How to get your Part 107 drone license

In FAA terms, a drone license is a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating, issued under 14 CFR Part 107.¹² You need one to fly under Part 107, the FAA’s rule for drones under 55 pounds flown for work or business.³⁴⁵

You must be at least 16 to get the certificate.⁶ You pass the UAG knowledge test, which has 60 scored questions, then apply in IACRA and clear a TSA security check.⁷³ PSI lists the test fee as $175, as of October 2026.⁸

Who needs one

The FAA says compensation doesn’t decide whether a flight is recreational, and almost all non-recreational flying falls under Part 107.⁴ Its examples include photos to help sell a property and roof inspections.⁴

If you fly purely for fun, a separate recreational exception applies, with the free TRUST test instead.⁴ When in doubt, the FAA says, assume Part 107.⁴

Without a certificate, you may work the controls only under the direct supervision of a remote pilot in command who can take over immediately.¹

At a glance

Item	Detail
Official name	Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating1
Knowledge test	Unmanned Aircraft General - Small (UAG)79
Scored questions	60, plus 5 unscored validation questions7
Time allowed	2 hours (120 minutes)97
Passing score	70 percent correct7
Fee	$175, as listed by PSI in October 20268
Instructor endorsement	Not required9
Retest after a failure	After 14 calendar days10
Minimum age to take the test	14 in the Testing Matrix and ACS; the AIM says 1691112
Minimum age for the certificate	166
Recurrent training	Free online course, every 24 calendar months313
Certificate expires	No, it’s permanent unless the FAA revokes it14

The steps in order

1. Check that you’re eligible.⁶
2. Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an IACRA profile, unless you already have one.³⁹
3. Book the Unmanned Aircraft General - Small (UAG) test at a PSI testing center.⁷³
4. Pay the fee: $175 as of October 2026.⁸
5. Bring acceptable ID. No instructor endorsement is needed.⁹
6. Pass the test.³
7. Apply in IACRA on FAA Form 8710-13.³
8. Clear the TSA security check.³
9. Print your temporary certificate from IACRA, and wait for the permanent one by mail.³
10. Stay current with free online recurrent training every 24 calendar months.³¹³

Eligibility and age

Under 14 CFR 107.61, you must:⁶

• be at least 16 years old;
• be able to read, speak, write and understand English;
• not know, or have reason to know, of a physical or mental condition that would interfere with safe drone operation.

The FAA’s Testing Matrix and the Remote Pilot ACS set 14 as the minimum age to take the UAG test.⁹¹¹ The AIM, under “Eligibility for Testing,” says 16, so if you’re under 16, ask the FAA’s UAS Support Center before booking.¹²¹⁵

Getting your FTN and booking the test

Your FTN is assigned when you register in IACRA.⁸ If you already hold an FAA airman certificate, you already have one.¹²

To create a PSI account at faa.psiexams.com, you need your FTN and an authenticator app for sign-in.⁸ PSI checks your name against IACRA, so make any correction in IACRA.⁸

You can reschedule up to 24 hours before your appointment.⁸ Cancel by then for a full refund, provided you paid within the past year.⁸

What to bring

Bring valid, current ID that shows your photo, date of birth, signature and physical residential address.⁹ More than one ID can cover these.⁹

• U.S. citizens and resident aliens: an ID card from a U.S. state, territory or government entity, a passport, or an alien residency card.⁹
• Non-U.S. citizens: a passport, plus either a U.S. state or territory driver permit or license, or an ID card from any government entity.⁹
• If your ID lacks your residential address, you can use a parent’s address or a document such as a utility statement.⁹ A P.O. box, rural route or employer address doesn’t count.⁹
• Under 18 without acceptable ID: a parent or legal guardian must come with you and can attest to your identity.⁹

Without all the required ID, you can’t take the test.⁷ PSI recommends arriving at least 15 minutes early, and a late arrival may be turned away and lose the fee.⁷

Test day

You get 2 hours for 60 scored questions, plus 5 unscored validation questions.⁹⁷ They’re multiple choice, with a single correct response for each.¹¹ Passing is 70 percent correct, or 42 of the 60 scored questions.⁷

