UK drone laws 2026
A plain-English guide to the UK drone laws for 2026: the CAA rule changes that came into force on 1 January 2026, where you can fly, and what you need to check before you take off.
What changed on 1 January 2026
UK class marks
New drones sold in the UK carry a UK0–UK6 class mark that decides where they can fly.
Class marks →Flyer ID from 100g
The registration threshold drops from 250g to 100g, so more pilots now need a Flyer ID.
IDs & registration →Remote ID
Certain class-marked drones must broadcast identification and flight information.
Remote ID →Green light at night
Any drone or model aircraft flown at night must display a green flashing light.
Night flying →Why have the UK drone laws changed?
Drones are now used for much more than photography and recreation, from surveying, inspection and mapping to crop spraying and even window cleaning.
As more drones enter UK airspace, the laws need to keep pace. The updates are intended to improve safety, make pilots and operators more accountable, and help drones operate alongside other airspace users.
Which rules apply to your flight?
The laws that apply depend on a combination of factors. Check each one before you fly:
Drones under 250g have their own simplified rules. Read the laws on drones under 250g →
The Open Category: A1, A2 and A3
Most recreational flights, and many lower-risk commercial flights, take place in the Open Category. It is split into three subcategories, and the right one depends mainly on your drone’s weight and class mark.
Flying over people
For lightweight, lower-risk drones. You can fly closer than 50m to uninvolved people and over them, and in residential areas, but never over crowds.
UK0UK1Legacy <250gFlying near people
For UK2 drones flown by a pilot holding an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC).
UK2 + A2 CofCLegacy <2kg + A2 CofCFlying far from people
For larger drones. Stay at least 50m from people and buildings, and at least 150m from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.
UK3UK4Legacy 250g–25kgA2 at a glance: minimum horizontal distance from uninvolved people
| Aircraft | Normal flight | Low-speed mode |
|---|---|---|
| UK2 (or C2) with A2 CofC | 30 metres | 5 metres |
| Legacy drone under 2kg with A2 CofC | 50 metres | Not available |
General drone rules for every Open Category flight
Whether you’re flying in A1, A2 or A3, these basic rules always apply:
Also check the weather, battery condition, nearby obstacles and any restrictions around airports, prisons, military sites or temporary airspace closures.
Where can you fly a drone in the UK?
Even with the right IDs and class mark, where you can fly depends on the airspace, the people around you and the land you take off from. These are the distances and restrictions set out in the CAA’s Drone Code:
| Situation | The rule |
|---|---|
| Height | Stay below 120m (400ft) from the closest point of the ground. |
| Crowds | Never fly over crowds, whatever the size of your drone. |
| Uninvolved people | Keep at least 50m away. UK0, UK1, C0 and sub-250g drones can fly closer and over people; UK2 drones in A2 can go to 30m (5m in low-speed mode). |
| Towns and built-up areas | Keep 150m from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas, unless your drone is UK0, UK1, C0 or under 250g. |
| Airports and airfields | Never fly inside a Flight Restriction Zone without permission from the airport, airfield or spaceport. |
| Other restricted airspace | Check for prisons, military sites, emergency incidents and temporary restrictions on the day you fly. |
UK drone class marks explained
Since 1 January 2026, new drones placed on the UK market must carry a UK class mark. It’s based mainly on maximum take-off weight, and determines where the drone can fly, which rules apply and whether Remote ID is needed. The class mark must be displayed on the aircraft.
| Class | Max weight | Where it can fly | Remote ID | Example drones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK0 | Under 250g | A1 – over people (not crowds) | From 2028* | DJI Mini 5 Pro, Mini 4 Pro, Mini 3, Neo 2, Flip |
| UK1 | Under 900g | A1 – over people (not crowds) | Required | DJI Air 3S, Air 3, Avata 2, Mavic 3 Classic |
| UK2 | Under 4kg | A2 with an A2 CofC, otherwise A3 | Required | DJI Mavic 4 Pro, Mavic 3 Pro, Matrice 30/30T, Matrice 4E/4T, Matrice 4D |
| UK3 | Under 25kg | A3 – far from people | Required | DJI Matrice 350 RTK, Matrice 400, Inspire 3 |
| UK4 | Under 25kg | A3 – far from people (mostly model aircraft) | From 2028 | Model aircraft, simpler designs |
| UK5 | Under 25kg | Specific Category – Operational Authorisation | Required | Complex commercial operations |
| UK6 | Under 25kg | Specific Category – Operational Authorisation | Required | Complex commercial operations |
* UK0 drones need Remote ID from 2028 if they weigh 100g or more and have a camera. Most drones on sale today carry an EU C-class mark (C0–C3), recognised as the UK equivalent until 31 December 2027. Examples are indicative; always check the label on your own aircraft.
