Before you are allowed to fly a drone, you must, in most cases, register as an operator with your country’s aviation authority. After registration, you will receive a unique operator number: a kind of identification number for you as the drone owner. This number must be clearly displayed on your drone and, for drones equipped with Remote ID, must also be transmitted digitally. In this article, we explain step by step how to register and how to correctly affix and set up the operator number.
What is an operator number?
An operator number is your unique registration code as a drone owner. Please note: You are not registering the drone itself, but yourself as the owner (operator). This means that you may fly multiple drones with a single operator number.
The operator number consists of a country code followed by a unique string of characters. You must affix the part before the last hyphen to the exterior of your drone. Leave the last three characters off the sticker.
When do I need to register as an operator?
Registration as an operator with the aviation authority is mandatory if you meet one or more of the following conditions:
Is registration mandatory?
- Drone weighing 250 grams or more
> Yes - Drone weighing less than 250 grams with a camera
> Yes - Drone weighing less than 250 grams without a camera
> No - Toy drone (CE marking as a toy)
> No - Flying in the special category
> Yes
Almost every drone pilot must register. Most consumer drones have a camera on board, which makes registration mandatory, even if the drone weighs less than 250 grams.
Not sure which license you need?
Applying for an operator number: Step by step
You can apply for an operator number online through your country’s aviation authority. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Visit the aviation authority’s website
On your national aviation authority’s website, look for the registration page for drone operators.
Step 2: Log in and verify your identity
Use the digital identification system offered in your country to log in. Businesses and organizations use a business version.
Step 3: Enter your information
Fill out the application form and verify that your contact information is correct.
Step 4: Pay the registration fees
Pay the applicable fees. Rates vary by country. Note that your registration must be renewed periodically.
Step 5: Receive your operator number
After payment, you will receive the operator number via email. You can also find it in your online account with the aviation authority.
Affixing the operator number to your drone
After registration, you must affix the operator number to the outside of your drone in a clearly visible location. Here are the rules. Use only the part before the hyphen; omit the last three characters. The number must be legible. Use a sticker, label, or engraving that is securely attached. It must withstand normal flight conditions (wind, light rain).
Set the operator number in your drone (Remote ID)
In addition to physically attaching it to your drone, in many cases you must also set the operator number digitally in your drone. This is required for Remote ID: the system that allows your drone to transmit the operator number during flight.
Renew operator number
Your operator number has a limited validity period. You will usually receive a reminder via email before the expiration date. Make sure to renew it in time via the aviation authority’s website.
What happens if you don’t renew on time? Then your operator number has expired and you are no longer allowed to fly. You will then have to apply for a new operator number. So make sure you renew on time.
Frequently asked questions about the operator number
Can I use one operator number for multiple drones?
Yes. You register as an operator, not the drone. You may use the same operator number on all your drones.
Do I need an operator number for my drone weighing less than 250 grams?
Does your drone have a camera? If so, registration as an operator is mandatory, even if the drone weighs less than 250 grams.
What happens if I’ve lost my operator number?
Log in to your account with the Civil Aviation Authority. You’ll find your operator number there.
Do I also have to enter the number into the drone?
That depends on your drone. Drones with a C1, C2, or C3 designation must transmit the operator number digitally via Remote ID.
Can I be fined if I am not registered?
Yes. Flying without a valid operator number constitutes a violation. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly monitoring this. Fines for drone violations can be substantial.
Ready to fly – the next step
After registering as an operator, the next step is to obtain your EU drone license. If you want to fly your drone in Europe, the EU drone license is often required. Don’t worry—you can obtain this certificate quickly and easily online.
Through Drone Class, you can obtain your EU drone license within one day. You’ll learn all drone regulations through clear, structured modules. Your knowledge is tested in the online exam; once you pass, you’ll receive your EU drone license in digital form.
