The FAA's policy for exercising discretion in determining whether to take enforcement action for drone operators who were not able to comply with the Remote ID Rule ends on March 16, 2024.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Remote ID enforcement date started September 16, 2023, however, they released a policy for exercising discretion in determining whether to take enforcement action for drone operators who were not able to comply with the Remote ID rule by that date. This discretionary period ends March 16, 2024. Operators who do not comply after March 16, 2024 could face fines and suspension or revocation of their drone pilot certificates.
What is Remote ID?
Remote ID applies to drones which are required to be registered or have been registered with the FAA, including those flown for recreation, business, or public safety, and drones that are foreign-registered.
Why is Remote ID Necessary?
Remote ID lays the foundation of the safety and security groundwork needed for more complex drone operations. The FAA has communicated that Remote ID is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the national airspace system by distinguishing compliant airspace users from those potentially posing a safety or security risk. Remote ID also helps to lay the foundation for routine advanced operations such as package delivery and flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). If a drone appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where it is not allowed to fly, Remote ID also helps the FAA, law enforcement, and other federal agencies locate the control station.
What Does Compliance Look Like?
There are three ways to comply with Remote ID:
1 - Operate a Standard Remote ID Drone -- a drone produced with built-in Remote broadcast capabilities; or
2 - Operate a Drone with a Remote ID Broadcast Module – a device with Remote ID broadcast capabilities that can be attached to the drone; or
3 - Operate at an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) – areas where drones without Remote ID broadcast capabilities have been approved to operate.
Image source: Federal Aviation Association
How Do I Know if My Drone Is Remote ID Compliant?
1 - Go to the FAA UAS Declaration of Compliance website
2 - Click on “View Public DOC List”
3 - Filter by “RID” and “Accepted”
4 - Search for your drone or broadcast module
Even if advertised as "Remote ID ready" or uses other verbiage, ONLY drones or broadcast modules listed on the FAA DOC List are in compliance with the rule.
Does My Drone Registration Have to Be Updated with Remote ID Information?
Yes, if your drone or broadcast module is listed on the public DOC list, you need to register or update your existing drone registration with Remote ID information through the FAA DroneZone. You will need to include the standard Remote ID drone or Remote ID broadcast module serial number. The Remote ID serial number is not the same as your drone's serial number. Be sure to check with the manufacturer of your drone for additional information.
Recreational UAS pilots only need to register once and can apply that registration number to multiple aircraft. They can list one Remote ID broadcast module serial number and move the broadcast module from drone to drone as long as it is listed on the same registration.
Professional Part 107 pilots need to register each drone individually. Each drone must have its own Standard Remote ID or Remote ID broadcast module serial number.
Are There Any Exceptions to The Remote ID Rule?
Only two exceptions will be made to the Remote ID rule:
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Drones that weigh less than .55 pounds AND will be flown only for recreational purposes do not have to comply with Remote ID requirements.
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If you fly ONLY in an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) you do not have to comply with Remote ID requirements.
If you have additional questions, be sure to review these other helpful articles and websites:
- Remote ID Requirements: What Schools Need to Know
- Remote ID: Resources to Review
- Remote ID: Commercial Requirements
- Official FAA Remote ID Webpage
- UAS Support Center
Public safety officials can visit the FAA's compliance program website to learn more about enforcement. Additional authoritative guidance is also available at the FAA's Public Safety and Government webpage.
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