If you want to fly a drone for money in the United States, you need one thing first: the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. It doesn’t matter if you’re shooting real estate photos, inspecting rooftops, mapping farmland, or filming weddings if a drone flight helps a business in any way, the FAA says you need this certificate. Flying just for fun does not require it, but almost everything else does.
A lot of people put off getting their FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate because they think it’s complicated, expensive, or only for “real pilots.” It isn’t. There’s no flight test, no medical exam, and no age limit beyond being at least 16. You study, you sit for one exam, you pass a background check, and the certificate is yours for life no renewal fee, no annual dues. This guide walks through everything, from who actually needs the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate to what the test covers, how much it costs, and how to keep your certificate active once you have it.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is, why it matters, and the fastest, cheapest way to earn one in 2026. We’ll also cover common mistakes people make, real costs (not guesses), and a simple study plan you can follow even if you’ve never studied aviation in your life.
What Is the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate?
The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is a federal license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration that allows someone to legally fly drones for work. Its full official name is the “Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating,” but almost everyone just calls it “Part 107” or a “drone license.”
Think of it like a driver’s license, but for the sky. Just as you can’t legally drive a delivery truck without a license, you can’t legally fly a drone for a paying client without this certificate.
The rule comes from a section of federal aviation law called 14 CFR Part 107, which is why the certificate carries that name. It was created in 2016 specifically to open the door for commercial drone use before that, businesses needed special one-off waivers just to fly.
Who Actually Needs This Certificate?
Here’s where people get confused. The FAA doesn’t just ask “did money change hands?” It asks whether the flight served any purpose beyond pure fun. That means the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is required if you are:
- A real estate agent or photographer taking aerial listing photos
- A farmer or agronomist mapping crop health
- A roofer, contractor, or inspector checking a building from above
- A YouTuber or influencer using drone footage to grow a monetized channel
- A wedding or event videographer capturing paid shoots
- A search-and-rescue volunteer, journalist, or surveyor using a drone on the job
- A nonprofit or church using a drone to promote events or fundraising
You do not need the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate if you’re flying purely for personal enjoyment with no business purpose. In that case, you only need to pass a free, short online safety course called TRUST. But the moment a flight supports a business, a brand, or any kind of compensation, Part 107 applies.
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate: Eligibility Requirements
Before you can apply for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, you need to meet a short list of basic requirements. The good news: almost anyone can qualify.
| Requirement | Details |
| Age | Must be at least 16 years old |
| Language | Able to read, speak, write, and understand English |
| Physical/Mental Fitness | Must be fit enough to safely operate a drone |
| Knowledge Test | Must pass the FAA’s aeronautical knowledge exam |
| Background Check | Must clear a TSA security vetting review |
That’s it. There’s no citizenship requirement, no medical certificate, no flight-hour minimum, and no college degree needed. This makes the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate far more accessible than a traditional pilot’s license.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Getting your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate follows a clear five-step path. Here’s exactly what to do, in order.
Step 1: Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
Before you register for the test, you need to create an account on the FAA’s IACRA system (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) at iacra.faa.gov. This gives you a Tracking Number, which you’ll use throughout the whole application process for your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Step 2: Study for the Knowledge Test
This is the step that takes the most time and effort. Most people spend somewhere between 15 and 40 hours studying, depending on how familiar they already are with aviation topics. We’ll cover exactly what to study below.
Step 3: Schedule and Pass the Knowledge Test
The exam is officially called the “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)” test. It’s administered in person at approved PSI testing centers across the country. You’ll need to bring a government-issued photo ID and your FTN number on test day.
Step 4: Complete FAA Form 8710-13
Once you pass the exam, you’ll log back into IACRA and complete an application form (FAA Form 8710-13), entering your test results and personal details.
Step 5: Pass the TSA Background Check and Receive Your Certificate
The Transportation Security Administration runs a routine security background check. Once that clears, usually within a few weeks, the FAA emails you a temporary certificate you can print, and mails the permanent plastic card later.
What’s on the FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test?
The exam tied to your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate has 60 multiple-choice questions, and you have 120 minutes to finish. You need to score at least 70% (42 correct answers) to pass.
The test pulls from eight main knowledge areas:
- Regulations: Rules about airspace, registration, and operating limits
- Airspace classification: Understanding controlled vs. uncontrolled airspace
- Weather: How to read weather reports and understand how conditions affect flight
- Loading and performance: How weight and balance affect a drone
- Emergency procedures: What to do if something goes wrong mid-flight
- Crew resource management: Communication and decision-making
- Radio communication procedures: How pilots talk to air traffic control when needed
- Physiological effects: How fatigue, drugs, alcohol, and stress affect performance
If you fail, don’t panic, you can retake the test after a 14-day waiting period.
