# Part 107 license: how to get it

> How to get the FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate: eligibility, FTN and IACRA, the UAG knowledge test, TSA check, costs and the Part 61 shortcut.

- Canonical URL: https://autonomousdronesoftware.com/part-107-license/
- Source: [FAA, becoming a certificated remote pilot (Part 107)](https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot)
- Checked: 2026-10-26
- Structured data: https://autonomousdronesoftware.com/data/part-107-license.json

This page includes a free interactive tool that runs in the browser and sends no data. The figures and rules it uses are the ones stated on this page, with their sources.

## What the "license" is

People say Part 107 license; the FAA calls it a **remote pilot certificate**. You need it to fly a drone under the Small UAS Rule, which covers commercial work such as mapping, inspections, real estate photos and paid video. You must carry the certificate whenever you fly ([FAA](https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot)).

## Can you apply?

Under [14 CFR 107.61](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-107/subpart-C) you must:

- be at least **16 years old**;
- read, speak, write and understand **English**;
- not know of any physical or mental condition that would stop you flying safely;
- pass the initial knowledge test (or, if you already hold a Part 61 pilot certificate with a current flight review, complete the FAA's online course instead).

## Seven steps for first-time pilots

| Step | What you do | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Create an IACRA profile to get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) | IACRA |
| 2 | Book the knowledge test, bring government photo ID | An FAA-approved testing center, booked through PSI |
| 3 | Pass the "Unmanned Aircraft General – Small" (UAG) test | Testing center |
| 4 | Fill in FAA Form 8710-13 with your 17-digit exam ID | IACRA (the FAA says the test can take up to 48 hours to appear there) |
| 5 | Pass the TSA security background check | Automatic after you apply |
| 6 | Print the temporary certificate from IACRA | Email tells you when |
| 7 | Receive the permanent card by mail | After FAA processing |

Source for all steps: [FAA, become a drone pilot](https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot). The FAA's [testing matrix](https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/testing_matrix.pdf) (revised 24 April 2023) lists the UAG test at 60 questions, 2 hours and a minimum passing score of 70, and a minimum age of 14 to take it, even though the certificate itself needs you to be 16. Topics are on [Part 107 test](https://autonomousdronesoftware.com/part-107-test/).

## What it costs

| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Knowledge test | Paid to the testing vendor when you book. The FAA pages we read list no fee; test-prep sites widely report **$175**, so confirm the price when booking |
| FAA application, TSA check, certificate | No FAA fee listed on the FAA page |
| Drone registration under Part 107 | **$5 per drone, valid 3 years** ([FAA](https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/register_drone)) |
| Recurrent training every 24 months | Free online course |

A study course is optional. You can study from the FAA's free sample questions and the regulation; a paid course adds structure and full practice exams.

## Already a manned-aircraft pilot?

If you hold a Part 61 pilot certificate and have had a flight review in the previous 24 calendar months, you skip the test. You take the free online course **ALC-451** on FAASafety.gov, complete Form 8710-13 in IACRA, and have your identity checked by a FSDO, a designated pilot examiner, an airman certification representative or a flight instructor. Instructors cannot issue the temporary certificate; the others can.

## After you have it

- **Register each drone** you fly commercially, and label it with the registration number before flying.
- **Remote ID:** the drone must broadcast it, by itself or through a module; see [Remote ID](https://autonomousdronesoftware.com/remote-id/).
- **Stay current:** the certificate does not expire, but your knowledge must be refreshed every 24 calendar months. The calculator above gives your date; details on [Part 107 renewal](https://autonomousdronesoftware.com/part-107-renewal/).
- **Know the limits:** [Part 107 rules at a glance](https://autonomousdronesoftware.com/part-107-rules/).

Flying beyond visual line of sight is not allowed under Part 107 without a waiver; the planned Part 108 changes that ([status](https://autonomousdronesoftware.com/part-108-bvlos/)).

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