Register your drone in the EU: step by step
You register once as a drone operator in the country where you live. Your operator number then applies across the EU. Procedure and fees depend on your national authority.
- Register in your country of residence
- One operator number per person, not per drone
- Recognised in every EU country
- Display the number on every drone you fly
- Registration and competency certificate are separate duties
The EU drone rules (Regulation 2019/947) require operators to register if their drone weighs 250 g or more, or if it has a camera or other sensor able to capture personal data and is not a toy. You always register with the aviation authority of the country where you live, not where you want to fly. The resulting operator number is valid in every EU member state. What the process looks like and whether it costs anything is decided by each authority. No country's procedure is the standard, so check the details with your own authority.
Who has to register?
Every operator of a drone from 250 g, and every operator of a lighter drone with a camera or similar sensor unless it is a toy. Drones under 250 g without a camera are exempt. Registration applies to hobby and commercial pilots alike.
Step 1: Find your national authority
Register with the civil aviation authority of your country of residence, usually through an online portal. Examples: AESA in Spain, DGAC via AlphaTango in France, d-flight on behalf of ENAC in Italy, ULC via drony.gov.pl in Poland, ÚCL in Czechia, RDW in the Netherlands, LBA in Germany.
Step 2: Get your operator number
After registration you receive a personal operator number starting with your country code. It belongs to you as a person, not to a drone. Some countries also issue a secret part that is only used for remote identification and must not be displayed.
Step 3: Display it on every drone
Put the public part of the number clearly on each drone you operate, for example as a sticker. Drones with remote ID (such as class C1 and C2) must also broadcast it, so you enter it in the manufacturer's app. Italy is a special case: there each drone gets its own QR code.
What does it cost? Examples
Fees differ by country. Confirmed from official sources: Germany €20 for private individuals and €50 for organisations; Spain and Czechia free; Italy €7 a year in the d-flight Basic subscription including one QR code; the Netherlands charge a fee and require yearly renewal. For other countries, check the current fee with your national authority.
Registration is not the licence
Registering makes you a known operator. Flying most drones from 250 g in the open category also needs a competency certificate, A1/A3 as the basic level and A2 for C2 drones closer to people. DroneAce prepares you for these exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does drone registration cost anything?
It depends on your country. It is free in Spain and Czechia, for example, costs €20 for private individuals in Germany and is part of a €7 yearly d-flight subscription in Italy. The Netherlands charge a fee with yearly renewal. Check your national authority for the current amount.
Where do I register if I live in one EU country and fly in another?
Always in your country of residence. The operator number is recognised in all EU member states, so you do not register again for a holiday abroad.
Do I have to register each drone individually?
No. You register once as an operator and put the same number on all your drones. Italy is an exception, where each drone needs its own QR code.
How long is registration valid?
That is set nationally. In France, for example, it is valid for 5 years, in the Netherlands it has to be renewed every year. Your authority will tell you the period.
Do I also need a drone licence after registering?
For most drones from 250 g in the open category, yes: at least the A1/A3 certificate. DroneAce helps you prepare.
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