How to Get a Part 107 Drone License

Nathan Rizzuti Profile image

Written by:

Updated February 10, 2023

Researching and purchasing the finest drone can take your business endeavors to the next level. However, if you’re planning on becoming a commercial drone pilot, you’ll have to know how to get a Part 107 drone license.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Knowing how to get a drone license for commercial use is necessary for anyone looking to incorporate a drone for business purposes.
  • The test is called Part 107 and requires an online training course, a 60-question multiple-choice test, and a TSA background check.
  • Obtaining a commercial license can take anywhere from 2-weeks to 2-months, depending on how long it takes for the background check to get processed.

How to Get Part 107 Drone License

Becoming a commercial drone pilot isn’t hard, but it’s a requirement that the Federal Aviation Administration mandates. And the result of what happens if you don’t register your drone for commercial use is not something you want to face. Therefore, it’s essential to be responsible when conducting commercial operations with a drone. And to do this, you must obtain the Part 107 license.

Insider Tip

Once your drone is registered, the FAA recommends labeling your drone with the registration number. Labeling it can significantly help if the drone becomes lost or stolen.

And once you’ve gone through the process, you can read our article that covers how to renew drone licenses.

STEP 1 Learn the Rules

  1. Go to the FAA website to ensure that the activity you plan on doing with your drone is included in their commercial pilot license.

STEP 2 Study For the Test

  1. Either go to the FAA website directly to begin your test prep or find a study guide online to help you understand the drone laws, regulations, and restraints.

STEP 3 Obtain FAA Registration Number

  1. Go to the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website and create a profile to receive a registration number.

Warning

Drone operators should never fly their unmanned aircraft around airports. Doing so is not only hazardous, but there are many strict drone regulations against this practice that come with hefty fines.

STEP 4 Schedule Appointment and Complete Test

  1. Find your nearest FAA testing center to book your test (you will have to pay for this).

STEP 5 Pass TSA Background Check and Register

  1. Once you pass the test, you’ll have to fill out an application on the FAA website. This application includes going through a TSA background check.
  2. Once the background check passes through, you will receive a temporary certificate.
  3. At this point, you can go back to the FAA website, and under Part 107, click on “Fly sUAS” to register your drone. Once you’ve paid the fee to register your drone, you can begin flying your drone for commercial use.
  4. After a few weeks, you’ll receive a permanent certificate in the mail.

STAT: In 2020, the market for commercial drone use in the United States passed $1.25 Billion. (source)

F.A.Q.S

How can recreational drone pilots fly legally?

Registering a drone for recreational purposes is more straightforward than obtaining a commercial drone license. It requires a simple online test and a registration fee.


How often will I have to take the FAA Part 107 drone test?

The FAA requires commercial drone pilots to pass a recurrent knowledge test every 24 months.


Do I have to pass a medical exam to fly a drone commercially?

A medical exam is not required to obtain a commercial drone license.


Nathan Rizzuti Profile image