How to Get Your Commercial Drone License: Country-by-Country Guide

Commercial Drone Licensing: Why Getting It Right Matters

Operating a drone commercially without the correct authorization is not a gray area. In most countries, it is a criminal offense that can result in fines ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars, equipment confiscation, and in some jurisdictions, imprisonment. More practically, it prevents you from securing client contracts — any professional client will require proof of certification before authorizing a flight.

The specific requirements for commercial drone work vary enormously by country. A certificate that authorizes you to fly commercially in the United States provides no authority in the United Kingdom, Australia, or Japan. If you plan to operate internationally, you will need to research and comply with each jurisdiction independently.

This guide covers the major markets where drone services businesses are most active.

United States: FAA Part 107

Overview

In the United States, commercial drone operations fall under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 107. The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the mandatory credential for anyone flying a drone commercially — which includes any flight where you receive payment or compensation, create content for commercial use, or fly for an employer.

Who Needs Part 107

• Drone photographers and videographers accepting payment
• Real estate aerial photographers
• Inspection pilots working for companies
• Agricultural service operators
• Anyone flying as part of a commercial enterprise

Note: Flying for a government agency in an official capacity may have different requirements. Research the specific regulations that apply to public agency UAS operations.

Eligibility Requirements

• At least 16 years of age
• Able to read, write, speak, and understand English
• In a physical and mental condition to safely operate a small UAS
• Must pass a TSA security threat assessment (processed automatically)

The Part 107 Knowledge Test

The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions with a 120-minute time limit. A score of 70% (42/60) is required to pass. The $175 fee is paid to the testing center (administered by PSI).

Major exam topic areas:

How to Prepare

Recommended study path:

1. Online course (15–20 hours): Providers like Pilot Institute, Drone Launch Academy, and King Schools offer structured video curricula. Budget $50–$150 for a quality course.
2. FAA study guide: The free Remote Pilot Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22) is comprehensive and directly aligned with exam content.
3. Practice tests: Score consistently above 85% on practice exams before booking the real test. Multiple free practice test banks are available online.
4. Sectional chart study: Airspace questions are the most commonly failed area. Spend dedicated time on chart interpretation.

Realistic study timeline: 15–30 hours over 2–4 weeks for someone with no aviation background.

After Passing

1. Create an IACRA account at iacra.faa.gov
2. Submit your Part 107 application using your test score report
3. Wait for TSA clearance (typically 1–2 weeks)
4. Receive a temporary certificate by email; permanent certificate arrives by mail within 6–8 weeks

Certificate Renewal

Part 107 certificates expire every 24 months. Renewal options:

• Pass the recurrent knowledge test at a PSI testing center ($175, 40 questions)
• Complete the free FAA WINGS recurrent training online at faasafety.gov

Operational Limits Under Part 107

United Kingdom: CAA Drone Certification

Overview

Following Brexit, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) operates its own drone regulatory framework, independent of the EU system. Commercial drone operations in the UK require Flyer ID plus appropriate category authorization and, for most commercial work, an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC).

The UK Drone Registration System

All operators flying drones over 250g must register with the CAA and obtain:

• Operator ID: Required for anyone responsible for a drone, renewed annually (£10.33/year)
• Flyer ID: Required for pilots who control drones in flight; requires passing a free online theory test

The A2 Certificate of Competency

For commercial operations in the A2 subcategory (within 50 metres of uninvolved persons), the A2 CofC is the primary commercial credential.

Requirements:

• Pass the A2 CofC theory exam (70 multiple-choice questions, £150–£200 exam fee)
• Complete a self-assessment practical skills declaration
• Hold a valid Flyer ID

A2 CofC covers:

• Flying drones over 500g within 50m of uninvolved persons (reduced to 30m in slow mode)
• Commercial aerial photography and videography for standard operations

GVC (General Visual Line of Sight Certificate)

For operations in the Specific Category — higher risk operations, flights beyond visual line of sight, or operations over crowds — pilots need a GVC qualification.

• Required for complex commercial operations
• Involves ground school training and practical assessment
• Issued by CAA-approved National Qualified Entities (NQEs)
• Cost: £500–£1,500 depending on training provider

Key Operational Rules (UK)

• Maximum altitude: 120m (approximately 400 feet) AGL
• Minimum distance from uninvolved persons: 50m standard, 30m in A2 slow mode
• Remote ID required for most drone categories
• No overflight of congested areas or crowds without specific authorization

European Union: EU Drone Regulations

Overview

The EU has implemented a harmonized drone regulatory framework across member states, administered through the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This framework applies to all EU member states, though some national variations exist for specific operational categories.

The Three Categories

Open Category: Low-risk standard operations within predefined rules. No authorization required.

Specific Category: Higher-risk operations requiring a risk assessment and either a standard scenario authorization or a SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) approval.

Certified Category: Highest-risk operations analogous to manned aviation certification requirements.

