US Drone Laws: What You Need to Know in 2025

If you’re excited to fly your quadcopter over a park or capture aerial footage for a client, you first need to know the rules that keep the sky safe. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controls every drone over 0.55 lbs in the United States, and breaking the law can cost you hefty fines or even a busted aircraft.

Recreational Drone Rules

For hobby pilots, the key steps are simple. Register any drone that weighs more than 0.55 lbs (250 g) on the FAA’s UTM system. The registration fee is $5 and lasts three years. Once you’re registered, keep your drone within visual line‑of‑sight, fly below 400 feet, and stay at least 5 miles from an airport unless you have specific permission. You also must keep the drone away from people, moving vehicles, and emergency response efforts.

Commercial Drone Requirements (Part 107)

When you’re earning money—whether you’re shooting real estate videos or inspecting power lines—you need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. To get it, pass a 60‑minute FAA exam that covers airspace classifications, weather, and emergency procedures. After certification, you can fly up to 400 feet, operate in most Class G and Class E airspace, and request waivers for higher altitudes or flights beyond visual line‑of‑sight.

Both recreational and commercial pilots must respect temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) posted for events, wildfires, or national security. The FAA’s NOTAM system updates these restrictions daily, and apps like AirMap make them easy to check before each flight.

Recent updates in 2024 added a few important changes. First, drones under 250 g no longer need registration, but they still must follow the same altitude and no‑fly‑zone rules. Second, the FAA introduced a new “drone ID” requirement that will take effect in 2025, requiring most drones to broadcast a unique identifier in real time. This helps authorities track rogue aircraft and eases the process of obtaining waivers.

Here’s a quick checklist to stay legal:

  • Register your drone if it’s over 0.55 lb; keep the registration number on the aircraft.
  • Check the FAA’s online map for TFRs, restricted airspace, and the 5‑mile airport buffer.
  • Maintain visual line‑of‑sight (or have a spotter) and stay under 400 feet.
  • For paid work, obtain a Part 107 certificate and keep a copy on hand.
  • Stay updated on the upcoming remote ID rule; upgrade your drone or add a broadcasting module before the 2025 deadline.

Flying responsibly isn’t just about avoiding tickets—it protects people on the ground and ensures that drones remain a welcomed technology. Follow these basics, keep an eye on FAA announcements, and you’ll be able to enjoy the freedom of flight without any legal hiccups.