Are EU C-class drones still valid?
Yes, until 31 December 2027. During this period they’re treated as the equivalent UK class:
The Specific Category (UK5 & UK6)
These flights can’t run under normal Open Category rules. The operator needs an Operational Authorisation, which may require detailed risk assessments, written procedures, trained pilots, emergency procedures, technical safety measures and regulator approval. This usually applies to more complex or higher-risk commercial work.
Legacy drones and the end of 2027
A drone without a recognised UK class mark, commonly one bought before 1 January 2026, may be treated as a legacy drone. Legacy drones remain legal to fly, but may be more restricted.
| Legacy drone | Where it can normally fly |
|---|---|
| Under 250g | A1 |
| Under 2kg, pilot holds A2 CofC | A2, but at least 50m from uninvolved people |
| 250g to 25kg | A3 |
What happens after 31 December 2027?
When temporary recognition of EU C-class drones ends, C-class drones without an accepted UK classification may become legacy aircraft. They’ll still be legal, but more restrictive rules may apply and reduced separation distances will generally be linked to UK class-marked drones.
Flyer ID and Operator ID
Flyer ID – for the pilot
From 1 January 2026, anyone flying a drone or model aircraft of 100g or more needs a Flyer ID (previously 250g). You get it by passing the CAA’s free online theory test. It’s valid for 5 years, and you can apply on your own from age 13.
Operator ID – for the owner
Needed by the person or organisation responsible for a drone of 100g or more with a camera. Also needed for any drone of 250g or more. It costs £12.34 a year, you must be 18 or over, and it must be displayed clearly on every aircraft. A business can hold one Operator ID while each pilot holds their own Flyer ID.
| Drone | Flyer ID | Operator ID |
|---|---|---|
| 250g to under 25kg | Required | Required |
| 100g to under 250g, with camera | Required | Required |
| 100g to under 250g, no camera | Required | Optional |
| Under 100g | Not required, but recommended | Generally not required |
Flights entirely indoors or within a fully enclosed netted area are exempt.
Apply for a Flyer ID or Operator ID on the CAA website ↗Drone Remote ID
Remote ID lets a drone broadcast identification and basic flight information while it’s in the air. It helps authorised organisations identify aircraft and operators, manage airspace safely, investigate incidents and support enforcement.
Who needs it, and when
Class-marked drones:
UK1UK2UK3UK5UK6UK4 model aircraft, plus these where they weigh 100g+ and have a camera:
UK4 model aircraftUK0Legacy dronesHome-built dronesMany newer drones already include Remote ID or can support it through a firmware update. Some older models may need an external Remote ID module. From 2028, all drone and model aircraft operations will need Remote ID unless the CAA has granted an exemption.
Flying a drone at night
Any drone or model aircraft flown at night must display a green flashing light. If your aircraft doesn’t have a suitable built-in light, fit an external one securely. UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5 and UK6 drones should have one built in; UK0, UK4 and legacy aircraft may need one fitted. The CAA has confirmed that fitting a light to an EU C-class drone doesn’t invalidate its class mark during the transition period. The light must stay on and visible from the ground throughout the flight, and must not interfere with:
What the changes mean for different pilots
Changes are relatively limited. Check whether you now need a Flyer ID or Operator ID, your drone’s class mark, whether Remote ID applies, and whether a green flashing light is fitted for night flights.
If A1 flexibility matters to you, consider a UK0 or UK1 model when buying new.
