Help, I want to renew my certificate

Anyone who took the theory exam for the EU Drone License in 2021 and holds an A1-A3 or A2 certificate knows that it must be renewed in 2026. Even though all participants who passed in 2021 will still be able to enjoy their certificate for several months, it is good to know that you can come back to us in time to renew it.

We are already receiving questions about renewing the EU Drone License. That is why we are publishing this blog to provide some clarity.

How do I know when to renew?

Your certificate has an expiry date (see image). This is the date on which the certificate expires. The certificate is not automatically renewed. You must take action yourself.

How does renewal work?

Select the certificate that applies to your situation. Please note that this is the last theory certificate (A1-A3, A2 or STS theory) that you have ever obtained.

Renew A1-A3 certificate

If you have a valid A1-A3 certificate and you want to renew this certificate on time, you must take the refresher course for A1-A3 and retake the A1-A3 exam. You can then apply for the A1-A3 certificate from the RDW via us. The RDW will issue a new certificate, which will be valid for another five years (from the date of the exam).

Renewing your A2 certificate

If you have a valid A2 certificate and want to renew it on time, choose the refresher course for A2. You only need to retake the A2 exam, because when the A2 certificate was issued, the A1-A3 certificate was automatically renewed.

After passing the A2 exam, we will start the application for the A2 certificate with the RDW. This certificate is also valid for five years (from the exam date).

Renewing your STS theory certificate

If you have an STS theory certificate, you will see from the expiry date that you do not need to do anything in 2025. This is because the A1-A3 and A2 certificates are automatically extended when the STS theory certificate is issued.

Online refresher course with online exam

You will soon be able to order a Refresher course with online exam from Drone Class to renew the relevant certificate. The refresher courses will be available in all languages that we currently support.

Rules for renewal

You must renew on time, otherwise the certificate will expire and you will not be able to participate in the refresher course. This means that you must renew your certificate before the expiry date. If you are unable to do so, or if you deliberately allow the certificate to expire, you will not be able to renew it. In that case, you can use the current training to take the exam and then apply again.