The CAA's message is blunt: if your drone weighs more than 100g, you need a Flyer ID. That's a dramatic shift from the old 250g threshold and the CAA estimates it will bring an additional 500,000 pilots into the registration system. If you're flying a DJI Mini 2, Mini 3, Mini 4 Pro, or any sub-250g drone with a camera, you're in scope.
What changed on 1 January 2026
Before 2026, the rule was simple: drones under 250g didn't need a Flyer ID or Operator ID. The DJI Mini series was specifically popular because it sat below that line. From 1 January 2026, the threshold dropped to 100g — catching almost every consumer drone with a camera on the market.
- Previously: 250g+ required Flyer ID + Operator ID
- Now: 100g+ requires Flyer ID + Operator ID
- Below 100g: No registration required (most toy drones, very small FPV whoops)
What the Flyer ID test involves
The CAA's online theory test is free and takes most people 20–40 minutes to complete. Here's the format:
- 40 multiple-choice questions covering the Drone Code, airspace categories, FRZ rules, and safe flying practices
- Pass mark: 30 out of 40 (75%)
- Unlimited attempts — if you fail, you can retake immediately
- Valid for 5 years once passed
- Completely free at register.caa.co.uk
The questions are not trick questions. If you've been flying legally for a year you'll likely pass on the first attempt without revision. The CAA publishes a study guide linked from the registration portal.
Operator ID: the other registration
The Flyer ID proves you know the rules. The Operator ID (£10.33/year) is the registration that goes on your aircraft — a label you print or stick on the drone. You need both. The Operator ID covers all the aircraft you own; you don't pay per drone. One registration covers your whole fleet.
Flying without one: the risk
Flying a 100g+ drone without a valid Flyer ID is a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order. The CAA's enforcement record against hobby pilots has historically been light for genuine mistakes, but they have issued fixed penalty notices and referred cases to the police where there's evidence of deliberate non-compliance or where an incident resulted. Don't risk it — the test is free and takes less time than a pre-flight safety check.
Already registered? Check your expiry date
Flyer IDs issued under the old 250g regime are still valid — but they expire after 5 years. If you registered in 2020 or 2021, you may be coming up for renewal. Log in to the CAA registration portal and check your expiry date now rather than discovering it's lapsed mid-flight-planning session.
Check airspace as well as your ID
Registration doesn't tell you where you can fly — it just proves you're allowed to fly at all. Before every flight, check ukdronemap.app for active FRZs, NOTAMs, and conservation restrictions at your site. A valid Flyer ID with an expired check of the airspace picture is still how incidents happen.