--- title: "How to Renew Your Drone License: FAA Part 107 Guide" canonical: "https://dronenestle.com/how-to-renew-drone-license/" author: "Max Skyler" published: "2026-10-24T13:25:00+00:00" modified: "2026-09-16T13:19:31+00:00" language: "en-US" site: "Drone Nestle" description: "📌 Quick Summary Renewing your drone license is now a free, online process via the FAASafety.gov portal rather than a paid in-person exam. Pilots must…" categories: "Drone Accessories" attribution: "Drone Nestle (https://dronenestle.com/)" --- # How to Renew Your Drone License: FAA Part 107 Guide **📌 Quick Summary** **Renewing your drone license is now a free, online process** via the FAASafety.gov portal rather than a paid in-person exam. Pilots must complete the **recurrent training course every 24 calendar months** to maintain Part 107 currency and legal flight status. ## 🎯 Key Takeaways - Complete the ALC-677 online training course via the official FAASafety.gov portal. - Renewal is entirely free for existing Part 107 remote pilot certificate holders. - Recurrent training is required every 24 calendar months to maintain legal currency. - Always carry a digital or printed copy of your completion certificate while flying. - No new physical card is issued; your original certificate remains valid with proof. To renew your FAA Part 107 drone license, you must complete the free online recurrent training course known as **ALC-677** on the official FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website. Unlike the initial certification, which requires a proctored exam and a fee at a testing center, the renewal process is entirely digital, costs nothing, and can be finished from your home computer. Once you complete the training and pass the online knowledge check, you are legally cleared to continue commercial operations for another 24 months. ![How To Renew Drone License - Complete Guide and Information](https://dronenestle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/how-to-renew-drone-license-featured.webp) *How To Renew Drone License* Maintaining currency is not just a legal formality; it is a critical requirement for insurance coverage and authorization to fly in controlled airspace. Since the FAA updated the rules in 2021, this renewal process also grants you the legal authority to fly at night and over people without a specific waiver, provided your drone meets the necessary hardware requirements. If you let your currency lapse, your certificate remains valid, but your *privileges* to fly are suspended until the training is complete. ## Understanding Part 107 Recurrent Training Requirements The FAA does not technically “expire” your [pilot](https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot/renew_certificate) certificate renewal process”>Remote Pilot Certificate, but it does expire your “aeronautical knowledge currency.” To stay legal, you must complete recurrent training every **24 calendar months**. This “calendar month” distinction is important: if you passed your initial exam on September 10th, 2022, your currency remains valid through September 30th, 2024. You have until the final day of that 24th month to complete your renewal. ![Understanding Part 107 Recurrent Training Requirem - How To Renew Drone License](https://www.dronelicense.eu/cdn/shop/files/a1-a3certificaatv1-01.jpg?v=1701719088) *Understanding Part 107 Recurrent Training Requirem* ### Eligibility and Necessary Documentation Before you begin the online training, ensure you meet the basic eligibility requirements and have your documentation ready. The renewal process is significantly streamlined compared to the initial application, but you still need specific data points to link your training to your existing airman record. - **Existing Certificate:** You must already hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. If you have lost your physical card, you can still renew as long as you know your certificate number. - **FAA Tracking Number (FTN):** While the training happens on the FAASTeam portal, having your FTN from the IACRA system handy is helpful for ensuring your profiles are synced. - **Part 61 Distinction:** If you are a current “manned” aircraft pilot with a current flight review under Part 61, your renewal process is even shorter (Course ALC-451), though most commercial drone pilots will use the standard ALC-677 course. ### What the Training Covers The recurrent training is not a repeat of the initial 60-question exam. Instead, it focuses on regulatory updates and high-risk operational areas. You will be tested on the latest rules regarding **Remote ID**, flying at night (including anti-collision light requirements), and the four categories of operations over people. You will also review airspace classifications, weather sources, and emergency procedures. The goal is to ensure you are operating under the most current safety standards without the overhead of a proctored environment. ## FAA Part 107 Made Easy: Your Essential Action Plan Operating a drone commercially requires more than just a steady hand and a high-quality camera; it requires a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. However, unlike a driver’s license that lasts for years, your drone currency expires every 24 calendar months. Staying compliant is vital to ensure your insurance remains valid and you avoid hefty federal fines. This guide covers the modern, streamlined online renewal process introduced by the FAA, which allows existing pilots to maintain their flight privileges from the comfort of their own homes without paying a testing center fee. Following these steps ensures you remain a legal, professional operator in the eyes of the Federal Aviation Administration. ### Step 1: Verify Your Currency Status and Eligibility **What you need:** Your physical Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107 card) and a calendar. **Instructions:** Before you begin the renewal process, you must determine exactly when your currency lapses. Look at the “Date of Issue” on your current plastic FAA certificate. Your “recurrent