How to Get a Commercial Drone License: Complete 2025 Guide

Obtaining a drone license for commercial use is essential for anyone looking to monetize their unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations in the United States. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires commercial drone pilots to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107 regulations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of getting your commercial drone license, from understanding the requirements to maintaining your certification. Whether you're a photographer, real estate professional, or aspiring drone service provider, this guide covers everything you need to know about the commercial drone license process.

The FAA implemented the Part 107 rules in 2016 to regulate commercial drone operations. Under these regulations, anyone operating a drone for business purposes must obtain a drone license for commercial use. This includes any flight that directly or indirectly generates compensation or furthers a business purpose. The certification process involves meeting eligibility requirements, studying for and passing an aeronautical knowledge exam, and completing the application process. Understanding these requirements is the first step toward legally operating your drone for commercial purposes.

Understanding Commercial Drone License Requirements

Before applying for your commercial drone license, you need to understand the basic eligibility requirements set by the FAA. To qualify for a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, you must be at least 16 years old, be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, be in physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone, and pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam. Unlike recreational drone pilots, commercial operators must obtain this formal certification regardless of the drone's weight (as long as it's under 55 pounds).

It's important to distinguish between recreational and commercial drone use. Any flight that contributes to a business or generates income, even indirectly, is considered commercial. This includes taking photos for a real estate listing, inspecting property for a client, or capturing footage for a paid video project. Even if you're just a part-time drone operator or using the drone for your own business, you still need a commercial drone license. The FAA takes these regulations seriously, and operating commercially without proper certification can result in significant fines.

Step 1: Register Your Drone with the FAA

Before you can legally operate your drone for commercial purposes, you must register it with the FAA through the FAADroneZone website. Each drone used for commercial operations requires individual registration, unlike recreational drones that can be registered under a single registration number. The registration fee is $5 per drone, and registrations are valid for three years. During the registration process, you'll receive a unique registration number that must be displayed on your drone.

When registering your drone, you'll need to provide personal information including your name, address, and email, as well as information about your drone such as the make and model. After completing the registration, you'll receive a certificate of registration that you should keep with you whenever you're operating your drone. This registration is separate from obtaining your Remote Pilot Certificate but is equally important for legal commercial operations.

Step 2: Prepare for the Part 107 Knowledge Exam

The FAA Part 107 Knowledge Exam is a comprehensive test covering various aspects of drone operations and aviation knowledge. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you need to score at least 70% to pass. Topics covered include regulations, airspace classification, weather patterns, drone performance, emergency procedures, crew resource management, radio communication procedures, and physiological factors affecting pilot performance. Thorough preparation is essential for passing this exam on your first attempt.

Several study resources are available to help you prepare for the knowledge exam. The FAA provides free study materials, including the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and the Part 107 Advisory Circular. Additionally, many online courses, practice tests, and study guides are specifically designed for the Part 107 exam. These resources can help you understand complex aviation concepts and regulations in a more accessible format. Most successful applicants spend 15-20 hours studying before taking the exam.

Key Study Topics for the Part 107 Exam

• Regulations specific to operating small unmanned aircraft systems
• Airspace classification and operating requirements
• Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft
• Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance
• Emergency procedures and preflight inspection
• Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
• Airport operations and radio communication procedures
• Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol
• Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures
• Understanding aeronautical charts and the National Airspace System

Step 3: Schedule and Take the FAA Knowledge Exam

Once you feel prepared for the exam, you'll need to schedule your test at an FAA-approved testing center. The exam is administered by PSI (formerly CATS) testing services, and you can find a testing location near you through their website. The exam fee is $175, which is paid directly to the testing center when you schedule your exam. It's recommended to schedule your exam at least a few days in advance to ensure availability at your preferred location and time.

On the day of your exam, arrive at the testing center at least 15 minutes early with a valid government-issued photo ID. The test is computer-based and allows 2 hours for completion, though most people finish in about 90 minutes. You'll receive your score immediately after completing the exam. If you pass, you'll receive an email with instructions for completing your application for the Remote Pilot Certificate. If you don't pass, you can retake the exam after 14 days, but you'll need to pay the exam fee again.

What to Bring to Your Exam

1. Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
2. The $175 testing fee (if not paid during scheduling)
3. Basic calculator (if needed, though most calculations are simple)
4. Knowledge of your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) if you have one

Step 4: Complete the FAA Remote Pilot Application

After passing the knowledge exam, you'll need to complete the application for your Remote Pilot Certificate. This is done through the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. First, you'll need to create an account on the IACRA website if you don't already have one. Then, you'll start a new application for a Remote Pilot Certificate, entering your personal information and your knowledge test results, which should be on file with the FAA within 72 hours of passing the exam.

Once you've completed the application, the system will prompt you to electronically sign it. After submission, your application will be processed by the FAA. Temporary authorization to operate may be issued immediately through email, which is valid for up to 60 days while your permanent certificate is being processed. Your permanent Remote Pilot Certificate will be mailed to the address provided in your application, typically within a few weeks. This certificate is valid for 24 months from the date of issue.

