UAS Remote Identification

Drones or unmanned aircraft systems ( UAS ) are fundamentally changing aviation, and the FAA is committed to working to fully integrate drones or UAS into the National Airspace System ( NAS ). Safety and security are top priorities for the FAA and Remote Identification ( Remote ID ) of UAS is crucial to our integration efforts.

What is Remote ID?

Remote ID is the ability of a UAS in flight to provide identification information that can be received by other parties.

Why Do We Need Remote ID?

Remote ID would assist the FAA, law enforcement, and Federal security agencies when a UAS appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where the drone is not allowed to fly.

The development of Remote ID builds on the framework established by the small UAS registration rule ( PDF ) and the LAANC capability to lay the foundation of an Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management System ( UTM ) that is scalable to the national airspace.

Notice of Proposed Rule Making:

The Remote Identification proposed rule provides a framework for remote identification of all UAS operating in the airspace of the United States. The rule would facilitate the collection and storage of certain data such as identity, location, and altitude regarding an unmanned aircraft and its control station.

The comment period for FAA's published the notice of proposed rulemaking on remote identification closed on March 2, 2020. The docket number on https://www.regulations.gov is FAA-2019-1100.

Remote ID Cohort:

The goal of the FAA Remote ID Cohort is to develop the technology requirements applicable to FAA qualified remote ID UAS service suppliers.

What's next?

Remote ID is the next step to enable safe, routine drone operations across our nation. This capability will enhance safety and security by allowing the FAA, law enforcement, and Federal security agencies to identify drones flying in their jurisdiction.

What has the FAA done?

In December 2018, the FAA issued a Request for Information ( RFI ) to establish an industry cohort to explore potential technological solutions for Remote ID.

The UAS Identification and Tracking Aviation Rulemaking Committee ( ARC ), chartered by the FAA in June 2017, submitted its report and recommendations ( PDF ) to the agency on technologies available to identify and track drones in flight and other associated issues.