How to Get a Drone License in 2026: FAA Part 107 + Transport Canada

Quick Answer

To fly drones commercially in the US, get an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate: study, pass the ~$175 knowledge test, complete the online IACRA application + TSA background check, and renew every 24 months (costs ~$175 each cycle). In Canada, get a Transport Canada certificate — Basic ($10 exam, no flight test) or Advanced ($25 exam + a paid flight review, typically $150–$300). Study resources are widely available (FAA study guides, free and paid prep courses). Budget roughly $250–$500 total in the US and $200–$350 in Canada to get fully licensed and registered. This guide walks through both paths step-by-step.

Which License Do You Need? (US vs Canada)

Not a single “drone license.” Your requirements depend on country and purpose:

If you fly in both countries — common for border-adjacent pros and travelers — you’ll likely need both an FAA Part 107 and a Transport Canada certificate. The tests share concepts (airspace, weather, safety, VLOS, basic aerodynamics) so studying for one helps with the other.

How to Get Your FAA Part 107 License (US)

The Part 107 process is straightforward. Here are the exact steps:

Step 1: Confirm eligibility

• Be 16 years or older.
• Be able to read, write, and understand English.
• Pass a TSA background check (swift; essentially an automated vetting on the online application).
• Be in a fit state to safely operate an aircraft (a physical/medical standard similar to a driver’s but self-declared in the IACRA application).

Step 2: Study for the Aeronautical Knowledge Test

The test covers: regulations (14 CFR Part 107), airspace classification, weather, loading/performance, emergency procedures, radio communication, airport operations, and safe operating practices. ~60 multiple-choice questions; you need 70%+.

Recommended resources:

• The FAA’s free official study guide (FAA-G-8082-1 or the Part 107 study materials) — always the anchor.
• Free supplementary reading: FAA Airman Knowledge Test Report/Airman Certification Standards; FAA UAS YouTube/safety videos.
• Paid prep courses ($20–$100) from providers like Pilot Institute, UAV Coach, or Drone Pilot Ground School. These are worth it if you want a structured pass-in-a-week plan and up-to-date question banks.
• Free practice tests (many online) to gauge readiness before you pay the test fee.

Study ~1–2 weeks at an hour a day, then take practice tests until you’re consistently above 75%.

Step 3: Schedule and pass the knowledge test

• Book at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center (find one near you on the FAA’s website).
• Cost: ~$175 (test centers set fees; budget a little more).
• Bring a valid photo ID; calculators are allowed but not needed.
• You get a temporary certificate on the spot or by mail after passing (depending on testing center / FAA processing).

Step 4: Complete the IACRA application

• Sign up/download the IACRA system.
• Create a profile, take the identity verification / TSA check, and submit your application for a Remote Pilot Certificate.
• If you pass, you’ll do the IACRA “airman” workflow and receive a permanent Remote Pilot Certificate typically mailed within a few weeks (a temporary PDF is available while it processes).

Step 5: Register your drone & mark it

• Register on the FAA DroneZone portal (cost ~$5 per drone, valid 3 years for Part 107 / recreational as applicable).
• Put the FAA registration/relevant ID on the drone.
• Make sure your drone has Remote ID active (see our US drone laws guide) — required for Part 107 ops.

Step 6: Recurrency every 24 months

• Every 24 months, retake an abbreviated Updated Part 107 Knowledge Test (mostly same material with current rules) or an FAA-approved recurrency course. Cost ~$175 per cycle.
• Keep records of your certificate and completed recurrency.

So your first-year US cost is roughly: study materials ($0–$100) + test ($175) + registration ($5–$15 for drones) + possibly a course = ~$180–$300. Renewal every 24 months adds ~$175.

How to Get a Canadian Transport Canada Certificate

Canada’s path differs — no 100-question aeronautical test and no TSA; instead an online exam plus (for Advanced) a practical flight review.

Basic Operations (simpler path)

1. Create a Transport Canada RPAS account (the online “Drone” portal).
2. Register your drone ($6) if it’s 250g–25kg.
3. Take the online Basic exam ($10) at an approved location (online proctored or at a testing facility). ~40 questions; pass it to earn a Basic certificate.
4. Your certificate is valid 24 months — renew by retaking when it expires.

Basic lets you: fly away from people (30m rule), below 400ft, in uncontrolled airspace, without a practical test. Great for beginners/hobbyists and some light commercial work — but it restricts you from flying near people and in controlled airspace.

