Aircraft Registration Requirements Under Part 48
Registration is a requirement on the aircraft, not the pilot ? a completely separate process from earning your Remote Pilot Certificate. This lesson covers 14 CFR Part 48, the regulation that governs when a small unmanned aircraft must be registered, how registration works through FAA DroneZone, how the registration number must be marked on the aircraft, and the 3-year renewal cycle.
Who must register, and the weight threshold
Under 14 CFR 48.15, any small unmanned aircraft eligible for registration under 49 U.S.C. 44101-44103 must be registered before it flies, with one narrow exception: an aircraft weighing 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or less at takeoff, operated exclusively under the 49 U.S.C. ? 44809 recreational exception (Module 1, Lesson A), is not required to register. In practice, this means the overwhelming majority of drones used commercially under Part 107 must be registered ? Part 107 does not carry its own separate weight-based registration exemption the way the recreational exception does.
Registration is per-aircraft (for Part 107) and done through FAA DroneZone
Registration is completed through the FAA DroneZone system (faadronezone.faa.gov) ? a different system from IACRA, which handles pilot certification, not aircraft registration. For Part 107 commercial operations, each individual aircraft is typically registered separately with its own unique identification number, unlike the single blanket registration covering all of a recreational pilot's aircraft under 44809. Registration costs $5 per aircraft and, once issued, the Certificate of Aircraft Registration is valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
Marking the aircraft with its registration number
Once registered, the FAA issues a unique identifier ? commonly a 10-character alphanumeric code beginning with the letters "FA" ? that must be displayed on the aircraft. Under 14 CFR 48.205, this unique identifier must be legibly displayed on an external surface of the aircraft, affixed by any means that will keep it attached for the duration of each operation, and kept in legible condition. A number tucked inside a battery compartment or otherwise not visible from outside the aircraft does not satisfy this requirement.
Renewal and when registration becomes ineffective
Registration is not permanent ? it expires 3 years after the date of issue unless renewed. Renewal can be completed within the six months before expiration by verifying (and updating, if necessary) the information on file, and results in a new certificate valid for another 3 years from the previous certificate's expiration date. Registration also becomes ineffective under certain events regardless of the 3-year clock ? for example, if the aircraft is destroyed or scrapped, or if the registered owner's citizenship status changes in a way that no longer qualifies them to hold the registration.
Real-world scenario: a new commercial drone purchase
A newly certificated remote pilot buys a 4-pound mapping drone for agricultural survey work. Before the first paid flight, they register the aircraft through FAA DroneZone, pay the $5 fee, and receive a unique FA-prefixed identifier. They print a small label with that number and affix it to the outside of the aircraft's body where it stays clearly visible and legible during flight ? not inside the battery compartment, which would require removing the battery to read it. Three years later, a reminder prompts them to renew before the registration lapses, which they do within the six-month renewal window, extending coverage for another three years without needing to re-register from scratch.
The Part 48 registration process, from FAA DroneZone account creation to marking the aircraft.
View Larger| Item | Requirement | Notes | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration threshold | Required unless aircraft is 0.55 lb or less and flown exclusively under 44809 | Part 107 aircraft almost always require registration | 14 CFR 48.15 |
| Where to register | FAA DroneZone (faadronezone.faa.gov) | Separate system from IACRA | 14 CFR Part 48, Subpart B |
| Fee | $5 per registration | Subject to change; verify current fee | FAA DroneZone |
| Validity period | 3 years from date of issue | Renewable within 6 months before expiration | 14 CFR 48.100 |
| Marking | Unique identifier legibly displayed on an external surface | Must remain legible and affixed throughout each operation | 14 CFR 48.205 |
Registering a new aircraft for Part 107 use
Complete this before the aircraft's first flight under Part 107.
Go to FAA DroneZone and select the Part 107 registration pathway
This is separate from any recreational registration you may already hold, and separate from your IACRA pilot certification account.
Enter the aircraft's details and pay the registration fee
Provide the make/model and your identifying information as the registered owner.
Receive your unique identifier
Save the Certificate of Aircraft Registration and note the 3-year expiration date.
Mark the aircraft with the identifier before flying
Affix it to an external surface where it stays legible and attached throughout flight.
Renew within six months of the expiration date
Verify your information is current and confirm the new 3-year validity period.
| Mistake | Why it happens | Correct understanding | Regulation / source |
|---|---|---|---|
| "My IACRA account also registers my aircraft." | Confusing pilot certification with aircraft registration systems | IACRA handles the Remote Pilot Certificate; aircraft registration is a separate process through FAA DroneZone. | 14 CFR Part 48 |
| "Part 107 has the same 0.55 lb exemption recreational flyers get." | Overapplying the recreational exception's weight exemption | The 0.55 lb exemption applies only to aircraft flown exclusively under 49 U.S.C. 44809 ? Part 107 operations do not share this exemption. | 14 CFR 48.15 |
| "The registration number can be placed anywhere, even inside the battery compartment." | Underestimating the external-visibility requirement | The identifier must be legibly displayed on an external surface, not hidden inside an access panel. | 14 CFR 48.205 |
| "Once registered, an aircraft never needs to be re-registered." | Assuming registration is permanent, like some property titles | Registration expires 3 years after issue and must be renewed to remain valid. | 14 CFR 48.100 |
Do I register my aircraft in IACRA?
No. IACRA handles your Remote Pilot Certificate application; aircraft registration under Part 48 is a completely separate process done through FAA DroneZone.
Does the 0.55 lb registration exemption apply to my Part 107 commercial drone?
No. That exemption applies only to aircraft operated exclusively under the 49 U.S.C. 44809 recreational exception. Aircraft flown under Part 107 must be registered regardless of how light they are, with narrow exceptions like military aircraft.
How long is my aircraft registration valid?
3 years from the date of issue, renewable within the six months preceding expiration.
Test Your Knowledge
Answer the questions below to check your understanding. Every answer can be found in the lesson above.