Federally mandated since September 16, 2023 (with full enforcement starting March 16, 2024), Remote ID functions like a digital license plate for drones, broadcasting vital flight and operator information to improve safety, security, and accountability.
What Is Remote ID?
Remote ID requires drones weighing 0.55–55 lb to broadcast:
- Drone ID (serial or session ID)
- Drone location & altitude
- Control station or takeoff location
- Flight velocity
- Timestamp & emergency status
This information is transmitted via radio to nearby receivers and serves as a crucial tool for law enforcement and airspace managers.
Who Must Comply (and Who’s Exempt)?
Must comply:
- All drones between 0.55–55 lb, whether recreational or commercial.
Exemptions:
- Drones under 0.55 lb flown recreationally only.
- Flights within designated FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs).
How to Comply
Choose one of three methods:
- Standard Remote ID Drone
- Broadcast built-in, factory-compliant Remote ID.
- New drones built post-September 2022 typically include this.
- Remote ID Broadcast Module
- Attach an FAA-approved module to a non‑compliant drone.
- Module broadcasts ID and takes-off location.
- Fly Within a FRIA
- Operate without broadcasting if in a designated FAA-recognized area.
Drone Registration & Device Inventory
- In FAADroneZone, mark each registered drone or module as Remote ID compliant, and record its serial number under Parts 47 or 48.
- If using a module, include its serial number and link to the aircraft.
Compliance Timeline & Enforcement
- Mandate date: September 16, 2023.
- Enforcement began: March 16, 2024; discretionary enforcement ended.
- Violations may result in fines or pilot certification suspension.
Compliance Checklist
- Drone weighs ≥ 0.55 lb and needs Remote ID
- Option selected: Standard drone, broadcast module, or FRIA flight
- Serial number is included in the drone registry
- Power on pre-flight test passes Remote ID self-check
- Monitoring broadcast signal during flight (module users must visually observe drone)
The FAA treats Remote ID like a digital license plate for drones; non-compliance can jeopardize safety and result in penalties.
Official FAA Resources
- Remote Identification of Drones (Part 89): comprehensive FAA overview
- Remote ID Toolkit & Executive Summary: detailed resources & tech standards
- FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs): find locations and guidance
- FAADroneZone: add compliant devices via dashboard
Stay ahead of compliance—make sure your drone is broadcasting, registered, and fully Remote ID compliant before every flight!