What is Remote ID?
The short answer is a digital license plate for drones.
Remote ID (RID) is the ability of a drone in flight to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties through a broadcast signal.
Why is it needed?
Remote ID lays the foundation of the safety and security groundwork needed for more complex drone operations. Remote ID also helps the FAA, law enforcement, and other federal agencies locate the control station when a drone appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where it is not allowed to fly.
Who does it apply to?
The FAA requires that all drones must be registered, except those that weigh 0.55 pounds or less (less than 250 grams) and are flown exclusively under the Exception for Recreational Flyers. Under the Remote ID rule, all drone pilots required to register, including those who fly for fun, for business, or for public safety, must operate their drone in accordance with the final rule on Remote ID beginning September 16, 2023.
How do I comply?
There are three options.
Standard: The drone supports RID onboard as manufactured or with a firmware update.
Module (non-standard): The drone does not support RID natively and a separate module is needed.
None: These drones are permitted to operate within FAA-Recognized identification areas (FRIAs) only without broadcasting RID.
Making it happen:
Identify how you will comply based on your drone model
Register (or update) the drone with the RID Serial Number via FAA DroneZone
Update your RID compliance info on the aircraft detail panel in Air Control
Track your team's compliance through the enterprise reporting dashboard:
Read more about Remote ID from the FAA here.