Does DJI Mini 3 Pro Require Registration in India? Here's What You Need to Know

If you just bought a DJI Mini 3 Pro and you’re wondering whether you need to register it in India, you’re not alone. Thousands of drone owners face the same question every year. The short answer? DJI Mini 3 Pro does require registration in India - but only under specific conditions. And if you skip this step, you could face fines or even confiscation of your drone.

Why Registration Matters for the DJI Mini 3 Pro

The DJI Mini 3 Pro weighs 249 grams. That’s just under the 250-gram threshold that India uses to separate drones that need registration from those that don’t. But here’s the catch: weight alone doesn’t decide everything. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) doesn’t just care about how heavy your drone is - they care about how you use it.

If you’re flying the Mini 3 Pro for fun, in your backyard, below 50 feet, and away from people, you might think you’re safe. But Indian law doesn’t make exceptions based on intent. Even if you’re not flying commercially, if your drone weighs more than 249 grams, you’re required to register it. The Mini 3 Pro hits 249 grams with its standard battery. If you swap in the extended battery (which adds 10 grams), you’re now over the limit and definitely need to register.

This rule applies to every drone owner in India, whether you’re a hobbyist, a student, or a professional photographer. The DGCA doesn’t distinguish between casual flyers and professionals when it comes to registration. If your drone crosses the 249-gram mark, registration is mandatory.

How to Register Your DJI Mini 3 Pro in India

Registering your drone is a simple online process, but it’s easy to mess up if you skip steps. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Go to the DigiLocker portal and create an account if you don’t have one.
2. Visit the UAS India Portal (Unmanned Aircraft System portal).
3. Click on “New Registration” and select “Drone Registration.”
4. Enter your personal details: name, Aadhaar number, phone, email.
5. Upload a clear photo of your drone’s serial number (found on the bottom or battery compartment).
6. Pay the one-time registration fee of ₹1,000.
7. Wait 3-5 business days for approval.
8. Once approved, you’ll get a Unique Identification Number (UIN) via email and DigiLocker.

You must carry proof of registration - either a printed copy or a digital version on your phone - every time you fly. Police and aviation officials can ask for it anytime, especially near airports, public events, or government buildings.

What Happens If You Don’t Register?

Flying an unregistered drone in India isn’t just a technical violation - it’s a legal offense. The penalties are real:

• First offense: Fine of up to ₹25,000
• Repeat offense: Fine up to ₹50,000 and possible seizure of your drone
• If you fly near restricted zones (like airports or military areas): Criminal charges under the Aircraft Act, 1934

In 2024, the DGCA conducted over 200 drone inspections across major cities. More than 40 drones were confiscated - nearly half of them were DJI Mini series models. Most owners claimed they didn’t know registration was required. That excuse doesn’t hold up in court.

Where You Can and Can’t Fly the DJI Mini 3 Pro

Registration is only half the battle. You also need to know where you’re allowed to fly. India has strict no-fly zones:

• Within 5 km of any airport or airfield
• Over military installations, nuclear plants, or government buildings
• During public events like festivals, political rallies, or sports matches
• Higher than 200 feet above ground level (AGL) without special permission
• Over crowds, highways, or railways

Use the Drone Pilot app from DJI to check real-time no-fly zones. It syncs with India’s UAS portal and shows you restricted areas in red. But don’t rely on it alone - always cross-check with the UAS India Portal’s interactive map before flying.

Insurance and Remote ID: Do You Need Them?

While insurance isn’t legally required for hobbyists, it’s strongly recommended. If your drone crashes into a car, a tree, or a person, you’re liable for damages. A basic drone insurance policy costs around ₹1,500-₹3,000 per year and covers third-party damage.

Remote ID - the system that broadcasts your drone’s location and ID - is not yet mandatory in India. But DJI Mini 3 Pro has it built-in. When you register your drone, your UIN gets linked to its serial number. That means if an authority picks up a signal from your drone, they can trace it back to you. This is a good thing. It protects you from false accusations.

What About Commercial Use?

If you’re using the DJI Mini 3 Pro for paid work - wedding photography, real estate tours, surveying - you need more than just registration. You’ll also need:

• A Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) - requires a 1-day training course and a test
• UAS Operator Permit (UOP) - apply through the UAS portal
• Flight plan approval for every mission

Many freelance photographers skip this part and get caught. In 2024, a photographer in Jaipur was fined ₹40,000 for shooting a wedding with an unregistered Mini 3 Pro. He thought “it’s just a small drone” - but the client filed a complaint because the drone flew over a crowd. The law doesn’t care how small your drone is - only how you use it.

Common Myths About Drone Registration in India

There’s a lot of misinformation online. Let’s clear up the biggest myths:

• Myth: “DJI Mini 3 Pro doesn’t need registration because it’s under 250g.”
  Truth: It weighs exactly 249g - that’s still over the limit for exemption. Only drones under 250g with no camera or GPS are exempt. The Mini 3 Pro has both.
• Myth: “I can fly it in my garden without registration.”
  Truth: Location doesn’t matter. Weight and features do. If it’s registered, you can fly anywhere legal - even your backyard.
• Myth: “Only commercial users need to register.”
  Truth: Everyone. Hobbyists, students, tourists - if your drone meets the criteria, you register.

What to Do If You Already Flew Without Registration

If you’ve already flown your DJI Mini 3 Pro without registering, don’t panic. The DGCA doesn’t go back and punish past flights unless there was a safety incident. But from now on, register immediately. You won’t be fined for past use - but you will be if you fly again without a UIN.

Take this as a wake-up call. Register today. Get your UIN. Know your no-fly zones. Carry your proof. That’s all it takes to fly legally.

Final Checklist for DJI Mini 3 Pro Owners in India

Before your next flight, make sure you’ve done this:

• ✅ Confirmed your drone’s weight (249g with standard battery)
• ✅ Registered on the UAS India Portal
• ✅ Received your Unique Identification Number (UIN)
• ✅ Carried your UIN proof (digital or printed)
• ✅ Checked no-fly zones using the UAS map and DJI Drone Pilot app
• ✅ Avoided flying above 200 feet, near crowds, or restricted areas

Following these steps isn’t optional. It’s the difference between capturing stunning drone footage and losing your drone - or worse, your freedom to fly.