The test center supplies the testing supplement, scratch paper and a writing instrument, and you can’t bring your own pen or pencil.⁷ For UAG, the supplement is FAA-CT-8080-2H, effective June 11, 2018.⁹¹⁶ From October 26, 2026, the test also includes image-based questions not found in the supplement, using images from the latest FAA charts.¹⁷

For what’s on the test, see the Part 107 study guide. For free practice, use the Part 107 exam page or PSI’s sample test under “Exam Resources.”⁷

You get one copy of your Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) at the test center, and you can reprint it from your PSI account.⁷ If you fail, you must wait 14 calendar days to retest.¹⁰ Bring the failed report; no instructor endorsement is needed.⁹

Applying in IACRA

After you pass, apply on FAA Form 8710-13 in IACRA.³ The ACS says a passing report is valid for 24 calendar months when you apply for the certificate.¹¹

1. Log in and click “Start New Application.”³
2. Choose Application Type “Pilot,” Certifications “Remote Pilot,” then “Other Path Information” and “Start Application.”³
3. Follow the prompts, and enter your 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID when asked.³
4. Sign the application electronically and submit it.³

It may take up to 48 hours from your test date for the test to appear in IACRA.³

The TSA check and your certificate

Every applicant must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security check before the FAA issues a temporary or permanent certificate.¹²² If you believe you failed it improperly, you can appeal to the TSA.²

When the check is complete, you get an email with instructions for printing your temporary certificate from IACRA.³ It’s issued for up to 120 calendar days and expires on the date shown, or sooner if your permanent certificate arrives.¹⁸ The FAA mails the permanent certificate once its internal processing is complete.³

When you fly under Part 107, keep your certificate and ID with you and readily accessible.¹⁹ Show them on request to the FAA, the NTSB, the TSA or any law enforcement officer.¹⁹

Staying current

The certificate doesn’t expire.¹⁴ To use it, you must have passed the initial test or completed recurrent training within the previous 24 calendar months.¹³

The FAA’s course is Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent (ALC-677), free and online at FAASafety.gov.³²⁰ Any Part 107 certificate holder can take it.³ Since April 6, 2021, recurrent training has replaced the recurrent knowledge test.²¹

Calendar months run to the end of the month.² In the FAA’s example, a pilot who passed on September 13, 2020, had until September 30, 2022, to complete recurrent training.²

If you already hold a pilot certificate

With a Part 61 pilot certificate (not a student certificate) and a current flight review, you can train online instead of testing.⁶³

1. Complete the free Part 107 Small UAS Initial (ALC-451) course on FAASafety.gov.³²²

2. Complete FAA Form 8710-13 in IACRA.³

3. Have your identity verified by one of these:³²³

   • an FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO);
   • a designated pilot examiner (DPE);
   • an airman certification representative (ACR);
   • a certificated flight instructor (CFI).

   Bring the form, proof of your flight review, photo ID and your course certificate.³

4. The representative signs your application and issues a temporary certificate, though a CFI can’t issue one.³

For recurrent training, you can take ALC-677 or the Part 61 pilots’ version, ALC-515.³²⁴

Before you fly

All drones must be registered except those of 0.55 pounds or less flown under the recreational exception.²⁵ Part 107 registration on FAADroneZone costs $5 per drone and is valid for 3 years.²⁵

A registered drone must also comply with Remote ID.²⁶ You can fly a Standard Remote ID drone, add a broadcast module, or fly inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).²⁶

StudyWren is an independent study tool and isn’t affiliated with the FAA or PSI.

