Can you fly a drone to film or photograph in the United States?

Any drone flown for business needs an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate: a 60-question knowledge test (70% to pass) plus a TSA background check.

Sources: FAA: certificated remote pilots · FAA: Part 107 regulations

Under Part 107 every drone is registered at FAADroneZone ($5, valid three years), whatever its weight. Maximum altitude is 400 feet above ground, or higher within 400 feet of a structure.

Sources: FAA: certificated remote pilots · Pilot Institute: federal drone laws

More for the United States: Getting paid · Taxes for creators · Filming & photo permits · Image rights & consent · Copyright · Sponsored post rules · AI labeling rules · Visas for creators

Drone rules in other countries: United Kingdom · France · Germany · United Arab Emirates · Saudi Arabia · Nigeria · Ghana · Kenya · South Africa · Jamaica · Japan · South Korea · India · China · Thailand · Malaysia · Portugal · Estonia · Canada · Australia

Last verified October 6, 2026 by Terrell Groggins. Rules change: check the official source before you shoot or post. This is not legal advice.