Drone Laws in the US and Canada (2026): Registration, Remote ID, Part 107 and RPAS Certificates
Buying the drone is the easy part. This is the compliance checklist we send to every new customer in the US and Canada — updated for the FAA's Part 108 proposal and Transport Canada's November 2025 rule changes.
United States
1. Register (if 250 g or more, or any commercial use)
Register at FAADroneZone for $5 per three years. Recreational flyers register once and apply the number to all their drones; Part 107 operators register each aircraft. Sub-250 g drones such as the DJI Mini 5 Pro are exempt for recreational flight only.
2. Remote ID
Since March 2024 the FAA enforces Remote ID for all drones that require registration. Current DJI aircraft broadcast Standard Remote ID natively; older models can use a broadcast module. Recreational sub-250 g flights are exempt.
3. Pilot credential
Recreational: pass the free TRUST test and carry the certificate.
Commercial (any business purpose, including real estate, inspection, content for a paid channel): obtain a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate — an FAA knowledge test at a testing centre, then free online recurrent training every 24 months.
4. Airspace
Use a LAANC-enabled app (DJI Fly integrates airspace data; B4UFLY/Aloft for authorizations) to get near-real-time authorization in controlled airspace up to the published ceiling. Night flying is permitted under Part 107 with anti-collision lighting visible for three statute miles. Operations over people require a Category 1–4 compliant aircraft; sub-250 g drones without exposed rotating parts qualify for Category 1.
5. Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)
BVLOS still requires a Part 107 waiver or Section 44807 exemption. The FAA's proposed Part 108 (NPRM published August 2025) would create a standing framework for routine BVLOS — key for inspection, agriculture and delivery operators. Track its status before investing in dock or delivery infrastructure.
6. Agricultural spraying
Add a Part 137 operator certificate, a 44807 exemption for aircraft over 55 lb (all AGRAS models when loaded) and a state pesticide applicator licence. See our AGRAS guide.
7. Which DJI models you may buy
Separate from flight rules, the FCC Covered List determines which models can be sold in the US. Everything authorized before December 23, 2025 remains available; our FCC guide has the list.
Canada
1. Weight classes
Micro (under 250 g): no registration or certificate, but you must not endanger aviation or people. Small (250 g – 25 kg): register the drone ($5) and hold a pilot certificate. Medium (25 – 150 kg): new category under the November 4, 2025 rules, requiring a Level 1 Complex certificate and manufacturer declarations — relevant to AGRAS and FlyCart.
2. Pilot certificates
Basic: online exam; fly in uncontrolled airspace, 30 m or more from bystanders. Advanced: online exam plus in-person flight review; fly in controlled airspace (with NAV CANADA authorization via NAV Drone), near or over people depending on the aircraft's safety declaration. Level 1 Complex: introduced in 2025 for medium drones and lower-risk BVLOS operations that previously needed a Special Flight Operations Certificate.
3. Airspace and altitude
Maximum 122 m (400 ft) AGL, at least 5.6 km from airports and 1.9 km from heliports unless authorized. NAV Drone handles requests for controlled airspace.
4. Agricultural application
An SFOC is still required for spraying, together with provincial pesticide applicator certification and PMRA-approved product labels for aerial application by drone.
5. Buying in Canada
Canadian customers can purchase every model in our catalog, including 2026 releases that are not FCC-authorized for the US. Orders and support for Canada run through asipartner.ca and our Richmond, BC office.
Cross-border tips
- Registration does not transfer: a drone registered in Canada must also be registered with the FAA for US flights (and vice versa), and foreign pilots need the relevant credential.
- Lithium batteries: airlines generally allow batteries under 100 Wh in carry-on without approval; most DJI consumer batteries qualify. Enterprise TB-series batteries require airline approval.
- Keep proof of purchase from an authorized dealer with the aircraft for customs and warranty.
Disclaimer
This guide summarises public regulations as of the date above and is not legal advice. Regulations change; confirm current requirements with the FAA, Transport Canada and your state or province before flying.
Products in this guide
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DJI Mini 5 Pro
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to register a DJI Mini in the US?
Not for recreational flying: drones under 250 g (0.55 lb) are exempt. If you fly for work, register it regardless of weight. Every drone 250 g or heavier must be registered ($5 for three years) and display the registration number.
Do DJI drones comply with Remote ID?
Current DJI models sold in North America have Standard Remote ID built in and broadcast automatically once enabled in the app. Sub-250 g drones flown recreationally are exempt from Remote ID; if you register a Mini for Part 107 use, Remote ID must be on.
What changed in Canada in November 2025?
Transport Canada introduced a Level 1 Complex pilot certificate and rules that allow medium drones (25–150 kg) and lower-risk beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations without a Special Flight Operations Certificate, provided operators meet the new requirements. Basic and Advanced certificates remain for small drones.
Is BVLOS legal in the US yet?
Only by waiver or exemption as of September 2026. The FAA published the proposed Part 108 rule in August 2025 to permit routine BVLOS operations; a final rule had not taken effect at the time of writing. We update this guide when it does.
Sources & Further Reading
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