FAA Drone Registration Requirements – What Law Enforcement & Operators Need to Know
Updated 12/16/2015
Effective December 21, 2015, all drones not covered under COAs (government) or 333 exemptions (commercial) must be registered with the FAA. This primarily impacts hobbyists and recreational drone pilots. Failure to register a drone can result in steep penalties: civil fines up to $27,500, and criminal penalties up to $250,000 and three years imprisonment.
To make the process simple, the FAA created an online drone registration portal. During the first 30 days of launch, registration was free; afterward, the cost is $5 per drone.
While this registration requirement doesn’t directly affect law enforcement—since their aircraft are already covered under COAs—it does provide new tools to identify drone operators in cases of misuse, criminal activity, or accidents.
For more details, visit the FAA’s official resources:
Addendum – Looking Ahead to FAA Part 108 (Expected in 2026)
The FAA is expected to release new rules under Part 108 sometime in 2026. While the details are still in development, Part 108 is anticipated to focus on expanded operational standards for government and law enforcement drone programs. Possible outcomes could include:
- Standardized Law Enforcement Operations – Part 108 may formalize requirements for agencies operating drones in tactical, patrol, and emergency scenarios.
- Training & Certification Updates – Agencies may need to align with new pilot training frameworks beyond Part 107, ensuring all government operators meet advanced competency standards.
- Enhanced Tracking & Accountability – Registration and operational logging may be tied into national databases, strengthening oversight and accountability.
- Interagency Coordination – Federal, state, and local agencies could see clearer guidelines on airspace sharing, deconfliction, and emergency prioritization.
For law enforcement and government organizations, Part 108 could bring both new responsibilities and opportunities. By formalizing drone use in patrol, surveillance, and emergency response, the rule may accelerate adoption of advanced drone technology while ensuring safe integration into national airspace.
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Email: ops@maxsur.com
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