Quick Answer
Any UK drone weighing 100g or more must be registered with the CAA. You need an Operator ID (£12.34 per year) on your aircraft and a Flyer ID from a free online theory test. New UK class marks (UK0 to UK6) are mandatory for drones sold from January 2026. Remote ID is required for class-marked drones, with legacy drones following from 2028. Night flying requires a flashing green light. Flying without registration risks fines up to £1,000.
The Rule That Catches Most Pilots Out
We get asked about drone registration every day in the shop. The question that catches most people: "My drone is only 150g, surely I don't need to register?" Since January 2026, you do. The threshold dropped from 250g to 100g, which means most camera-equipped whoops and toothpick builds now need both a Flyer ID and an Operator ID.
What determines your requirements:
- Under 100g without a camera: no registration required (CAA still recommends the theory test)
- 100g or more without a camera: Flyer ID required (free theory test)
- 100g or more with a camera: Flyer ID and Operator ID required
- 250g or more (camera or not): both IDs required
If you're building your first drone, browse our beginner-friendly FPV kits. Most are designed to stay under 250g to keep things simple.
The Weight Thresholds in One Table
We answer the same weight question in the shop every week. If your drone falls between 100g and 250g, the rules changed in January 2026. Here is the current breakdown based on the CAA's official registration page:
| Drone Weight | Has Camera? | Flyer ID Required? | Operator ID Required? | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 100g | Either | Recommended (not mandatory) | Optional | A1 |
| 100g to under 250g | No | Yes (free theory test) | Optional | A1 |
| 100g to under 250g | Yes | Yes | Yes (£12.34/year) | A1 |
| 250g to under 25kg | Either | Yes | Yes | A1, A2 or A3 |
Most FPV whoops with cameras fall into the 100g-250g band, which means both IDs since January 2026. A BetaFPV Air75 II with a camera weighs around 20-25g without a battery, but a 2S LiPo and VTX push it well over 100g all-up.
Operator ID vs Flyer ID
The UK system uses two separate identifiers, and you need both if you own and fly your own drones.
Operator ID: Tied to the person responsible for the drone. Costs £12.34 per year. Display this on every aircraft you own (one ID covers your whole fleet, in letters at least 3mm tall). Must be 18 or over to register.
Flyer ID: For the person flying. Free online theory test with 20 multiple-choice questions, need 16 correct to pass. Valid for five years. Children under 13 can take it with a parent present.
For a full breakdown with step-by-step registration instructions, see our drone pilot registration guide: Operator ID vs Flyer ID explained.
UK Class Markings (UK0 to UK6)
All new drones sold in the UK from January 2026 carry a UK class mark. This determines where you can fly:
| Class | Weight | Where You Can Fly | Remote ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK0 | Under 250g | A1 (over uninvolved people, not crowds) | Jan 2028 |
| UK1 | Under 900g | A1 (low-speed mode + e-identification) | Jan 2026 |
| UK2 | Under 4kg | A2 (with A2 CofC) or A3 | Jan 2026 |
| UK3 | Under 4kg | A2 or A3 (follows drone, not pilot) | Jan 2026 |
| UK5 | Under 25kg | A3 (with Remote ID) | Jan 2026 |
| UK6 | Under 25kg | A3 (Remote ID + Geo Awareness) | Jan 2026 |
EU C-class drones (C0 to C6) are recognised under their equivalent UK class until 31 December 2027.
Where You Can Legally Fly
UK drone categories are risk-based. Whether you fly commercially or for fun doesn't matter: your drone's weight and class determine the rules.
A1 (very low risk): Sub-250g drones in built-up areas, not over crowds. Most whoops and ready-to-fly drones under 250g operate here.
A2 (low risk): Up to 4kg in less congested areas, but you need an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) from a CAA-recognised provider. UK2 drones can fly within 30m of people, or 5m in low-speed mode.
A3 (far from people): Up to 25kg, minimum 150m from residential, commercial, and industrial areas. This is where most legacy drones over 250g end up without an A2 CofC.