You keep your additional privileges. Legacy drones under 2kg can still be flown in A2, but at a greater separation distance (50m) than compliant UK2 drones (30m, or 5m in low-speed mode). Check both your qualification and the aircraft’s class before deciding which distances apply.
Carry out a full review of your equipment and procedures, including:
- Aircraft weights, class marks and Remote ID capability
- Pilot qualifications, Flyer ID and Operator ID records
- Night-flying lights and any added equipment
- Operations manuals, risk assessments and emergency procedures
- Maintenance and training records, Operational Authorisations and subcontractor competence
Record any added equipment (lights, Remote ID modules, sensors) in your operational documents, and never promise a flight before the site, airspace and risks have been assessed.
Many model aircraft are likely to fall within UK4. The CAA lists UK4 model aircraft among those needing Remote ID from 1 January 2028, unless an exemption applies. If you fly through a recognised club or association, you may operate under a separate authorisation, so always check their rules.
Pre-flight checklist
Tick through each item before take-off.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to replace an older drone?
No. Legacy drones remain legal to fly. However, they may be subject to stricter rules and may not benefit from the reduced separation distances available to UK class-marked aircraft.
Do I need a licence to fly a drone in the UK?
There’s no single “drone licence”. For most drones of 100g or more you need a Flyer ID (a free online test) and, if the drone has a camera or weighs 250g or more, an Operator ID. To fly closer to people in A2 you need an A2 CofC, and complex commercial work in the Specific Category needs an Operational Authorisation from the CAA.
Do I need to register a drone under 250g?
From 1 January 2026, yes if it weighs 100g or more. You need a Flyer ID to fly it, and an Operator ID too if it has a camera. Drones under 100g don’t need either, although the CAA recommends taking the Flyer ID test.
How high can I fly a drone in the UK?
In the Open Category you must stay below 120m (400ft) from the closest point of the ground.
Can I fly a drone at night?
Yes, but from 1 January 2026 your drone or model aircraft must show a green flashing light that stays on for the whole flight.
Can I fly a drone over houses or in a town?
Drones that are UK0, UK1, C0 or under 250g can be flown in residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas. Larger drones in A3 must stay at least 150m from these areas. Whatever you fly, never fly over crowds and always check for Flight Restriction Zones.
Do I need insurance to fly a drone?
If you fly for work or any commercial purpose, you’ll need suitable third-party liability insurance. It isn’t compulsory for most recreational flying under 20kg, but it is strongly recommended.
When does Remote ID apply?
Remote ID already applies to certain UK class-marked drones. From 1 January 2028 it extends to UK4 model aircraft, and to UK0, legacy and home-built drones weighing 100g or more with a camera.
Can I fly over people with a UK1 drone?
Yes. UK0 and UK1 drones (and any drone under 250g) can be flown closer than 50m to uninvolved people and over them in A1. You must never fly over crowds, whatever the size of the drone.
Can I still use an EU C-class drone in the UK?
Yes. EU C-class drones continue to be recognised under equivalent UK class rules until 31 December 2027.
Will model aircraft need Remote ID?
The CAA lists UK4 model aircraft among the aircraft that need Remote ID from 1 January 2028. Different arrangements may apply where you fly under a club or association authorisation or hold a CAA exemption.
Do I need to take the Flyer ID test again?
No. An existing Flyer ID remains valid until its expiry date (Flyer IDs last 5 years). However, pilots are responsible for understanding the current regulations and making sure each flight meets the latest requirements.
The key takeaways
- New UK class marks decide where a drone can fly
- A Flyer ID is now needed from 100g
- Remote ID applies to UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5 and UK6 now, and to UK4, UK0 and legacy drones with cameras from 2028
- Green flashing lights are required at night
- Older drones are still legal, but may be more restricted
- Review your fleet before EU C-class recognition ends in December 2027
Need a survey rather than a flight?
We handle the airspace checks, permissions, RAMS and CAA compliance for every job, so you get the data without the paperwork. See our roof surveys, building surveys and drone inspections.
Request a Quote →This article provides a general overview and was last updated on 29 September 2026. Always review the latest official guidance from the UK Civil Aviation Authority before carrying out an operation.