training” must be completed within 24 calendar months of that date. For example, if your certificate was issued on September 10, 2022, your currency remains valid through September 30, 2024. You can complete the renewal training at any point during your “window,” but completing it early does not “reset” your 24-month clock to an earlier date; the new 24-month period begins from the month you pass the recurrent exam. Ensure your name and address on file with the FAA are current before proceeding. **Pro Tip:** Check your Part 107 card for the “Certificate Number.” You will need this specific number to link your training results to your official FAA airman record later in the process. ### Step 2: Create or Update Your FAASTeam Account **What you need:** A valid email address and your FAA Airman Certificate number. **Instructions:** The renewal process is hosted on the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website, which is separate from the IACRA system you used for your initial application. Navigate to *faasafety.gov*. If you do not have an account, click on “Create an Account.” It is critical that the name you use for this account matches the name on your Remote Pilot Certificate exactly. If you already have an account but haven’t used it in two years, use the “Forgot Password” link to regain access. Once logged in, go to your profile settings and ensure your Airman Certificate number is correctly entered in the “Preferences” or “Airman Profile” section to ensure the system recognizes you as a Part 107 holder. **Pro Tip:** Use the same email address you used for your original IACRA application to prevent data synchronization errors between the FAA’s various databases. ### Step 3: Locate and Enroll in the Correct Recurrent Course **What you need:** A computer with a stable internet connection and a compatible browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended). **Instructions:** Once logged into the FAASTeam website, click on the “Activities, Courses, & Seminars” tab at the top of the page, then select “Courses.” In the search bar, type “ALC-677.” This is the specific course ID for “Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Recurrent and Initial.” You will see several options; ensure you select the one specifically designed for “Part 107 Remote Pilots” (rather than the version for Part 61 rated pilots). Click on the “Enroll” button. This course is free of charge and covers the updated [regulations](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-107), including operations over people, operations at night, and remote identification (Remote ID) requirements. **Pro Tip:** Avoid searching for “Drone License Renewal” as it may bring up third-party paid sites; always look for the official “ALC-677” designation to ensure you are on the free FAA portal. ### Step 4: Complete the Online Training Modules **What you need:** Approximately 2 hours of focused time and a way to take notes (digital or physical notebook). **Instructions:** The training is divided into several chapters covering critical safety topics. You must click through each slide and watch any embedded videos. Topics include Airspace Classifications, Weather, Loading and Performance, and Emergency Procedures. Pay special attention to the new sections regarding “Operations Over People” and “Moving Vehicles,” as these regulations were significantly updated in 2021. The system tracks your progress, so you can stop and start if needed. However, it is best to complete the training in one sitting to keep the technical information fresh for the end-of-course exam. You cannot skip the slides; the “Next” button usually remains greyed out until the minimum time for the slide has passed. **Pro Tip:** Take screenshots of the “VFR Sectional Chart” examples and the “Weather Briefing” slides, as these are frequently used as reference materials for the final exam questions. ### Step 5: Pass the Recurrent Knowledge Assessment **What you need:** A quiet environment and your notes from the training modules. **Instructions:** After finishing the modules, you will be prompted to take the exam. The assessment typically consists of 45 to 50 multiple-choice questions. Unlike the initial proctored exam at a testing center, this is an “open book” style test. However, the FAA requires a score of 100% to pass. If you answer a question incorrectly, the system will mark it, provide a reference to the correct material, and allow you to change your answer. You must continue reviewing and correcting your answers until every single question is correct. Take your time to read each question carefully, as the FAA often uses “distractor” answers that look nearly identical to the correct ones. **Pro Tip:** If you are stuck on a question regarding airspace, refer to the Digital Terminal Procedures Supplement or the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, both of which are available for free on the FAA website. ### Step 6: Download and Save Your Certificate of Achievement **What you need:** A PDF reader and a secure digital storage location (like Google Drive or Dropbox). **Instructions:** Once you achieve a 100% score, you will be redirected to a “Course Graduation” page. Click the button labeled “Download/Print Certificate of Achievement.” This document is your legal proof of currency. It will contain your name, the course name (ALC-677), the date of completion, and a unique certificate number. The FAA no longer sends out a new plastic card for renewals; instead, your original card combined with this new certificate constitutes a valid license. Save the PDF with a clear file name like “Part107_Renewal_2024_YourName.pdf” and ensure it is accessible on your mobile device for field inspections. **Pro Tip:** Also download the “Course Transcript” from your FAASTeam dashboard. This provides an extra layer of verification if there is ever a discrepancy in the FAA’s central records. ### Step 7: Update Your Documentation and Logbooks **What you need:** Your flight logbook (digital or physical) and your drone’s flight bag. **Instructions:** Professional