Flying your own drone in the UK
Flying a drone for fun is a hobby, and like most hobbies it comes with a few rules.
In the UK the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) sets them out in its Drone Code. They apply whenever you fly outdoors.
These notes cover the IDs you may need, where you can fly, and how to respect other people's privacy.
Which IDs you need
There are two IDs, and they depend on the weight of the drone and whether it has a camera.
A Flyer ID shows that you have passed the CAA's online theory test. You need one to fly a drone that weighs 100g or more. There is no age limit, and children under 13 take the test with a parent or guardian. The Flyer ID lasts five years.
An Operator ID belongs to the person responsible for the drone. You need one for a drone of 250g or more, or of 100g or more with a camera. You must be 18 or over to get one, so a parent or guardian registers for a younger owner. The ID must be labelled on the drone in block capitals taller than 3mm, and it is renewed every year.
A drone under 100g needs neither ID. The rules of the Drone Code still apply to it.
Newer drones and class marks
New models sold from 1 January 2026 must carry a UK class mark, from UK0 to UK6. A drone bought before then probably has none, and you fly it by the rules for its weight.
A drone with a European C class mark can be flown as the matching UK class until 31 December 2027. UK1, UK2 and UK3 drones have Remote ID, which broadcasts the drone's identity and location in flight. You must add your Remote ID and switch it on before you fly one.
In sight and under 120 metres
You must always be able to see the drone well enough to tell which way it is facing. Binoculars, a phone screen or video goggles do not count, though normal glasses are fine. If you fly by the camera view, you need an observer standing next to you.
The drone must stay below 120m, which is 400ft, above the nearest ground. Air ambulances and police helicopters can fly lower than that, so keep looking and listening.
Keeping away from people
The general rule is to stay at least 50m away from people who are not involved in your flight. That includes people in buildings, cars and trains. You must also stay at least 150m from built-up areas such as housing estates, parks, beaches and business parks.
Drones under 250g, and UK0 or UK1 class drones, have more freedom. They can fly closer to people, over them and in built-up areas. Nobody may fly any drone over a crowd.
Airports and restricted airspace
Most airports and airfields have a Flight Restriction Zone. You must not fly in one without the airport's permission. Endangering an aircraft can lead to five years in prison.
The air traffic control provider NATS publishes a map of airspace restrictions. The CAA warns that a drone's own software may be out of date, so check a current source before each flight. Flying can also be restricted around prisons, military ranges and some events.
Cameras, privacy and accidents
If your drone has a camera, other people's privacy comes first. Filming people in their home or garden is likely to break data protection law. Tell people before you record where you can, and delete pictures you do not need.
Insurance is optional for hobby flying. The CAA still points out that you could be held liable for injury or damage, so third-party cover is worth considering. A serious incident or near miss must be reported to the CAA. If the drone comes down on private land, ask the owner before you go to fetch it.