Under the rules in force from January 2026, the general outdoor registration requirements are:

• Less than 100g: neither ID is legally required, although obtaining a Flyer ID is recommended.
• 100g to less than 250g without a camera: a Flyer ID is required, while an Operator ID is optional.
• 100g to less than 250g with a camera: both a Flyer ID and Operator ID are required.
• 250g to less than 25kg: both a Flyer ID and Operator ID are required.

Different or additional requirements may apply to more advanced operations and aircraft with particular class markings.

What is a Drone Flyer ID?

A Flyer ID demonstrates that an individual has passed the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) online theory test and understands the basic requirements for flying a drone safely and legally. It enables the holder to undertake basic low-risk flying within the Open Category where a Flyer ID is required. The CAA theory test is free to take and a Flyer ID is currently valid for five years. A Flyer ID does not provide authorisation for every type of drone operation. Further qualifications or a CAA Operational Authorisation may be required depending on the aircraft and proposed operation.

What is a Drone Operator ID?

An Operator ID identifies the person or organisation responsible for managing and maintaining a drone or model aircraft. The operator is often the owner of the aircraft, although this is not always the case. The operator is responsible for ensuring that the drone is properly maintained, appropriately labelled with the Operator ID rather than the Flyer ID, and operated safely and legally. The operator must also ensure that anyone flying the aircraft has the appropriate level of competency. An Operator ID can be used across multiple drones for which the same individual or organisation is responsible.

What's the Difference Between an Operator ID and Flyer ID?

The easiest way to understand the difference is to think about responsibility. The Flyer ID relates to the person actually flying the aircraft. The Operator ID relates to the individual or organisation responsible for the aircraft. In many situations the same person will be both the flyer and the operator and will therefore hold both IDs. For businesses and other organisations, however, the organisation may hold the Operator ID while individual remote pilots hold their own appropriate qualifications or Flyer IDs where required.

How Do You Get a Flyer ID?

To obtain a Flyer ID, users complete the CAA’s online theory test. The test is designed to demonstrate an understanding of how to operate a drone safely and legally. The CAA recommends preparing for the test by studying the Drone and Model Aircraft Code and associated guidance. At the time of writing, the Flyer ID test is free and the resulting ID is valid for five years. There is no minimum age for obtaining a Flyer ID, although children under 13 must register and take the test with a parent or guardian.

How Do You Get an Operator ID?

Anyone who needs an Operator ID can register through the Civil Aviation Authority. An individual must be aged 18 or over to obtain an Operator ID. Organisations responsible for drones can register for an organisation Operator ID and nominate an accountable manager. At the time of writing, an Operator ID costs £12.34 and is valid for one year. It must be renewed annually. Because fees and regulatory requirements can change, operators should always check the latest CAA guidance before flying.

Moving Beyond Recreational Drone Flying

Operator IDs and Flyer IDs provide an important starting point for understanding the UK’s drone regulatory environment. However, advanced UAS operations can involve additional requirements around Operational Authorisations, risk assessment, flight planning, airspace coordination and system validation. Organisations developing complex drone operations may therefore need access to specialist aviation expertise and controlled environments in which aircraft and operational procedures can be safely tested.

From Drone Flying to Advanced UAS Operations

Drone Certification Agency supports organisations developing advanced UAS capabilities from its CAA Pre-assessed Test Site at Portland Heliport in Dorset. From flight testing and system integration to BVLOS development and operational trials, DCA provides a professional aviation environment in which the next generation of unmanned aircraft operations can be developed and evaluated. The Portland site is currently pre-assessed by the CAA for VLOS operations, including BVLOS with visual mitigation. Other BVLOS activity remains subject to the appropriate Operational Authorisation and airspace arrangements.