This page is a general reference summary, not legal advice. Always check the relevant country's official authority for the latest rules before flying.
In the United Kingdom, drone flying is overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Most leisure flying and low-risk commercial flying falls under the Open category, and the CAA's Drone and Model Aircraft Code is the main reference for it.
Most outdoor flying requires a Flyer ID (you get it by passing the CAA's online theory test) and an Operator ID (which registers the person responsible for the aircraft). Which of them you need depends on the aircraft's weight or class mark and on whether it has a camera. The CAA does not recognise overseas registrations or qualifications, so visiting pilots need UK IDs before flying in the UK.
Before each flight, check the restrictions for your location. Most airports, airfields and spaceports have a Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ), and you must never fly in one without permission. The map of airspace restrictions published by NATS is one source to check, but the CAA notes that it does not show everything, especially restrictions created at short notice.
Key rules at a glance
- Flyer ID: required for aircraft weighing 100 g or more. You get it by passing the CAA's online theory test. There is no minimum age, but children under 13 must take the test and register with a parent or guardian. A Flyer ID lasts five years.
- Operator ID: required for aircraft weighing 250 g or more, and for aircraft of 100 g or more that have a camera. It is optional for 100–250 g aircraft without a camera and not needed under 100 g. Registrants must be 18 or over, the ID is renewed every year, and it must be displayed on the aircraft.
- Do not fly above 120 m (400 ft) above the closest point of the ground, and keep the aircraft in direct sight at all times with a full view of the surrounding airspace. Never fly over crowds.
- Keep at least 50 m horizontally from people and do not fly over them, unless they are involved in your flight. Aircraft under 250 g, or with class mark UK0 or UK1, may fly closer to people and over them, but never over crowds. Other aircraft must also stay at least 150 m from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas.
- Since 1 January 2026, UK1, UK2 and UK3 aircraft must have Remote ID added and switched on before flight. Never fly in the Flight Restriction Zone of an airport, airfield or spaceport without permission.
Before you fly
- Check that your Flyer ID is valid, and that your Operator ID (not your Flyer ID) is displayed on every aircraft you fly.
- Look up your aircraft's weight and class mark on the CAA's class marks page to confirm which rules apply.
- Before every flight, check the NATS airspace restriction map and NOTAMs for Flight Restriction Zones and other restrictions, and remember that these sources may be incomplete. Also look out for restricted sites, temporary event bans and local byelaw signs.
- If you fly at night, switch on a green flashing light. Insurance is optional for recreational flying under 20 kg but required for paid work and for aircraft of 20 kg or more.
This site doesn't yet have map-based airspace data for this country. Please check the official links below.
Official links
Sources
Summary checked against the official pages below on October 23, 2026. Rules change — confirm with the authority before flying.
Related guides
- A Beginner's Drone Pre-Flight ChecklistA simple, repeatable pre-flight checklist for new pilots, covering what to do before you leave home, at the flight location, before takeoff, and after landing.
- Do You Need Drone Insurance? A Checklist Before You BuyWhat drone insurance covers, when it is worth it, what the law requires depending on your country, and the questions to ask before you sign a policy.