drone pilots must maintain records of their currency. In your pilot logbook, create an entry for “Recurrent Training Completed” and note the date and the ALC-677 certificate number. If you use flight management software like DroneDeploy, AirData, or Aloft, update your pilot profile with the new expiration date (24 months from the current completion). Finally, print a physical copy of your Certificate of Achievement. Fold it and tuck it into the same lanyard or wallet that holds your plastic Remote Pilot Certificate. Under FAA Part 107.7, you must be able to present this certificate to any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer upon request. **Pro Tip:** Laminate your printed certificate or use a heavy-duty plastic sleeve. Field inspections often happen in windy or damp conditions where a standard piece of paper can easily be destroyed. ### Step 8: Final Compliance Check (Remote ID and Registration) **What you need:** Access to the FAA DroneZone website. **Instructions:** While your personal pilot license is now renewed, you must ensure your equipment is also compliant. Log into *dronezone.faa.gov* and check that your drone registrations are still active (registrations expire every 3 years). Ensure that each drone is equipped with a Remote ID broadcast module or has built-in Remote ID capabilities that are properly registered with their serial numbers in the FAA system. If you have replaced a drone since your last renewal, you must delete the old one and register the new one. Check that your registration number is still clearly visible on the exterior of the aircraft, as per FAA requirements. **Pro Tip:** Double-check the serial number for your Remote ID. This is often different from the aircraft’s serial number and must be entered correctly for your drone to be “compliant” during a ramp check. ### ✅ Final Checklist - Verified that the FAASTeam account name matches the Remote Pilot Certificate exactly. - Completed all modules of the ALC-677 course and achieved a 100% exam score. - Downloaded and saved a digital PDF copy of the Certificate of Achievement. - Printed a physical copy of the certificate to carry during all flight operations. - Updated flight logs and set a calendar reminder for 24 months from today. **Important Notes:** - **Safety First:** Renewal training is not just a formality; it contains vital updates on flying over people and at night. Review these sections thoroughly to avoid accidents. - **Professional Help:** If your certificate was revoked or suspended for a violation, the online renewal will not work. You must contact your local FSDO (Flight Standards District Office). - **Estimated Time:** 2 to 3 hours. - **Cost Range:** $0 (The official FAA online renewal is free for existing Part 107 holders). ## FAA Portal Navigation: FAASafety vs. IACRA Differences One of the most confusing aspects of renewal is knowing which FAA website to use. Many pilots mistakenly go to **IACRA** (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) expecting a renewal button. However, for Part 107 renewals, IACRA is only used for the initial application or to request a replacement physical card. The actual renewal training and testing live exclusively on the **FAASTeam website** (FAASafety.gov). ![FAA Portal Navigation FAASafety vs IACRA Differenc - How To Renew Drone License](https://robots.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/how-long-does-a-drone-license-last-1697619848.jpg) *FAA Portal Navigation FAASafety vs IACRA Differenc* ### The Official Renewal Link: FAASafety.gov To start your renewal, navigate directly to [FAASafety.gov](https://www.faasafety.gov/). This is the FAA’s primary portal for pilot proficiency and safety education. If you do not have an account here, you must create one using the same email address associated with your original drone license to ensure the systems talk to each other correctly. Once logged in, you will search the “Activities, Courses, & Seminars” tab for course code **ALC-677**, titled “Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent Non-Part 61 Pilots.” ### Step-by-Step Portal Navigation Navigating the FAASTeam portal can be unintuitive. Follow these steps to find the correct exam module: 1. **Log in:** Access your account at FAASafety.gov. 2. **Search:** Click the “Courses” tab at the top of the homepage. 3. **Filter:** Type “ALC-677” into the search box. Do not just search “drone,” as dozens of irrelevant seminars will appear. 4. **Enroll:** Click on the course title and select the “Enroll” button. This adds the course to your personal dashboard. 5. **Review Material:** The course is broken into several chapters. You must click through each one; the system tracks your progress to ensure you’ve viewed the required safety data. ### Avoiding the IACRA Confusion It is vital to understand that **you do not need to submit a new application in IACRA** after finishing the online training. In the past, pilots had to log into IACRA to “apply” for renewal after their test. Under the current system, your **Certificate of Completion** from FAASafety.gov serves as your proof of currency. You simply print the certificate and carry it with your original permanent Remote Pilot card whenever you are flying. If a law enforcement officer or FAA inspector asks for your credentials, you present both the plastic card and the digital or printed renewal certificate. ## Documentation and Proof of Currency Standards Once you have completed your recurrent training, the way you prove your status as a remote pilot changes slightly. Unlike your initial certification where you received a hard plastic card in the mail, the renewal process via the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website results in a digital **Completion Certificate**. This document is your primary proof that you are legally “current” to operate drones for commercial purposes. ### Maintaining Your Digital and Physical Records It is a common misconception that the FAA will send you a new plastic license every two years. In reality, your original Part 