The rules in plain words
- Registration. Every drone flown under Part 107 must be registered. A recreational drone must be registered unless it weighs 0.55 lb (about 249 g) or less at takeoff, including everything on board (14 CFR 48.15).
- Who the Remote ID rule covers. Part 89 applies to drones that are registered or required to be registered (14 CFR 89.101). So a sub-250 g recreational drone that you register anyway is covered.
- Three ways to comply (89.105): a standard Remote ID drone (89.110); a broadcast module, with the drone kept in sight (89.115(a)); or no equipment, flown only inside a FRIA and kept in sight (89.115(b)).
- Paperwork. The drone's serial number (standard Remote ID) or the module's serial number must be on your registration, and the equipment must be on an FAA-accepted declaration of compliance. Search the FAA declaration of compliance list.
Common questions
My drone weighs 249 g. Am I done?
Only if you fly purely for recreation and haven't registered it. Weigh it with the battery, guards and anything attached: a heavier battery or accessory can push it over 0.55 lb. Under Part 107 it must be registered and broadcast Remote ID at any weight.
What happens if Remote ID stops working mid-flight?
Land as soon as practicable (89.110(a)(2) for standard Remote ID, 89.115(a)(4) for a module).
Can I fly beyond line of sight with a broadcast module?
No. A module only counts if the person flying can see the drone the whole time (89.115(a)(2)(ii)). Part 107 also requires visual line of sight unless you have a waiver (107.31).
Sources
- 14 CFR 48.15 Requirement to register
- 14 CFR Part 89 Remote Identification
- FAA: Remote Identification of Drones
- FAA: How to register your drone
Logic checked against the sources above and our test cases on 2026-10-17. Planning aid, not legal, engineering or clinical advice.