Subcategories Within Open Category

Getting Certified in the EU

For A1/A3 operations:

1. Register with your national aviation authority
2. Pass the free online theory test (open/basic category)
3. Receive operator registration number and flyer certificate

For A2 operations (most commercial photography work):

1. Complete the online A2 theory training
2. Pass the A2 CofC theory exam (administered by national authority)
3. Complete a self-declaration of practical skills
4. Receive A2 CofC from your national authority

Cost: €30–€150 depending on the member state’s fee structure.

Notable Country-Specific Variations

• France: Requires specific national authorization for certain urban operations; robust enforcement by Direction générale de l’aviation civile (DGAC)
• Germany: Strict noise and privacy regulations; some Länder have additional local restrictions
• Italy: ENAC (Ente Nazionale per l’Aviazione Civile) maintains additional national requirements; urban flying is heavily restricted
• Spain: AESA requires formal operator authorization for commercial work beyond basic A1/A3

Canada: Transport Canada RPAS Certification

Overview

In Canada, commercial drone operations are regulated by Transport Canada under the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) regulations, which came into force in June 2019.

Basic vs. Advanced Operations

Basic Operations: Drone weighing 250g–25kg, flying in uncontrolled airspace (Class G), VLOS, not over bystanders, more than 30m horizontally from bystanders.

Advanced Operations: Flying in controlled airspace, over bystanders, or in other complex scenarios requires the Advanced RPAS Certificate.

Advanced RPAS Certificate Requirements

1. Pass the RPAS Advanced online exam (50 questions, 80% pass rate required, $10 CAD fee)
2. Pass the flight review conducted by a Transport Canada-approved drone pilot examiner (in-person assessment of flight skills and knowledge)

Cost: Exam $10; flight review approximately $150–$400 depending on examiner

Note: Unlike the US Part 107, Canada requires a practical flight skills assessment — not just a written exam. Pilots must demonstrate actual flying competency to an examiner.

Key Canadian Rules

• Controlled airspace operations: Require NAV CANADA authorization through the NAV DRONE portal or NOTAM
• Remote ID: Required for drones subject to registration
• Drone registration: Required for drones 250g and above used commercially
• Flying near airports: Strict distance requirements; RPAS Advisory System provides real-time authorization

Australia: CASA Drone Licensing

Overview

Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates commercial drone operations under Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) Part 101 and Part 102.

The RPA Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) and RePL

RPA Operator’s Certificate (ReOC): Required for businesses providing commercial drone services. The operator takes on safety management responsibility.

Remote Pilot Licence (RePL): Required for pilots flying commercially under an ReOC.

Getting a RePL

1. Complete accredited training with a CASA-approved aeronautical knowledge examiner (AKE)
2. Pass the Remote Pilot Licence theory exam
3. Complete practical flight training and assessment
4. Submit application to CASA

Cost: $500–$2,000 depending on the training provider. CASA registration fees are additional.

Note: Australia has a more formal training pathway than most countries, requiring completion of a structured training course with a registered training organization.

Excluded Operations (No RePL Required)

CASA provides specific exemptions for lower-risk commercial operations through the Standard Exclusions framework:

• Aircraft under 2kg operating in specific conditions
• Operations during daylight, VLOS, below 120m AGL, away from people and sensitive areas

These exclusions cover many photography and inspection operations for small drones but have important limitations.

Other Major Markets: Quick Reference

Flying Internationally: What You Need to Know

No commercial drone certificate is globally recognized. Operating commercially in a country where you are not certified is equivalent to operating without authorization in that country. Before international commercial work:

1. Research the specific country’s requirements at least 60–90 days in advance — some authorizations take weeks to obtain
2. Register your drone with the destination country’s aviation authority if required
3. Obtain the required certificate or authorization — some countries offer temporary operating permits for foreign pilots
4. Check import/export restrictions — some countries restrict the import of drones with encrypted communications or certain sensor types
5. Research airspace restrictions around your planned operating areas — capital cities, military zones, and border regions often have additional restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a US Part 107 certificate valid in other countries?

No. Part 107 is a US-specific credential that authorizes commercial operations only within US airspace. Each country has its own regulatory framework. Operating commercially abroad without the correct local authorization violates that country’s aviation law regardless of your US certification status.

How long does it take to get commercially certified?

In the US, most pilots complete Part 107 within 3–6 weeks from starting study to receiving their certificate. In countries requiring practical assessments (Canada, Australia), the process typically takes 6–12 weeks, including scheduling the flight review or training course. EU A2 CofC typically takes 2–4 weeks.

Can I fly commercially in the EU if I am a non-EU citizen?

Yes, but you must comply with the destination country’s registration and certification requirements. EU member state national aviation authorities issue certifications to non-EU nationals. Some countries have simplified processes for foreign pilots; others require full local certification.

What happens if I fly commercially without a license?

In the United States, the FAA can impose civil fines up to $27,500 per violation for commercial operations without Part 107 certification. The UK CAA and European national authorities have similar enforcement powers. In some countries, criminal prosecution and equipment confiscation are possible consequences.

Summary: Commercial Drone Licensing at a Glance

Getting commercially certified takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on your country and the complexity of the required assessment. The investment is necessary — not just for legal compliance, but for building a professional reputation that serious commercial clients require before awarding contracts.