Advanced Operations (for commercial/early pros)

1. Complete the Advanced exam ($25) — harder, covering controlled airspace, more detailed rules. Pass with (score requirement varies by Transport Canada policy).
2. Undergo a flight review with a recognized flight reviewer (not a federal employee): a short practical session demonstrating safe handling. This typically costs $150–$300.
3. Register your drone ($6) and complete RPAS account steps.
4. Revalidate every 24 months.

Advanced lets you: fly in controlled airspace (with authorization), fly closer to people (down to a specific minimum distance, with conditions), and covers nearly all commercial work — real estate (see our real estate drones guide), inspections, film, etc.

Canadian costs: Basic = ~$20–$30 all-in (exam $10 + registration $6). Advanced = ~$200–$350 (exam $25 + flight review $150–$300 + registration). Both recertify every 2 years.

For Canadian-specific law details, read our Canadian drone laws guide.

FAA vs Transport Canada: Exam Content Comparison

The concepts overlap strongly (airspace, VLOS, weather, safety, giving way to aircraft), so passing one makes the other easier.

Study Resources & Tips to Pass First Try

Winning prep strategy:

1. Read the official source (FAA Airman Certification Standards / Transport Canada curriculum) first — it tells you exactly what’s tested.
2. Take one free practice test to find weak areas early.
3. Drill your weak topics using a prep course’s video lessons + question bank.
4. Take 2–3 full practice tests scoring 75%+ before the real thing.
5. Review the last-minute cram sheets (weather, airspace map, VLOS rules).

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Memorizing answers without understanding airspace diagrams (questions use charts/maps).
• Skipping weather (METARs/TAF and weather-theory questions reliably appear).
• Forgetting your registration mark on the drone and Remote ID compliance before a flight.
• Letting your certificate lapse (set a 24-month reminder).

Free resources: FAA study guide PDF, Transport Canada RPAS curriculum + video safety material, free online practice tests for both.

FAQ

How long does it take to get a drone license?

In the US you can realistically go from zero to Part 107 aircertificate within ~2–4 weeks (1–2 weeks study + test scheduling + IACRA processing). In Canada, Basic can be done in a few days (online exam); Advanced adds a flight review, so budget 1–3 weeks including scheduling.

Is the FAA Part 107 test hard?

It’s passable but not trivial. Most first-timers who prepare a week pass on the first attempt (around 70%+ pass rates with proper study). The trickiest parts are airspace classification and weather. Practice tests help enormously.

Do I need a drone license for a DJI Mini?

If it’s paid or commercial work, yes — a Part 107 (US) or a Transport Canada certificate (Canada). Sub-250g weight only removes registration in some cases; it does not remove the license/certificate requirement for commercial flying. For pure recreation with a Mini, you still pass TRUST (US) and may need the BC/certificate in Canada. See our best drones for beginners for Mini options.

Can I fly commercially with just TRUST?

No. TRUST is only for US recreational flying. Any paid work requires a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (US) or the relevant Transport Canada certificate (Canada). Flying for hire with only TRUST is a violation.

How much does a drone license cost total?

US: ~$180–$300 first year (test ~$175 + study resources $0–$100 + $5 registration), $175 renewal every 24 months. Canada: **$20–$30 for Basic**, **$200–$350 for Advanced** including the flight review, renewing ~every 24 months. These don’t include any paid prep course beyond optional ones.

What happens if my drone license expires?

You can’t legally fly commercially until you renew. For FAA Part 107, take the updated knowledge test; for Transport Canada, retake the relevant exam (and for Advanced, potentially the flight review again). Renewal is generally quicker and cheaper than the initial process.

Do I need insurance with a drone license?

Legal insurance isn’t universally required in the US (except for some Part 107 categories/operators and some flight ops), but it’s strongly recommended — and in Canada, Transport Canada recommends it and many commercial operators get it. Liability coverage protects you in the common worst case (property/people damage). Check requirements for your specific commercial operations.

Final Verdict

Getting a drone license is cheap, fast, and worth it — it unlocks real commercial work (real estate, inspections, film, mapping) and keeps you safe from heavy fines. In the US, budget ~$200 and 2–4 weeks for Part 107. In Canada, Basic is ~$30 and a couple of days; Advanced is ~$250 and a couple of weeks.

Once licensed, pick the right drone for your work — check our best drones for real estate, best thermal drones, and best follow-me drones guides to turn that license into paid flights.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.