Always check for Flight Restriction Zones (FRZs) around airports using DroneScene or the Drone Safety Map. Maximum altitude is 120m (400ft). Maintain visual line of sight at all times.
FPV-Specific Rules
FPV flying has one additional requirement: a competent observer (spotter) who maintains visual line of sight with your drone throughout the flight, standing next to you. Night flying FPV requires the same flashing green light as any other drone. The strobe's weight counts towards your total, which can push you over a category threshold. Our guide to what an FPV drone is covers how the gear works together if you're new to the hobby.
Legacy Drones: Pre-2026 Kit
Drones bought before January 2026 without a UK class mark are still legal. Their permissions depend on weight: under 250g in A1, under 2kg with A2 CofC in A2, over 250g without A2 CofC restricted to A3. The 250g-500g transitional allowance ended in January 2026. Legacy drones weighing 100g+ with a camera need Remote ID from January 2028.
Your Checklist
- Register for an Operator ID at register-drones.caa.co.uk
- Complete the free Flyer ID theory test (20 questions, 16 to pass, valid five years)
- Consider an A2 CofC for drones 250g to 4kg if you want more flying flexibility
- Check for FRZs before every flight using DroneScene or Drone Safety Map
- Attach a flashing green strobe for night flying
- Verify Remote ID requirements for your drone
- Run through our FPV drone pre-flight checklist before each session
Always refer to the official CAA drones page for the latest regulations.
FAQ
Do I need to register a drone under 250g?
Yes, if it weighs 100g or more. The threshold dropped from 250g to 100g in January 2026. Between 100g and 250g without a camera, you need a Flyer ID but not an Operator ID. With a camera, you need both.
Do I need a licence to fly a drone in the UK?
Not a traditional licence. You need a Flyer ID (free theory test) and an Operator ID (£12.34/year). For A2 category flying closer to people, you need an A2 CofC from a CAA-recognised provider. For Specific Category operations, you need a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC).
What are the UK class markings?
UK class marks (UK0 to UK6) are mandatory for all new drones sold in the UK from January 2026. Each class defines where you can fly based on weight and safety features. EU C-class marks are equivalent until December 2027.
When is Remote ID mandatory?
January 2026 for UK class-marked drones (UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5, UK6). January 2028 for legacy drones and model aircraft weighing 100g+ with a camera.
Can I fly at night?
Yes, but your drone must have a flashing green light visible from all directions. The light's weight counts towards your drone's total weight for category purposes.
What if I fly without registration?
Fines up to £1,000. More serious offences like flying near airports or endangering aircraft can result in prosecution and imprisonment. Registration costs £12.34/year. Just register.
Do FPV drones have different rules?
FPV drones follow the same registration and category rules. The additional requirement is a competent observer (spotter) who maintains visual line of sight, standing next to you. Night flying requires the same green flashing light.
My drone weighs 150g and has a UK0 class mark but no camera. Do I need a Flyer ID?
Yes. Since January 2026, any drone weighing 100g or more requires a Flyer ID regardless of camera or class mark. A UK0-marked drone at 150g without a camera needs the Flyer ID (free theory test) but an Operator ID is optional. This is one of the most commonly missed questions on the CAA theory test.
Do I need a Flyer ID or Operator ID for a drone under 100g?
No. Drones under 100g do not require either ID under the Open Category. The CAA still recommends taking the free theory test so you understand the safety rules. If you only fly indoors, no registration is needed regardless of weight.
What happens if my drone with a strobe light tips over 250g?
The green flashing strobe required for night flying counts towards your total flying weight. If adding a strobe pushes you over 250g, you move into the 250g+ category and need both a Flyer ID and Operator ID. Weigh your drone as you fly it, not bare.
Do I need a flashing light when flying at night?
Yes. From January 2026, all drones flown at night in the Open Category must have a green flashing light turned on for the entire flight. This applies regardless of drone weight or class. You do not need a flashing light during daytime.