Whether you’re a longtime drone pilot, or just gifting one to a family member for the holidays, be sure to register your device before February 19, 2016. It will be free for the first 30 days, so there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to dodge some hefty fines.


In a press release earlier today, the FAA announced that any drone or UAS (unmanned aircraft system) that weighs more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (approx. 25 kilograms)—including payloads such as on-board cameras—needs to be registered with them by February 19, 2016. This includes all recreational drones purchased before December 21, 2015 in addition to any purchased afterward. And this is definitely something you need to do because unregistered fliers can be hit with civil penalties up to $27,500, and criminal penalties up to $250,000 and up to three years in jail. In a statement, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx explained that recreational drone use comes with a certain level of responsibility:

Make no mistake: unmanned aircraft enthusiast are aviators, and with that title comes a great deal of responsibility. Registration gives us an opportunity to work with these users to operate their unmanned aircraft safely. I’m excited to welcome these new aviators into the culture of safety and responsibility that defines American innovation.


You’ll be able to register your recreational drone for free from December 21, 2015 to January 20, 2016. After that, normal registration will cost $5 a pop. You can’t fully complete registration until December 21, but you can get started at their registration web site here right now. You can learn more at the link below.

Press Release - FAA Announces Small UAS Registration Rule | FAA via The Verge

Photo by DFSB DE .