107 certificate remains valid indefinitely, but it is only “active” when paired with a current training certificate. You must be able to produce this documentation upon request from the FAA or law enforcement. - **Keep a Digital Copy:** Save a PDF of your completion certificate on your smartphone or in a cloud folder (like Dropbox or Google Drive) that you can access offline while in the field. - **Print a Physical Backup:** Laminate a small version of your certificate and keep it inside your drone’s carrying case. This ensures you are prepared even if your phone battery dies. - **Log Your Training:** Note the completion date in your pilot logbook. This helps you track the exact month your currency expires 24 calendar months later. ### Verification During On-Site Inspections If an FAA official or a law enforcement officer asks for your credentials, you need to present two specific items: your original *Remote Pilot Certificate* (the plastic card) and your *Recurrent Training Certificate*. Many professional pilots also choose to carry a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, to verify their identity alongside these documents. *Pro tip:* Many clients will also ask to see these documents before hiring you for a high-value gig, so keeping them organized is a mark of a true professional. ## Consequences of Expired Remote Pilot Certification Flying with an expired Part 107 license is a risk that simply isn’t worth taking. Because the FAA has made the renewal process free and accessible online, they have very little leniency for pilots who fail to maintain their currency. Operating without a valid license can lead to severe personal and financial setbacks that could end your drone career prematurely. ### Financial Penalties and Legal Liability The FAA has the authority to issue significant civil penalties for unauthorized drone operations. These fines can reach thousands of dollars per violation. Furthermore, if you are involved in an accident while your license is expired, you could face **personal liability**. Without a valid certificate, you are essentially operating illegally, which significantly weakens your position in any legal dispute or investigation. - **Civil Fines:** Individual fines for flying without currency can be a major financial burden for small business owners. - **Insurance Invalidity:** Most drone insurance policies (including hull and liability coverage) require the pilot to be legally current. If you crash while expired, your insurance provider will likely deny your claim. - **Certificate Suspension:** The FAA may choose to suspend or revoke your Part 107 certificate entirely if they find a pattern of non-compliance. ### Impact on Professional Reputation and Opportunities In the drone industry, reputation is everything. Professional organizations, government agencies, and corporate clients perform “due diligence” before awarding contracts. If a potential client discovers your currency has lapsed, it signals a lack of professionalism and attention to detail. Practical examples include photographers being barred from real estate shoots or construction sites because they couldn’t provide a valid training certificate. Staying current isn’t just about following the law; it is about protecting your brand and ensuring you never have to turn down a lucrative job because of a missed deadline. ## Conclusion Renewing your drone license is no longer the hurdle it once was. By staying informed about documentation standards and understanding the serious risks associated with an expired certificate, you can ensure your drone business remains compliant and protected. Remember that your currency lasts for 24 calendar months, and the responsibility to track that timeframe rests entirely on your shoulders. Professionalism in the skies begins with the paperwork on the ground. **Actionable Next Steps:** - Check the “Date Issued” on your current certificate and add a calendar reminder for 22 months from that date. - Create a dedicated folder on your mobile device for all FAA-related documentation for quick access during flights. *Don’t wait until the last minute—take control of your certification today so you can focus on what you do best: capturing incredible aerial data and imagery safely!* ## ❓ Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the difference between the initial exam and recurrent training? The initial exam requires an in-person proctored test at a Knowledge Testing Center and a fee, while renewal is a free online safety course. The online version focuses on updated regulations and operating rules rather than foundational aeronautical knowledge. ### Which specific FAA course do I need to take for renewal? You should enroll in the Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent (ALC-677) course on FAASafety.gov. Ensure you are logged into your account so your completion is properly recorded in the FAA database for inspectors to verify. ### Do I need to use the IACRA system during the renewal process? Unlike the initial application, the online recurrent training does not require a new IACRA application or a temporary certificate. You simply need to maintain the certificate of completion from the FAASafety portal as proof of currency. ### What documents must I carry to prove my license is current? You must carry your original Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and a copy of your most recent recurrent training completion certificate. These can be digital copies stored on your mobile device or physical printouts. ### Is there a grace period if my Part 107 currency expires? No, there is no grace period for drone pilots; if your 24 months have passed, you cannot legally fly for commercial purposes. You must complete the online training before your next flight to return to compliant status. ### How long does the online renewal training typically take? Most pilots complete the ALC-677 course and the accompanying quiz in approximately two hours. The course allows you to review material as needed, and you must achieve a 100% score on the quiz to pass.