The UK agency responsible for drone safety, CAA, has provided details on flying for fun or work. We enumerate the highlights below. For more details, click on the link above. Are drones allowed in the UK? According to CAA, drones are allowed in the UK, subject to CAA regulations. Read on for more details. Drone registration You must register before flying most drones or model aircraft outdoors in the UK. There are two requirements, and you may need to meet both: if you fly, you must pass a theory test to get a flyer ID if you’re responsible for a drone or model aircraft, you must register for an operator ID You can get both your flyer ID and operator ID at the same time. Warning it is against the law to fly a drone or model aircraft without having the required IDs. You can also be fined for breaking the law when flying. In the most serious cases, you could be sent to prison. Toys and small drones, and model aircraft You do not need to register if you will only fly or use the following types of drone or model aircraft: toys below 100g or in C0/UK0 class those in C0 class with no camera, whether they are a toy or not those below 100g with no camera and no class mark (the threshold was lowered from 250g on 1 January 2026), whether they’re a toy or not Drones under 100g must still follow specific UK rules. Look at the registration requirements for drones and model aircraft to determine if you need to register. Drone License in the UK Flyer ID The flyer is the person who flies the drone or model aircraft. You must pass an online theory test to get a flyer ID. The test is free. You should prepare for the test before you take it. Children under 13 Children under 13 must also pass the test to get a flyer ID. For data protection reasons, they must register with their parent or guardian. There’s more information in the children and parent guidance. Operator ID Operator IDs demonstrate an understanding of UK laws for flying drones. The operator is the person responsible for managing a drone or model aircraft. This means they are responsible for maintaining it and ensuring that anyone who flies it has a flyer ID. They are usually the person or organization that owns the drone or model aircraft, but not always. For example, if you are younger than 18 and own a drone or model aircraft, you must ask your parent or guardian to register for an operator ID. You will still be able to fly if you have a flyer ID. The operator must: make sure that only people with a valid flyer ID use their drone or model aircraft label their drones and model aircraft with their operator ID You must be 18 or over to register for an operator ID. You can use the same operator ID for all your drones and model aircraft. You can register as an operator only if you are responsible for drones or model aircraft but will not fly them. Prices Getting a drone operator ID and gaining the necessary skills have costs. RegistrationCostValid forOperator ID£101 yearFlyer ID£05 years Insurance requirements Drones and model aircraft below 20kg If you fly a drone or model aircraft below 20kg for recreation, sport, or as a hobby, you can choose whether or not to have insurance. If you fly it for any other reason, you must have third-party insurance. Drones and model aircraft 20kg and above If your drone or model aircraft is 20kg or more, you must always have third-party insurance, no matter what you use it for. Flying a drone in the Open Category Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulations cover the flying of any ‘drone’ or model. There are basic regulations for flying unmanned aircraft within the UK. Operating within these limits will ensure you remain in the ‘Open Category’, meaning that you do not need authorization from the CAA to fly. If you intend to operate outside these limits, you must first get Operational Authorization. See guidance on the Specific Category for more information.