered regardless of weight; fee is per aircraft, valid 3 years, each gets a unique number.
- Recreational flyers (49 USC 44809) — must register if the UAS weighs more than 0.55 lb (250 g); one number covers all of that person's UAS.
Registrations cannot be transferred between Part 107 and recreational use. Registrants must be 13 or older and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
The registration certificate (paper or digital) must be available for inspection during all flight operations and shown to law enforcement on request. The registration number must be visible on the exterior of the aircraft (engraved, labeled, or written in permanent marker). Failure to register can result in civil penalties up to $27,500 plus criminal penalties.
AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 11-2-211-2-2. 11-2-2. Registration Requirements
Nearly all UAS flown in the NAS are required to be registered in the FAA aircraft registration database. UAS weighing 55 pounds MGOW or more must be registered under 14 CFR part 47, Aircraft Registration, while UAS less than 55 pounds may be registered under the FAA's newer 14 CFR part 48 online system. NOTE- The FAA's Aircraft Registration Unmanned Aircraft (UA) website may be viewed at: https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry/UA/ . REFERENCE- 14 CFR Part 47, Aircraft Registration. Registering UAS under 14 CFR part 47. For those UAS, which do not meet the weight stipulations for registration under 14 CFR part 48, registration is accomplished under 14 CFR part 47. 14 CFR part 47 registration will result in an “N”-number like those assigned to manned aircraft. To learn more about the process and to register a UAS under part 47, see the FAA's Aircraft Registration Unmanned Aircraft (UA) website. If desired by the owner, any UAS may be registered under 14 CFR part 47. NOTE- The FAA's Aircraft Registration Unmanned Aircraft (UA) website may be viewed at: https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry/UA/ . Registering UAS under 14 CFR part 48. For most operators of sUAS (those UAS weighing less than 55 pounds MGOW), registration under 14 CFR part 48, Registration and Marking Requirements for Small UA, will be most expedient and the least expensive. 14 CFR part 48 registrants are those UAS flyers operating under either of the following statutes: Part 107. Under the provisions of part 107, all UAS must be registered regardless of weight. Operations under part 107 are generally those involving commerce, but can be for recreation as well. Recreational Flyers. UAS that are flown exclusively for recreational purposes must be registered if they weigh more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams). NOTE- If you are not sure what kind of a drone flyer you are, refer to the FAA's User Identification Tool at: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/user_identification_tool/ , or visit the FAA Getting Started webpage at: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/ . Registrations cannot be transferred between 14 CFR part 107 UAS and 49 USC 44809 UAS. REFERENCE- 14 CFR Part 48, Registration and Marking Requirements for Small Unmanned Aircraft. How to register a UAS under 14 CFR part 48: To register a UAS online under part 48, refer to the FAA's DroneZone website. When registering a UAS online under part 48, you will need to select registration in either part 107 or the exception for recreational flyers. Registration fees for part 107 registration are per sUAS, and the registration is valid for three years. Each part 107 registered sUAS will receive a different number. Recreational flyer registration fees are per UAS and valid for three years, but the same registration number can be applied to any UAS in the registrant's ownership. The recreational flyer will receive one registration number that can be used for allUAS flown by that person. In order to register, a person must be 13 years of age or older and be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. If the owner is less than 13 years of age, another person 13 years of age or older must register the UAS and that person must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. An FAA registration certificate will be issued after UAS registration. The registration certificate (either paper copy or digital copy) must be available for inspection during all flight operations. If an individual other than the registered owner operates a UAS, the registration certificate (either paper copy or digital copy) must also be available for inspection during all flight operations. Federal law requires registered UAS operators, if asked, to show their certificate of registration to any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer. Failure to register a UAS that requires registration may result in regulatory and criminal penalties. The FAA may assess civil penalties up to $27,500. NOTE- The FAA's DroneZone website may be viewed at: https://faadronezone.faa.gov/#/ . Labeling a UAS with a registration number. All UAS requiring registration must be marked with a registration number before being flown. The UAS registration number can be applied to the aircraft by engraving, a permanent label, or written on with a permanent marker. The registration number must be visible on the outside surface of the UAS. Previous | Top | Next AIM | ATPUBS | FAA | Send your comments regarding this website.
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Q1At what weight must a UAS be registered under 14 CFR Part 47 versus Part 48?
Per AIM 11-2-2, UAS weighing 55 pounds MGOW or more must be registered under Part 47, while UAS under 55 pounds may be registered under the Part 48 online system. Any UAS may optionally be registered under Part 47 if the owner desires.
Q2What is the weight threshold requiring a recreational flyer to register their drone, and how long is the registration valid?
Per AIM 11-2-2, recreational UAS flown exclusively for recreational purposes must be registered if they weigh more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams). Registration is valid for three years, and one registration number can be applied to all UAS owned by that recreational flyer.
Q3What documents and markings must be present during UAS flight operations?
Per AIM 11-2-2, the FAA registration certificate (paper or digital) must be available for inspection during all flight operations, including when someone other than the owner is operating the UAS. The registration number must also be visible on the outside surface of the aircraft, applied by engraving, permanent label, or permanent marker.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 11
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