How to Get Your CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID (Step by Step)

Registering with the Civil Aviation Authority takes about 30–45 minutes and can all be done online. Here's exactly what to expect.

Do you need to do this? Yes, if your drone weighs 100g or more — which includes the DJI Mini, Flip, Lito and Neo ranges. Not sure? See our UK drone rules guide.

Before you start

Have these ready:

• An email address
• A debit or credit card (for the Operator ID)
• About 30–45 minutes of quiet time for the test
• Your drone's weight (it's printed on the box, the arm, or the spec sheet)

Step 1: Go to the official CAA registration service

Search for "CAA register drone" or go via the CAA's drone pages. Only use the official caa.co.uk service.

⚠️ Watch out for copycat sites that charge a "handling fee" to register you. The Flyer ID is free, and the Operator ID should only cost the CAA's own fee.

Step 2: Create your account

You'll register with your name, date of birth and address. If you're under 18, you can get a Flyer ID but you can't be an operator — a parent or guardian needs to register as the operator. Under-13s need a parent or guardian to help with the Flyer ID too.

Step 3: Take the Flyer ID test (free)

The test is an online multiple-choice quiz based on the Drone Code. You'll need to get 16 out of 20 questions right. You can re-take it if you fail.

Topics include:

• Maximum height (120m / 400ft)
• Keeping the drone in sight
• Distances from people and buildings
• Airport Flight Restriction Zones
• What to do in an emergency
• Privacy and data protection

Tip: Read the Drone Code on the CAA site first — it's short and the test is directly based on it. Our rules guide covers the same ground.

Your Flyer ID is valid for 5 years.

Step 4: Register as an operator (if you need to)

If your drone has a camera and weighs 100g or more (or weighs 250g+ regardless), register for an Operator ID. You must be 18+. The fee is roughly £12 a year — check the CAA site for the current amount. One Operator ID covers every drone you own.

It lasts one year. Set a reminder to renew it; flying with an expired ID is flying unregistered.

Step 5: Label your drone

Your Operator ID must be clearly displayed on every drone you're responsible for. It needs to be:

• Visible without tools (a battery compartment is fine if you don't need a screwdriver)
• Legible and durable

A small printed vinyl label is the neatest option. Search for custom drone ID labels on Amazon — or use a label maker if you have several drones:

Step 6: Add your Operator ID to Remote ID (if applicable)

If your drone has Remote ID (required on UK1, UK2 and UK3 class-marked drones from 2026), enter your Operator ID in the drone's app so it broadcasts correctly.

Common questions

Can two people share one Flyer ID? No. Each pilot needs their own Flyer ID. One Operator ID can cover a whole family's drones.

I got a drone for Christmas and it's under 100g. Do I need anything? Not legally, but the CAA recommends taking the free test anyway — you'll learn where you can and can't fly.

Do I need to carry proof? Keep your Flyer ID number to hand (a screenshot on your phone is fine). Police can ask to see it.

My Operator ID has expired. Can I still fly? No — renew it before your next flight.

Next steps

Once you're registered, find out where you can fly and run through our first flight checklist.