Open Category
Designed for low-risk flying following the Drone Code. Ideal for recreational pilots and straightforward commercial work using lighter drones.
Explore the Open CategoryUK Drone Operating Categories
See which UK drone operating category (Open, Specific, or Certified) applies to your flight before you take off. The requirements depend on your drone, how you use it, and the risks involved. Stay legal and safe with up-to-date CAA rules.
Choose the right operating category for your flight
Each category has its own risk profile, training expectations, and paperwork. Start with the overview below, then dive into the dedicated page for the category that matches your aircraft and mission profile.
Specific Category
Covers higher-risk or more complex operations, including most commercial work in built-up areas. Requires a GVC or an RPC-L1 and a CAA Operational Authorisation.
Explore the Specific CategoryCertified Category
Reserved for the highest-risk missions comparable to manned aviation, such as carrying passengers or high-risk dangerous goods. Requires full certification for aircraft, operator, and pilot.
Explore the Certified CategoryHow to decide where you fit
Check the risk level
Lightweight drones flown away from people usually stay in the Open Category. As soon as your operation could endanger uninvolved people or involve heavier aircraft, explore the Specific Category.
Consider your mission type
Commercial filming in a town centre, infrastructure inspections, BVLOS work, or anything needing bespoke mitigations will push you into the Specific Category and require CAA approval.
Look at your aircraft
Class marks, weight, and equipment (like Remote ID) all influence where you can operate. Heavier or uncertified aircraft may need a risk assessment even for simple missions.
When in doubt, escalate
If your operation could resemble manned aviation such as flying very large drones, carrying passengers, or transporting high-risk dangerous goods, you will likely be in the Certified Category and must follow full aviation certification requirements.
Registration Requirements
Before flying most drones or model aircraft outdoors in the UK you must pass a theory test to get a Flyer ID and, in many cases, register for an Operator ID. It is against the law to fly without the required IDs.
Which IDs do you need?
Requirements are based on the weight or class of the drone or model aircraft.
| Weight or Class | Flyer ID | Operator ID |
|---|---|---|
| 250 g to less than 25 kg, including UK1, UK2, UK3 or UK4 class | Required | Required |
| 100 g to less than 250 g, with a camera (UK0 with a camera) | Required | Required |
| 100 g to less than 250 g, without a camera (UK0 without a camera) | Required | Optional |
| Less than 100 g (not class-marked) | Recommended | Optional |
Notes:
- IDs apply to outdoor flight. Indoor use is not covered by airspace rules, but other laws may still apply.
- If you are responsible for a child under 13, use the CAA service for child Flyer IDs.
- Breaking the law can lead to fines. The most serious offences can lead to imprisonment.
UK Class Marks
From 1 January 2026, all new drones and model aircraft placed on the market in the UK must have a UK class mark between UK0 and UK6. These class marks show that the aircraft meets specific safety, technical and design standards for its intended category of operation.
Drones and model aircraft sold or distributed before 1 January 2026 are considered legacy aircraft. You can still fly them, but you must follow the operational rules based on their weight and category rather than a class mark.
You can check if your drone or model aircraft has a UK class mark by looking for a visible label such as UK1, UK2, or UK3 on the product or packaging.
Drones with European “C” class marks (C0-C6) are treated as equivalent to the matching UK class mark until 31 December 2027. For example, a C1 drone can be flown as a UK1 drone. After that date, only UK-marked drones will be recognised for new sales or compliance purposes.
Overview of UK Class Marks
Each class mark defines the maximum weight and category the drone or model aircraft can be used in.
| Class Mark | Operating Category | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|
| UK0 | Open - Over People (A1) | Less than 250 g |
| UK1 | Open - Over People (A1) | Less than 900 g |
| UK2 | Open - Near People (A2) OR Open - Far From People (A3) |
Less than 4 kg |
| UK3 | Open - Far From People (A3) | Less than 25 kg |
| UK4 | Open - Far From People (A3) | Less than 25 kg |
| UK5 | Specific Category | Less than 25 kg |
| UK6 | Specific Category | Less than 25 kg |
Notes:
- Legacy drones and model aircraft without a UK class mark can continue to be sold and flown under existing weight-based rules.