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate Cost Breakdown
One of the most common questions people ask is how much the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate actually costs. Here’s a realistic breakdown:
| Item | Typical Cost |
| Knowledge Test Fee (paid to PSI at the testing center) | $175 |
| Study Materials or Prep Course (optional) | $0–$300 |
| TSA Background Check | Included – No Extra Fee |
| Certificate Issuance | Free |
| Recurrent Training Every 24 Months (FAA online course) | Free |
So at the bare minimum, the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate costs $175 just the test fee. If you use a paid prep course to boost your odds of passing on the first try, expect to add another $50 to $300, depending on the provider.
Operating Rules Once You Have Your Certificate
Holding the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate comes with a set of standard operating rules. These apply unless you get a specific waiver from the FAA:
- Fly below 400 feet above ground level
- Keep the drone within visual line of sight at all times
- Fly during daylight or civil twilight hours (with anti-collision lighting)
- Stay under 100 mph groundspeed
- Keep the aircraft under 55 pounds at takeoff
- Avoid flying directly over people who aren’t part of the operation, unless your drone meets specific safety categories
- Yield right of way to manned aircraft
- Comply with Remote ID broadcast requirements, which transmit your drone’s location, altitude, and speed
If your job requires breaking one of these rules say, flying at night without extra lighting, or flying beyond visual line of sight you can apply for a waiver through the FAA’s DroneZone portal.
Does the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate Expire?
Here’s good news: The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate itself never expires. But your privileges to actually use it do lapse if you don’t stay current.
To keep flying legally, you must complete free recurrent training every 24 months through the FAA’s online training system. There’s no test involved just a short online course you complete at your own pace. Skip it, and your certificate technically still exists, but you’re no longer legally allowed to fly commercially until you finish the refresher.
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate vs. Recreational Flying (TRUST)
People often mix these two up, so here’s a simple side-by-side comparison.
| Feature | FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate | Recreational (TRUST) |
| Who It’s For | Anyone flying for business or compensation | Pure hobby flying only |
| Cost | $175 test fee | Free |
| Test Format | 60-question proctored exam | Short open-book online quiz |
| Renewal | Recurrent training every 24 months | None required |
| Can You Get Paid to Fly? | Yes | No |
If there’s any doubt about which category your flight falls into, the safer and more professional route is earning the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, since it covers both commercial and recreational use.
Common Mistakes People Make When Pursuing This Certificate
- Assuming “no payment” means no license needed: The FAA cares about purpose, not just money. A flight that promotes a business or supports monetized content still counts as commercial.
- Cramming the night before the test: The exam covers a wide range of topics; spreading study sessions over two to three weeks works far better than last-minute cramming.
- Skipping practice tests: Practice questions are the fastest way to find weak spots before test day.
- Forgetting recurrent training: Many pilots pass the exam, then forget the 24-month refresher and unknowingly fly without valid privileges.
- Not checking local drone laws: The FAA governs airspace, but some cities and states add their own restrictions on top of federal rules.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate?
Most people go from zero knowledge to a fully issued certificate in about 4 to 8 weeks. Here’s a typical timeline:
- Weeks 1–3: Study using free FAA materials, practice tests, or a paid course
- Week 3–4: Take and pass the knowledge exam
- Week 4–5: Submit application through IACRA
- Weeks 5–8: Wait for TSA background check clearance and certificate mailing
If you study hard and test quickly, you can technically finish in as little as two weeks. If you take your time, it might stretch to two months. Either way, it’s a short process compared to most professional licenses.
Final Thoughts
Getting your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate isn’t just a legal checkbox it’s what turns a hobby drone pilot into a professional one. It opens the door to real estate, agriculture, inspection, filmmaking, and dozens of other paying industries. The process is straightforward: study the material, pass one exam, clear a background check, and you’re certified for life, as long as you keep up with your recurrent training every two years.
If you’re serious about flying drones for work in 2026, there’s no way around it: the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the starting point for everything else.
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate FAQs
1. Do I need a college degree to get the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate?
No. There’s no education requirement at all just age, language ability, and passing the test.
2. Can I get the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate if I already have a private pilot’s license?
Yes, and it’s easier for you. Licensed pilots can complete a shorter online training course instead of the full in-person exam.
3. Is the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate valid for life?
The certificate itself doesn’t expire, but you must complete free recurrent training every 24 months to keep your flying privileges active.
4. Can I fly at night with a Part 107 certificate?
Yes, as long as your drone has anti-collision lighting visible for at least three statute miles.
5. What happens if I fly commercially without the certificate?
The FAA can issue steep fines, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars, for unlicensed commercial drone operations.
