FAA Remote Identification (Remote ID) for Drones

Your drone’s digital license plate—ensuring safe, compliant integration into U.S. airspace.

Remote ID refers to a drone’s capability to broadcast identifying and location data—like a digital license plate—via a wireless signal that anyone nearby can receive. This information is vital for authorities and others to monitor drone activity and ensure safety in U.S. airspace.

What Is Remote ID?

Remote ID serves as a digital license plate for drones, continuously transmitting key operational and identification data during flight. The information broadcast typically includes:

  • Drone ID: A unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer (e.g., serial number) or a session-based ID that changes with each flight.
  • Control Station Location: The coordinates (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the drone’s launch point or the location of the remote pilot.

  • Drone Position: Real-time GPS location of the drone, including its current altitude.

  • Altitude and Speed: The drone’s flight elevation and its velocity, including speed and direction.
  • Timestamp: A time reference indicating exactly when each piece of data was recorded.
  • Emergency Status: Indicators showing whether the drone is experiencing an abnormal or emergency condition, enabling quick responses when necessary.
  • Transmission Method: Whether the ID data is being broadcast directly by the drone or relayed through a Remote ID service provider over the internet.

This information enables airspace awareness and enforcement, allowing aviation authorities, law enforcement, and other airspace users to identify drones in real time. It also promotes accountability, safety, and privacy, making drone operations more transparent and helping to integrate unmanned aircraft safely into the national airspace.

How to Meet Remote ID Requirements

You can comply with Remote ID regulations in one of the following three ways:

  • Use a Drone with Built-in Standard Remote ID Functionality
  • Attach a Remote ID Broadcast Module to Your Drone
  • Operate Within an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA)

Drone with Standard Remote ID

Fly a Standard Remote ID Drone — These drones come with built-in FAA-compliant Remote ID technology that automatically transmits identification and location data for both the drone and its control station during flight.

Drone with Remote ID Broadcast Module

Use a Drone with a Remote ID Broadcast Module — This add-on device enables drones without built-in Remote ID to transmit identification and location data, including the drone’s position and takeoff location.
To fly with a broadcast module, the remote pilot must maintain visual line-of-sight with the drone throughout the entire flight.

Drones without Remote ID: Flying in a FRIA

Operate Within a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) — A FRIA is a designated location where drones without Remote ID capability are permitted to fly. In these areas, pilots must keep the drone within visual line of sight at all times.

Standard Remote ID Drone

Best for smooth, built-in compliance.

  • Purchase a compliant drone or update firmware on existing ones to meet FAA Remote ID standards.

  • Register the drone with the FAA and ensure the registration number is clearly marked on the aircraft. (link:
    How to Register Your Drone | Federal Aviation Administration)

  • Confirm the Remote ID is active using the drone’s companion app before flight.

  • Keep firmware current to maintain compliance and security features.

  • Familiarize yourself with the data being broadcast—ID, location, altitude, velocity, and control station info.

Drone with Remote ID Broadcast Module

Ideal for drones without native Remote ID support.

  • Select an FAA-approved module compatible with your drone.

  • Attach the module securely, ensuring it doesn’t block any required markings or impact flight performance.

  • Activate and configure the module (usually via an app) prior to flying.

  • Verify it’s broadcasting properly before takeoff.

  • Maintain firmware updates on the module to ensure continued compliance.

Flying in a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA)

Best for hobbyists flying drones without Remote ID gear.

  • Locate a FRIA, typically at model aircraft fields or designated community zones.

  • Ensure your flight remains within the FRIA’s boundaries for full compliance.

  • Keep your drone in sight at all times—visual line-of-sight is mandatory in FRIAs.

FAQs

Remote ID is like a digital license plate for drones, broadcasting identification and location data while flying.

It enhances airspace safety by allowing authorities and others to monitor and identify drones in real time.

Any drone operator whose drone requires FAA registration—whether flying recreationally or commercially.

Yes, drones that weigh 0.55 pounds or less and don’t require FAA registration are exempt, unless flying outside a FRIA.