- All new drones placed on the market from 1 January 2026 must display a valid UK class mark (UK0-UK6).
- European C-class drones can be used in the equivalent UK class until 31 December 2027.
- To fly UK5 or UK6 class drones, you must hold a Specific Category Operational Authorisation from the CAA.
Remote ID Requirements
Remote ID lets a drone or model aircraft broadcast its identity and location while flying, usually over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It helps keep the skies safe and allows police and other authorities to check whether a flight is compliant. You must switch on Remote ID from the date it becomes mandatory for your drone or model aircraft.
When does Remote ID become mandatory?
Dates depend on the class mark and the category you are flying in. From 1 January 2028 Remote ID is required for almost all drones and model aircraft unless you have a CAA exemption.
| Drone Class or Type | Open Category | Specific Category (OA issued before 1 Jan 2026) | Specific Category (OA issued from 1 Jan 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK0 with a camera, 100 g or more | 1 January 2028 | 1 January 2028 | 1 January 2028 |
| UK1, UK2, UK3 | 1 January 2026 | 1 January 2026 | 1 January 2026 |
| UK4 (for example, model aircraft) | 1 January 2028 | 1 January 2028 | 1 January 2028 |
| UK5 and UK6 | Not applicable | 1 January 2026 | 1 January 2026 |
| Legacy (not UK class-marked) with a camera, 100 g or more | 1 January 2028 | 1 January 2028 | 1 January 2028 |
| Privately built with a camera, 100 g or more | 1 January 2028 | 1 January 2028 | 1 January 2028 |
Notes:
- You must have Remote ID enabled whenever you fly from the applicable date.
- The period up to 1 January 2028 allows time for legacy, privately built, and model aircraft to add Remote ID capability.
- The CAA recommends enabling Remote ID now if your system supports it, even if it is not yet mandatory for your flights.
Drone Insurance Requirements
Insurance rules for drones are set by UK Regulation (EC) 785/2004. Whether or not you need insurance depends on how you use your drone and its weight. Commercial operators must always have insurance, while recreational flyers are generally exempt but remain legally responsible for any injury or damage they cause.
Drone Insurance Requirements (UK Reg EC 785/2004)
“Model aircraft” means an unmanned aircraft used for sporting and recreational purposes, flown by direct control inputs made by the remote pilot without any autonomous capability other than for flight stabilisation purposes.
| Type of Drone and Use | Insurance Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Any drone or model aircraft used for work or commercial purposes | Yes | All drones used for any commercial or paid work must have third-party liability insurance that meets Regulation (EC) 785/2004 regardless of weight |
| Model aircraft under 20 kg used for recreation or sport | No | Exempt under Article 2 of Regulation (EC) 785/2004. This applies only to recreational or sporting use. |
| Any drone under 500 kg used non-commercially | No | Exempt under Article 2 of Regulation (EC) 785/2004. Applies only when used for non-commercial purposes. |
| Any drone or model aircraft 500 kg or more (any use) | Yes | All drones of 500 kg or more must have third-party liability insurance that meets Regulation (EC) 785/2004, whether flown recreationally or for commercial work. |
Key Points to Remember
- Operator ID: Needed by anyone responsible for a drone with a camera from 100 g upwards and for all drones at 250 g or more. If 100-250 g with no camera, Operator ID is optional.
- Flyer ID: Needed by anyone who flies a drone weighing 100 g or more.
- A2 CofC: Needed to fly in the Open A2 Category. Valid for 5 years.
- GVC or RPC-L1: Needed to fly in the Specific Category under a PDRA-01 OA. Valid for 5 years.
- Follow the Drone and Model Aircraft Code: This sets out safety and privacy requirements.
- Never fly above 120 m (400 ft) or beyond VLOS unless you have a UK SORA Operational Authorisation.
- Check for local restrictions: You must get permission to fly in FRZs or sensitive locations.
- Outdoor flights only: UK Drone Regulations apply to outdoor flights. Indoor operations are not regulated by airspace rules but may still fall under privacy, insurance, or safety law.
- Remote ID: Direct RID applies from 1 January 2026 for UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5 and UK6. From 1 January 2028 it applies to UK0, legacy and privately built aircraft ≥100 g with a camera, and model aircraft unless exempted.