What Is the Drone License Called? FAA Certification Guide

If you are looking for the official name of the drone license in the United States, it is called the Pilot Certificate requirements”>Remote

Understanding exactly which credential you need is the difference between flying legally and risking thousands of dollars in federal fines. While many people colloquially call it a “drone license,” the FAA views it as a professional certification. Having this card in your wallet proves you understand airspace regulations, weather patterns, and the safety protocols necessary to share the sky with manned aircraft. It is your ticket to the commercial drone industry.

The Remote Pilot Certificate: The Official Commercial Standard

The Remote Pilot Certificate is the primary legal requirement for commercial drone operations. If your flight contributes to a business or results in any form of compensation—even if you aren’t paid directly in cash—you are operating under Part 107. This certificate does not expire, though you must complete a free online recurrent training course every 24 months to keep your flight privileges active in the FAA’s database.

Core Eligibility and Requirements

To earn your Remote Pilot Certificate, you must pass the Unmanned Aircraft General (UAG) knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center. This is a proctored, 60-question exam covering topics like aeronautical charts and radio communications. Here is what you need to know about the basic eligibility requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 16 years old to apply for the certificate.
• Language: You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
• Physical/Mental State: You must be in a physical and mental condition that allows for safe drone operation.
• Vetting: You must pass a TSA security background check during the application process through the IACRA system.

What the Certificate Allows You to Do

Unlike a recreational flyer, a certified Remote Pilot can fly in various types of controlled airspace with proper authorization via LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability). This certification is mandatory for professional tasks such as high-end cinematography, agricultural mapping, and industrial inspections. It transforms your drone from a backyard toy into a regulated commercial aircraft, allowing you to legally charge for your services.

TRUST vs. Part 107: Choosing the Right Credential for Your Goals

The biggest point of confusion for new pilots is the difference between “recreational” and “commercial” flying. The FAA determines which license you need based on the intent of your flight, not the size of your drone or whether money actually changed hands. If you are flying strictly for fun or personal education, you do not need the Part 107 certificate, but you do need to pass a different requirement called TRUST.

The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)

TRUST stands for The Recreational UAS Safety Test. It is a free, online safety bridge designed for hobbyists. While often called a “hobbyist license,” it is technically a safety training requirement rather than a professional certification. If a park ranger or FAA official asks for your credentials while you are flying for fun, this completion certificate is what you must provide.

• Cost: Totally free to take through FAA-approved test providers.
• Difficulty: Significantly easier than the Part 107 exam; the test allows you to correct wrong answers as you go.
• Documentation: You receive a printable certificate immediately upon completion that never expires.

When the TRUST Completion Isn’t Enough

If you fly your drone to help a friend sell their house, or if you use aerial shots to promote a non-profit event, the FAA considers that a commercial operation. In these cases, your TRUST certificate is legally insufficient. You must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate to remain compliant. Essentially, if there is any “furtherance of a business” or any non-recreational purpose involved, you must move beyond the hobbyist level and obtain your Part 107 credential. Using a drone for work without a Part 107 certificate can result in civil penalties exceeding $30,000 per violation.

Eligibility Criteria and Legal Definitions for Drone Operators

Before you can officially call yourself a Remote Pilot, you must meet the FAA’s specific baseline requirements. These criteria ensure that everyone operating in the National Airspace System (NAS) possesses the maturity and cognitive ability to handle complex flight environments. While many people think “commercial” only refers to high-paid movie sets, the legal definition is much broader.

Who Qualifies for a Part 107 Certificate?

The FAA keeps the entry barrier reasonable, but there are four non-negotiable standards you must meet to hold a drone license:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to apply for the certificate.
• Language Proficiency: You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language (exceptions are made for certain medical conditions).
• Physical and Mental Condition: You must be in a physical and mental state that allows for the safe operation of a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS).
• Security Vetting: Every applicant must pass a background check by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Legal Definitions: Commercial vs. Recreational Use

The distinction between a “hobbyist” and a “commercial operator” often confuses new pilots. Under the FAA’s eyes, the moment a flight is flown “in furtherance of a business,” it falls under Part 107 regulations. For example, if you take photos of a friend’s house to help them sell it—even if they don’t pay you—the FAA considers that a commercial operation because the intent of the flight was for a business purpose. Similarly, volunteering your drone services for a non-profit or a church typically requires a Remote Pilot Certificate.

Maintenance and Recurrent Training for FAA Remote Pilot Certificates

Getting your Remote Pilot Certificate isn’t a “one and done” event. To keep your license active, you must stay current with evolving FAA regulations. Unlike a driver’s license, which usually lasts for years without a check-up, drone certification requires active engagement with safety updates and recurring training modules.

Keeping Your Certificate Current

Your physical certificate does not actually expire, but your authority to fly does. Every 24 calendar months, you must complete recurrent training to maintain your currency. Currently, the FAA provides this training for free through the FAASTeam website. This training covers critical updates, such as the Remote ID requirements and rules for flying over people or at night.

Record Keeping and Safety Best Practices

While the FAA doesn’t mandate a specific logbook for Part 107 pilots, keeping a detailed record is a hallmark of a professional operator. Maintaining logs is essential for insurance claims and potential FAA audits. Consider tracking the following:

• Flight Logs: Record dates, locations, flight times, and any equipment issues.
• Maintenance Logs: Note when you replace propellers, update firmware, or swap out aging batteries.
• Recurrent Training Certificates: Keep a digital and physical copy of your latest recurrent training completion for proof of currency.
• Safety Checklists: Use a pre-flight checklist every time you power up to ensure your drone accessories, like ND filters or prop guards, are secure.

Conclusion

Understanding that the official “drone license” is called a Remote Pilot Certificate is the first step in your professional journey. This certification does more than just satisfy legal requirements; it builds a foundation of safety, airspace knowledge, and operational discipline. Whether you are inspecting cell towers or capturing cinematic wedding footage, holding this FAA credential proves you are a legitimate part of the aviation community.

Next Steps: First, confirm you meet the age and eligibility requirements. Then, begin studying the FAA Airman Certification Standards to prepare for your knowledge test. The world looks better from above—get certified and start flying with confidence today!