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Do you need to register your drone?

For most new pilots the answer is "probably, but it depends on where you fly, how much your drone weighs, and what you use it for." Registration rules are set by each country's aviation authority, so the only universally correct advice is to check the regulator for your jurisdiction before your first flight. That said, the broad pattern is similar in many places, so here's what to look for.

The United States (FAA)

In the US, the Federal Aviation Administration requires you to register a drone that weighs more than 0.55 lb (250 g) up to 55 lb. Sub-250 g aircraft flown purely recreationally are generally exempt from registration, though other rules still apply.

• Recreational flyers register once under the Exception for Recreational Flyers; one registration number can cover all your eligible recreational drones. You must also pass the free TRUST safety test and mark your registration number on the aircraft.
• Commercial / non-recreational flyers register each drone individually under Part 107 and typically hold a Remote Pilot Certificate to fly for work.
• Many drones also need Remote ID broadcasting, and there are airspace and altitude limits (commonly 400 ft AGL) regardless of registration.

Everywhere else

Other countries take similar but not identical approaches. Some use a 250 g threshold; others register the operator rather than each aircraft, require a short online competency test, or distinguish "open," "specific," and "certified" risk categories. Weight, intended use (hobby vs paid work), camera fitment, and where you fly (near airports, over people, in cities) all shift the requirements. Penalties for flying unregistered when you should be registered can be steep, so don't guess.

Once you're flying legally, keep records

Registration is the start, not the finish. Good operators keep a running record of their flights, locations, and equipment — useful for proving experience, tracking maintenance, and having a clean account if anyone ever asks. That's exactly what DroneLog is for: a fast, offline flight and battery logbook that lives on your phone.