Remote ID for Drones

Remote ID is a requirement for most drones to broadcast identification and location information during flight — think of it as a digital licence plate. It is governed by 14 CFR Part 89 and is required for nearly all drones that must be registered, including all Part 107 operations.

What it broadcasts

A Remote ID message includes the drone's identity, its position and altitude, the position of the control station or take-off location, a timestamp, and an emergency status. The signal is broadcast locally (via radio, not the internet) so that other parties nearby — including law enforcement — can receive it.

Three ways to comply

• Standard Remote ID drone: the drone has Remote ID built in and broadcasts from take-off to shutdown. Most drones sold today are standard-RID.
• Remote ID broadcast module: an add-on module attached to an older drone that broadcasts the required message; with a module, the drone must be flown within visual line of sight.
• FRIA: flying at an FAA-Recognized Identification Area — a pre-approved fixed site (often a club field) where drones without Remote ID may operate, within visual line of sight of the area.

Why it matters

Remote ID is foundational to expanded operations such as flights over people and beyond visual line of sight. Confirm your specific drone's compliance path before you fly under Part 107; operating a non-compliant drone outside a FRIA is a violation.

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*Reference and training only — not for navigation or as legal advice. Always consult the current 14 CFR, the AIM, your aircraft’s POH/AFM and a certificated flight instructor.*