The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is what legally lets you fly a drone commercially in the U.S. — any flight for business, work, or money. The good news: there's no flight test and no medical certificate required. It's a knowledge test plus some paperwork. Here's exactly how to get it.
Step-by-step
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Confirm you're eligible
You must be at least 16 years old, able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and in a physical and mental condition to fly safely. That's it — no medical exam, no prior aviation experience needed.
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Study for the knowledge test
This is the real work. The exam covers five areas: Operations, Airspace & Charts, Regulations, Weather, and Loading & Performance. Study efficiently and you'll be ready in one to two weeks. (Our free study guide maps out exactly what to learn and in what order.)
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Create your IACRA profile
Register at the FAA's IACRA system (iacra.faa.gov) and get your FAA Tracking Number (FTN). You'll need this to schedule the exam and to apply for the certificate later.
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Schedule & pass the exam
Book the "UAG" knowledge test at a PSI test center near you. It costs $175, it's 60 multiple-choice questions, and you need 70% (42 correct) to pass. Bring a government photo ID.
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File FAA Form 8710-13
Back in IACRA, complete Form 8710-13 to apply for your Remote Pilot Certificate using your exam results.
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Pass the TSA background check
The FAA runs an automatic TSA security background check. Once it clears (often within days), you can download a temporary certificate and start flying commercially. The permanent plastic certificate arrives by mail later.
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Register your drone
Register each drone at FAADroneZone for $5 (valid 3 years) and make sure you comply with Remote ID — the "digital license plate" required for most drones since March 16, 2024.
Not sure you're ready for the exam?
Take our free 10-question practice test and find out in 5 minutes. Real exam-style questions, instant explanations, no signup.
Take the Free Practice Test →How long does the whole thing take?
Most people go from "I want to do this" to a certificate in 2–4 weeks. The variable is study time — the paperwork, scheduling, and TSA check are quick. If you study efficiently, you could realistically test within a week or two of starting.
Do you need Part 107 for your situation?
If you fly a drone for any commercial or work purpose — real estate photos, roof inspections, wedding videos, farm scouting, selling footage — you need Part 107. Purely recreational flying falls under different (looser) rules, but the moment money or business is involved, it's Part 107. When in doubt, get certified; it's inexpensive and removes all ambiguity.
Frequently asked
How much does a Part 107 license cost?
The exam is $175 per attempt, and drone registration is $5. So the FAA cost is about $180, plus study materials.
Is there a flight test?
No. Part 107 is a knowledge (written) test only — no in-person flying demonstration.
Do I need a medical certificate?
No. Unlike manned-aircraft pilots, remote pilots don't need an FAA medical certificate.
How old do I have to be?
At least 16 years old.
Does the license expire?
The certificate itself doesn't expire, but you must complete free online recurrent training every 24 calendar months to keep flying commercially.
The complete Part 107 course: all 5 exam areas drilled, airspace & weather decoded, a printable cram sheet, a full 60-question mock exam, and a free AI tutor. Written by a pilot who passed the real PSI exam on the first try.
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