How to register your drone with the FAA

Did you get a new drone for Christmas? Lucky, I forgot to ask Santa for one. Seriously, I really wanted one. Anyway, you’re now required by law to register your drone with the FAA before you take it outside. Let me guess, you already did? You probably couldn’t wait, but the fact is – if your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds including payload – you’ll face up to a $27,500 fine if you don’t register that drone immediately. Here’s how.

1. Go to the FAA website.
2. If it’s before January 20, registration is free (the $5 will be refunded.) It costs $5 after that.
3. Click “Register now” at the bottom of the page.
4. Create a login with your email address and password: Note you need to be 13 years of age or older to register your drone.
5. Next, you’ll need to enter in your name, physical address and mailing address.
6. Next, you’ll need to agree to fly below 400 feet, within visual sight, agree to not fly over people, stadiums, sports events or emergency events. You also have to agree not to fly near actual planes or airports, or under the influence of anything.
7. You’ll need to pay the $5 fee which, until January 20, will be refunded.
8. Finally, you’ll receive your unique registration number that “applies to any and all unmanned aircraft you own for 3 years.” You’ll need to register again after that time.
9. Write that registration number on your drone. The FAA says you “must” do this, so don’t forget.

You should be all set and ready to fly. Remember, this needs to be done before you take it outdoors. Don’t get caught with a $27,500 ticket, bucko.