Step 5: Understand Commercial Drone Operating Rules

With your Remote Pilot Certificate in hand, it's crucial to understand the operating rules and limitations that apply to commercial drone operations under Part 107. These regulations are designed to ensure safety in the national airspace system. Some key operating rules include flying only during daylight hours or civil twilight with appropriate anti-collision lighting, keeping your drone within visual line of sight, yielding right of way to manned aircraft, not flying over people or moving vehicles, and not operating from a moving vehicle except in sparsely populated areas.

Additionally, there are airspace restrictions and maximum altitude limitations. Without special authorization, you cannot fly in controlled airspace (Classes B, C, D, and E), and you must keep your drone below 400 feet above ground level unless you're within 400 feet of a structure. The maximum speed allowed is 100 mph (87 knots), and operations are prohibited during certain weather conditions, such as when visibility is less than 3 miles or when clouds are lower than 500 feet above your operating altitude.

Part 107 Operating Limitations

• Maximum altitude: 400 feet above ground level
• Maximum speed: 100 mph (87 knots)
• Minimum weather visibility: 3 statute miles
• Cloud clearance: 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally
• Operations allowed: Daylight or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting
• Visual line of sight: Required at all times
• Operations over people: Generally prohibited without waiver
• Operations in controlled airspace: Require LAANC authorization or FAA waiver

Obtaining Waivers and Authorizations

The FAA recognizes that some commercial operations may need to operate outside the standard Part 107 restrictions. For these situations, they've established a waiver process. Waivers can be requested for operations such as flying at night, beyond visual line of sight, over people, from a moving vehicle, higher than 400 feet, or with multiple drones by a single operator. These waivers require detailed safety cases explaining how you'll mitigate risks associated with the operation.

For operations in controlled airspace, you'll need to obtain authorization through the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system or through a manual request to the FAA. LAANC provides near real-time authorization for operations in controlled airspace and is available through several FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers. For airspace where LAANC isn't available or for authorizations beyond what LAANC can provide, you'll need to submit a request through the FAADroneZone website, which may take up to 90 days for approval.

Maintaining Your Commercial Drone License

Your Remote Pilot Certificate is valid for 24 months from the date of issue. To maintain your certification, you must pass a recurrent knowledge test before your current certificate expires. The recurrent test is similar to the initial exam but focuses on updated regulations and operations. As of 2025, the FAA has made the recurrent training available online for free through the FAA Safety Team (FAAST) website, eliminating the need to take the test at a testing center for recertification.

In addition to recertification, it's important to stay current with changing regulations and best practices in the drone industry. The FAA frequently updates rules and guidance for drone operations, and staying informed is your responsibility as a certificated remote pilot. Joining professional organizations, subscribing to FAA drone newsletters, and participating in continuing education can help you stay up-to-date and maintain safe, legal operations.

Commercial Drone Insurance Considerations

While not required by the FAA, commercial drone insurance is strongly recommended and often required by clients. There are two main types of drone insurance: liability insurance, which covers damage or injury caused by your drone to third parties, and hull insurance, which covers damage to your drone equipment. Liability coverage typically starts at $1 million, though some clients or venues may require higher coverage limits.

When selecting insurance, consider factors such as the types of operations you'll be conducting, the environments you'll be flying in, the value of your equipment, and client requirements. Some insurance providers offer on-demand coverage that can be purchased by the hour or day, while others offer annual policies. Be sure to read the policy details carefully, as many have exclusions for certain types of operations or require compliance with all FAA regulations as a condition of coverage.

Career Opportunities with a Commercial Drone License

Obtaining your commercial drone license opens up numerous career opportunities across various industries. Some of the most common commercial applications include aerial photography and videography, real estate marketing, construction site monitoring, infrastructure inspection, precision agriculture, search and rescue support, and film production. The drone service market continues to grow, with new applications emerging as technology advances.

To build a successful drone business, consider specializing in a particular industry or service where you can develop expertise and a reputation for quality. Networking with potential clients, creating a professional portfolio, and developing a strong online presence can help you market your services effectively. Many commercial drone pilots also find success by combining drone services with complementary skills such as photography, videography, GIS mapping, or data analysis.

• Aerial photography and videography
• Real estate and property marketing
• Construction and infrastructure inspection
• Precision agriculture and crop monitoring
• Search and rescue operations
• Film and television production
• Mapping and surveying
• Utility inspection (power lines, pipelines, etc.)
• Event coverage
• Insurance claims assessment

Conclusion: Your Path to Commercial Drone Operations

Obtaining a drone license for commercial use involves several steps, from understanding the requirements to passing the knowledge exam and applying for your Remote Pilot Certificate. While the process requires time and effort, it's essential for legal commercial operations and opens up numerous professional opportunities. By following the steps outlined in this guide and staying current with FAA regulations, you'll be well on your way to a successful career as a commercial drone pilot.

Remember that getting your license is just the beginning. Continuing education, practice, and professional development are key to building your skills and reputation in the industry. As drone technology continues to evolve and new applications emerge, certified remote pilots who demonstrate professionalism, safety consciousness, and technical expertise will find themselves in increasing demand across numerous industries. Your commercial drone license is your ticket to this exciting and growing field.