UK CAA Drone Rule Changes Explained: Class Marks and Remote ID Requirements

New UK Drone Rules Are Coming: What Class Marks and Remote ID Mean for Pilots

New UK CAA Drone Rules Explained: Class Marks and Remote ID

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is introducing significant changes to how drones and model aircraft are classified and identified. From January 2026 onwards, new requirements around UK Class Marks and Remote ID will affect most drone operators, from recreational flyers to commercial users. These changes are designed to improve safety, clarify what different aircraft can do, and help authorities manage increasingly busy airspace.

This article summarises what the new rules mean, who they apply to, and when you need to take action.

Summary: Class Marks

Two Big Wins From 1 January 2026

1) Fly more drones in ‘Over People’ (Open A1).
You can fly drones up to 900g (with UK0/C0/UK1/C1 class marks) in the ‘Over people’ (Open A1) category. Previously, this was limited to <250g drones.
Two examples of drones you can newly fly in ‘Over People’ (Open A1) are the DJI Avata 2 and the DJI Air 3S.

2) With an A2 CofC, you can fly bigger drones in ‘Near People’ (Open A2)
Instead of 2kg, you can fly a drone up to 4kg (with a UK2 or C2 class mark) in the ‘Near People’ (Open A2) category. That allows you to fly as close as 5 metres from uninvolved people in low-speed mode, or 30 metres otherwise.
An example of a C2 drone is the 3.77 kg DJI Matrice 30T.

Bonus: you can get 58% off an A2 CofC with Coptrz Academy if you are an FPVUK Member.  Grab your FPV UK discount code here from your member deals section:

See our new handbook and Open Category infographic:

FPV UK Handbook   

FPV UK Open Category Infographic

Summary: Flyer ID

From 1st January 2026 you must have a flyer ID to fly any drone with a mass of more than 100g. If you don’t already have one, get your flyer ID now by taking the very-simple 40 multiple-choice question quiz in your FPV UK account. Just press ‘Take Test & Get CAA Flyer’ in your account.

Summary: Remote ID

Legacy drones (i.e. those that are not UK class-marked) weighing 100g or more, with a camera, must have remote ID enabled from 1 January 2028. Likewise privately built UAS weighing 100g or more, with a camera, must have remote ID enabled from 1 January 2028.

When UK class marked drones come along, they must have remote ID enabled. You can find your remote ID code in your CAA account at https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/my-registration. Further details can be found in our class marking and remote ID article.

Detailed Information: Class Marks

UK Class Marks: What They Are and Why They Matter

From 1 January 2026, any new model of drone or model aircraft placed on the UK market must carry a UK class mark. The class mark is a label applied by the manufacturer to show that the aircraft meets specific regulatory requirements.

The class mark helps pilots understand:

• Where and how they can fly

• Which operational category applies

• Whether a Flyer ID or Operator ID is required

To be given a UK class mark, drones and model aircraft must meet defined standards. These cover areas such as maximum weight, technical capabilities, and safety features designed to reduce risk to people and property.

What if You Bought Your Drone Before 2026?

If your drone or model aircraft was sold or distributed before 1 January 2026, it is unlikely to have a UK class mark. These aircraft are often referred to as legacy drones.

You can still fly them, but the rules you must follow are based primarily on the weight of the aircraft, rather than a class label. Many existing flyers will therefore continue operating under familiar weight-based regulations, particularly during the transition period.

How to Check for a UK Class Mark

If your aircraft has a UK class mark, it will be shown on a label attached to the drone or model aircraft. This mark identifies the class and determines which category of operation you can use.

For More Information on Class Marks Please see: www.caa.co.uk/drones/getting-started-with-drones-and-model-aircraft/class-marks/

UK Class Marks and What You Can Do

The CAA has defined several UK class marks, each linked to weight limits and operational categories:

• UK0 – Less than 250g
  Fly in the Open Over People (A1) Category

• UK1 – Less than 900g
  Fly in Open Over People (A1) Category

• UK2 – Less than 4kg
  Fly in Open Near People (A2) Category  (you must get a further certificate)
  or Open Far From People (A3) Category

• UK3 – Less than 25kg
  Fly in Open Far From People (A3) Category

• UK4 – Less than 25kg
  Fly in Open Far From People (A3) Category

• UK5 and UK6 – Less than 25kg
  Operate in the Specific Category

UK5 and UK6 Drones

If you want to fly a UK5 (C5) or UK6 (C6) class drone, you must obtain authorisation from the CAA. These aircraft are intended for more complex or higher-risk operations and cannot be flown under standard Open Category rules.

European C Class Marks

If your drone or model aircraft has a C class mark on it, the manufacturer has declared that it meets the European class standards

Until 31 December 2027, you can fly a C class aircraft as if it is the corresponding UK class. For example, you can fly a C1 class drone as if it is a UK1 class drone.

Detailed Information: Remote ID

Remote ID is a system that allows drones and model aircraft to broadcast their identity and location while flying. As airspace becomes busier, Remote ID helps keep operations safe and secure by allowing the police and other authorities to determine whether an aircraft is being used legally.

Remote ID works by transmitting a Remote ID number from the aircraft using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology.

For More Information on Remote ID Please see: www.caa.co.uk/drones/moving-on-to-more-advanced-flying/remote-id-rid

Legal requirements for Remote ID

You must enable Remote ID on your drone or model aircraft by either 1 January 2026 or 1 January 2028, depending on the class of your drone or model aircraft and the category you’re operating in. You must have Remote ID switched on whenever you fly from the applicable date onwards.

From 1 January 2028, you must use Remote ID for all drone and model operations (unless you have an exemption from the CAA). The transitional period until 1 January 2028 gives people with legacy drones, privately built aircraft and model aircraft time to add Remote ID functionality to their aircraft.

It is recommended you switch on Remote ID even if it does not become mandatory for your operations until 1 January 2028.

Dates when use of Remote ID becomes mandatory

Your Remote ID Number

You can view your Remote ID number on the CAA Website in the My registration area

The CAA provide all registered operators with a Remote ID number.

If you are a new operator, you will need to register to get an Operator ID for your organisation. A RID will be generated at this point.

You can use the same Remote ID number for all drones and model aircraft you operate.

Your Remote ID number is similar to your Operator ID, but not exactly the same. Note, your Remote ID number is case sensitive.

Keep Your Private Key Secure

The final three characters of your Remote ID form your private key. This must be kept secure:

• Never write it on your aircraft

• Never share it

• Avoid writing it down

If you believe your private key has been compromised, you should contact the CAA to request a replacement.

Summary

The introduction of UK class marks and Remote ID represents a major step in modernising drone regulation. While the changes may seem complex, they are being phased in gradually to give operators time to adapt. Understanding your aircraft’s class and Remote ID obligations now will help ensure you stay compliant as the new rules take effect.

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