In the UK, a Flyer ID shows that you have passed the CAA's theory test and know how to fly safely and legally. An Operator ID is the registration you need if you own or are responsible for a drone or model aircraft, and it must be labelled on the aircraft. The Flyer ID is about the person flying; the Operator ID is about the person responsible for the drone. Many pilots need both. Since 1 January 2026, you need a Flyer ID for any drone of 100g or more.
That first sentence is also the answer to the CAA theory test question on the difference between the two. This guide covers who needs which, what they cost, how long they last, and how the system compares with the EU.
Table of contents
Flyer ID vs Operator ID at a glance
| Flyer ID | Operator ID | |
|---|---|---|
| What it shows | You have passed the theory test and can fly safely and legally | You are registered as responsible for the drone |
| Who needs it | The person flying | The owner or person responsible for the drone |
| How to get it | Pass the CAA's free online theory test | Register with the CAA and pay a fee |
| Cost | Free | £12.34 |
| Valid for | 5 years | 1 year |
| Age | 13 or over on your own; under-13s with a parent or guardian | 18 or over |
| Labelled on the drone | No, but carry a copy when flying | Yes |
Which do you need? By drone weight
According to the CAA, the requirement depends on the aircraft's weight and whether it has a camera:
| Drone or model aircraft | 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 | Recommended | Optional |
Drones of 25kg or more, and drones in the UK5 and UK6 classes, fall outside these simple rules and need CAA authorisation.
What is a Flyer ID?
A Flyer ID is proof that you know the rules. You get it by passing the CAA's online theory test, which covers the Drone Code: where you can fly, how high, how far from people, and what to do in an emergency. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions and a pass mark of 30. It is free, and the Flyer ID lasts five years, after which you take the test again.
A Flyer ID belongs to the person, not the drone. If you fly several drones, or borrow a friend's, you use the same Flyer ID. The CAA recommends carrying a copy when you fly.
What is an Operator ID?
An Operator ID is a registration of the person or organisation responsible for a drone. It costs £12.34 and must be renewed every year. You must be 18 or over to get one, so a parent or guardian registers on behalf of a younger owner.
The Operator ID must be labelled on every drone or model aircraft it covers. One Operator ID covers all the drones you are responsible for, so you do not need a separate registration for each aircraft.
For a company, the business registers as the operator, and each person who flies its drones needs their own Flyer ID.
Common situations
You own and fly a 249g camera drone. You need both: a Flyer ID for yourself and an Operator ID labelled on the drone.
Your 12-year-old flies a 150g drone with a camera. The child gets a Flyer ID with your help, and you, as the adult responsible, get the Operator ID.
You borrow a friend's drone. You need your own Flyer ID. Your friend's Operator ID stays on the drone.
Your company flies drones for work. The company holds the Operator ID, and every pilot holds a Flyer ID. Commercial work outside the open category also needs the right authorisation, and you should check your drone insurance covers the work.
What changed in 2026
The UK updated its drone rules on 1 January 2026:
Lower threshold. A Flyer ID is now needed for drones and model aircraft of 100g or more, and an Operator ID for those of 100g or more with a camera.
UK class marks. New drones placed on the market must carry a UK class mark, from UK0 to UK6. Drones bought before 2026 without a class mark can still be flown under the rules for their weight.
EU class marks. Drones with an EU C class mark are treated as the matching UK class until 31 December 2027, so a C0 drone can be flown as a UK0.
Flying in the EU
The EU uses the same two ideas under different names. Drone operators register with the national aviation authority of the country where they live, for example Traficom in Finland, and display their operator registration number on the drone. Remote pilots complete online training and a test for the open category, usually called the A1/A3 certificate.
UK and EU registrations are separate. If you plan to fly abroad, check the rules for the country you are visiting before you go. Our Drone Assistant gives cited answers on drone rules for the UK and many European countries, and our guide to EU drone regulations covers the EASA framework in more detail. Before any flight, check the airspace with our no-fly zone guide, and see our guide on where you can fly a drone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Flyer ID and an Operator ID?
A Flyer ID shows you have passed the theory test and know how to fly safely and legally. An Operator ID is what you need if you own or are responsible for a drone or model aircraft.
Do I need both a Flyer ID and an Operator ID?
If you own and fly a drone of 250g or more, or a drone of 100g or more with a camera, yes. If someone else owns the drone, you need only a Flyer ID and they need the Operator ID.
Where do I put my Operator ID?
On the drone or model aircraft itself. The Flyer ID does not go on the drone.
How much do a Flyer ID and Operator ID cost?
The Flyer ID is free and lasts five years. The Operator ID costs £12.34 and lasts one year.
Do I need a Flyer ID for a drone under 250g?
Yes, since 1 January 2026, if it weighs 100g or more. Under 100g, a Flyer ID is recommended but not required.
Can I use my UK Flyer ID in the EU?
No. The UK and EU systems are separate, so check the requirements of the country you plan to fly in.