Sources

1. 14 CFR 107.12, eCFR (current as of 2026-10-22). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-107.12 ↩ ↩² ↩³

2. FAA, Advisory Circular 107-2A, “Small Unmanned Aircraft System (Small UAS)” (2/1/21, editorial update of 05/26/2022, PDF; paragraph 6.1, page 6-1; paragraph 6.5, page 6-4; Figure 6-1, page 6-6). https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/Editorial_Update_AC_107-2A.pdf Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵

3. FAA, “Become a Certificated Remote Pilot” (page last updated June 9, 2026). https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³ ↩¹⁴ ↩¹⁵ ↩¹⁶ ↩¹⁷ ↩¹⁸ ↩¹⁹ ↩²⁰ ↩²¹ ↩²² ↩²³ ↩²⁴ ↩²⁵ ↩²⁶ ↩²⁷

4. FAA, “Recreational Flyers & Community-Based Organizations” (page last updated October 14, 2026). https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵

5. FAA, “Certificated Remote Pilots including Commercial Operators” (page last updated March 25, 2025). https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩

6. 14 CFR 107.61, eCFR (current as of 2026-10-22). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-107.61 ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵

7. PSI, “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small Applicant Information Bulletin” (PDF, effective September 29, 2025; testing centers and reporting, page 2; identification, page 3; test specifications and sample test, page 4; test center supplies, page 5; results, page 6). https://media.psiexams.com/faa/UAG_Information_Bulletin.pdf Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³

8. PSI, “FAA Airman Knowledge Testing” (Home and Frequently Asked Questions tabs, faa.psiexams.com; fee as listed October 2026). https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸

9. FAA, “FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix” (PDF, revised September 25, 2026; General Requirements: FTN and identification, page 1, age verification, page 2, address documents, page 4; Unmanned Aircraft Systems, UAG, page 15). https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/testing_matrix Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³ ↩¹⁴ ↩¹⁵ ↩¹⁶ ↩¹⁷

10. 14 CFR 107.71, eCFR (current as of 2026-10-22). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-107.71 ↩ ↩²

11. FAA, “Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Airman Certification Standards” (FAA-S-ACS-10B, April 2021, PDF; Appendix 1, test description, page A-1, and knowledge test requirements, page A-2; Appendix 3, page A-5). https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/uas_acs.pdf Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴

12. FAA, “Aeronautical Information Manual” (Change 3, effective 7/9/2026; Chapter 11, Section 5, paragraph 11-5-1, “Eligibility for Testing” and FTN note, and paragraph 11-5-4, “Security vetting”). https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap11_section_5.html Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴

13. 14 CFR 107.65, eCFR (current as of 2026-10-22). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-107.65 ↩ ↩² ↩³

14. FAA, “I don’t see an expiration date on my Part 107 remote pilots certificate. Do I have to take a test annually?” (Drones FAQ). https://www.faa.gov/faq/i-dont-see-expiration-date-my-part-107-remote-pilots-certificate-do-i-have-take-test-annually Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩ ↩²

15. FAA, “Contact Us” (Drones; UAS Support Center; page last updated October 7, 2026). https://www.faa.gov/uas/contact_us Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩

16. FAA, “Airman Knowledge Testing Supplements and Computer Testing Supplements” (page last updated September 29, 2026). https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/supplements Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩

17. FAA, “Airman Testing Community Advisory, September 2026 Special Edition” (PDF; page 6). https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/September_2026_Special_Edition.pdf Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩

18. 14 CFR 107.64, eCFR (current as of 2026-10-22). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-107.64 ↩

19. 14 CFR 107.7(a), eCFR (current as of 2026-10-22). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-107.7 ↩ ↩²

20. FAA Safety Team, “Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent” (ALC-677 course page, FAASafety.gov). https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/CourseLanding.aspx?cID=677 Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩

21. FAA Airman Testing Standards Branch, “Changes to Testing for a Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small Aircraft Rating” (PDF, issued April 5, 2021). https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/training_testing/testing/uas_testing_information.pdf Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩

22. FAA Safety Team, “Part 107 Small UAS Initial - Part 61 Pilots” (ALC-451 course page, FAASafety.gov). https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/CourseLanding.aspx?cID=451 Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩

23. 14 CFR 107.63(b), eCFR (current as of 2026-10-22). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-107.63 ↩

24. FAA Safety Team, “Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent - Part 61 Pilots” (ALC-515 course page, FAASafety.gov). https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/CourseLanding.aspx?cID=515 Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩

25. FAA, “How to Register Your Drone” (page last updated March 18, 2024). https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/register_drone Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩ ↩²

26. FAA, “Remote Identification of Drones” (page last updated March 19, 2025). https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id Accessed 2026-10-25. ↩ ↩²