In light of the new EU drone regulation, as of 2021, nearly all common drones require the registration of the drone pilot within the EU in the respective country. In Germany, this registration is done online via the website of the Federal Aviation Office (LBA). We’ll list the registration page links for individual countries further below.

Every pilot/operator of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV operator), meaning the drone, needs to register. Additional registration of the drone itself isn’t required. This registration is a one-time requirement – regardless of how many drones the pilot possesses or wishes to fly. Switching drones/models does not need to be reported. The eID (UAV Operator ID) assigned at the time of registration must then be visibly affixed to each drone you own (more info below).

For example, pilot registration is necessary for the following drones:

• DJI Mini 3 Pro
• DJI Mini 2
• DJI Mavic Mini
• DJI Mavic 3 / Classic
• DJI AIR 2S
• DJI Mavic Air 2
• DJI Mavic Air
• DJI Mavic Pro / Platinum
• DJI Mavic 2 Pro / Zoom
• Parrot Anafi / DJI Phantom 4 / DJI Spark
• …and all other common drones.

Prerequisites for Registration

For all drones, drone insurance/liability is legally required! A valid insurance number must be provided at the time of drone pilot registration and to issue the eID (Drone Operator ID). You can get good and affordable drone insurance for just a few euros a year.

Check our comparison of drone insurances here.

Additionally, an identification document (identity card or passport) is needed as a photo (jpeg or png) for the registration. Tip: Simply take a picture of your ID with your smartphone and send it to your PC via email.

Where can I register myself or my drone?

• Drone Pilot Registration in Germany: Initially, this registration was offered free of charge by the LBA (Federal Aviation Office), but a fee is now charged. The registration can be completed online in a few minutes here.
• Drone Pilot Registration in other EU Member States:
  • Registration in Austria: Dronespace.at/Registrierung
  • Registration in Switzerland: UAS.Gate
  • Registration in the UK: Register-Drones.caa.co.uk

Marking / EU Drone Identification

The EU drone registration number / Operator-ID (eID) must be visibly affixed to all your drones. This is done, for example, by means of an EU drone badge / an EU drone plaque (fireproof, made of aluminum, laser-engraved). It’s recommended to engrave your phone number or email address on the EU drone badge in case of a crash or loss of the drone, so the finder can contact the owner.

For drones of the classes C1, C2, and C3 (over 250 grams – except C4), in addition to the visual application of the eID registration number, a system for remote identification of the drone is also required. The electronic registration number must be entered here as well, so that the drone itself sends the eID continuously and can be directly identified and assigned to a pilot in flight.

Important! Don’t forget:

Drone insurance is also a legal requirement for operating a drone. Drone insurance is available from just a few euros a year. Check our comparison of drone insurances here.

Registration Data

During registration, various personal data and information are required. The following data should be ready for registration:

For natural persons:

• Full name (as stated on the ID document)
• Address
• Date of birth
• Identity card or passport (as a photo JPEG or as a scan PDF)
• Email and phone number
• Name of the completed and valid drone insurance and insurance number (number of the insurance policy)

For legal persons:

• Full name / company name
• Address
• Scan or photo of the commercial register extract or association register extract, etc. as PDF or JPEG
• Email and phone number
• Name of the completed and valid drone insurance and insurance number (number of the insurance policy)

These data are of course not publicly visible. The pilot then receives a unique own EU registration number – the so-called eID – as a drone pilot.

Disclaimer for Drone Information:

The information provided on this platform regarding drones and related regulations is sourced based on my personal research and enthusiasm for the subject. While I strive to offer accurate and up-to-date information, regulations and best practices can change frequently and may vary by country, region, or even municipality.

Therefore, I strongly advise all drone users and enthusiasts to consult the official regulatory websites or agencies specific to their country or region before making any decisions or taking actions related to drone usage. This will ensure that you have the most current and authoritative information available.

Remember: Safe and responsible drone use always starts with being informed and compliant with the prevailing regulations.