Do I Need a Flyer ID or Operator ID for a Drone Under 250g?

Strictly speaking, you do not register the individual drone. Depending on its weight and whether it has a camera, the person flying may need a Flyer ID and the person or organisation responsible for it may need to register for an Operator ID. That Operator ID must then be displayed on the aircraft.

For a drone weighing from 100g to less than 250g, the pilot needs a Flyer ID. If the aircraft also has a camera, the responsible operator normally needs an Operator ID and must display it on the drone. This applies to many popular 249g camera drones, including DJI Mini models.

The rules changed on 1 January 2026, so check the current requirements even if you have flown a lightweight drone before.

Sub-250g Flyer ID and Operator ID rules at a glance

These requirements are based on flying weight. Accessories may increase it, so check the drone as you intend to fly it.

You can confirm the latest requirements on the CAA’s drone registration page.

What is the difference between a Flyer ID and an Operator ID?

A Flyer ID belongs to the person flying the drone. You receive it after passing the CAA’s free online theory test, and it is currently valid for five years.

An Operator ID belongs to the person or organisation responsible for the drone. The operator registers themselves with the CAA; they do not register each individual aircraft. The operator is normally the owner, although that is not always the case. An Operator ID currently costs £12.34 and must be renewed every year.

You must be at least 18 to obtain an Operator ID. If the owner is under 18, an adult must register as the operator, although the young person can still fly with the required Flyer ID.

If you are still unsure which role applies to you, read our complete guide to Flyer IDs and Operator IDs.

Do I need a Flyer ID for a 249g drone?

Yes. Under the rules in force from 1 January 2026, you need a Flyer ID to fly a drone or model aircraft weighing 100g or more.

The free test covers the knowledge needed to fly safely and legally. A Flyer ID belongs to the pilot rather than one aircraft, so it can be used when flying different drones. The CAA also recommends taking the test when an aircraft weighs less than 100g, even though it is not compulsory.

Do I need an Operator ID for a drone under 250g?

If the drone weighs from 100g to less than 250g and has a camera, the person or organisation responsible for it must register for an Operator ID. If it does not have a camera, obtaining an Operator ID is optional within this weight range.

The Operator ID must be displayed on every applicable aircraft for which that operator is responsible. The operator does not need to obtain a different ID for each drone.

Does a DJI Mini need an Operator ID in the UK?

Most DJI Mini drones include a camera and have a stated weight of around 249g. The drone itself is not individually registered. Instead, the person flying normally needs a Flyer ID, while the responsible operator must register for an Operator ID and display it on the aircraft.

Check the specifications for your exact model and its total weight with any accessories fitted. If it reaches 250g or more, other operating rules may also apply.

Where should I put my Operator ID?

When an Operator ID is required because of the aircraft’s weight and camera, it must be displayed before you fly. Use the Operator ID, not the pilot’s Flyer ID, on the aircraft.

According to the CAA, the label must be:

• On the main body of the aircraft.
• Clear and written in block capitals taller than 3mm.
• Secure and safe from damage.
• Visible from the outside, or inside a compartment that can be opened without a tool.

Check that the label is still present and readable before flying. The CAA provides full drone labelling guidance. 

Purchase your own custom Operator ID stickers from the FPV UK store. 

What is a UK0 drone?

UK0 is a product class mark, not a registration for the aircraft. To fly a UK0 aircraft weighing from 100g to less than 250g, the pilot needs a Flyer ID. When it has a camera, the responsible operator also needs an Operator ID and must display it on the aircraft. European C0 aircraft can be treated as the corresponding UK0 class until 31 December 2027.

Do a Flyer ID and Operator ID give me permission to fly anywhere?

No. Holding the required IDs does not give you permission to use a location or airspace.

Before every flight, check the airspace and temporary restrictions, permission to take off and land, local site rules and nearby hazards. You must also follow the operating rules that apply to the aircraft and flight.

TheDroneMap.com can help you review airspace and hazard information while planning a flight.

Thedronemap.com – Important disclaimer

Display of a flight report on TheDroneMap.com does not create a NOTAM and does not give permission, authorisation, clearance, or approval to fly. You are responsible for ensuring that your flight is lawful and that you have obtained all necessary permissions, authorisations, consents, and insurance before flying.

Your flight report will be shared publicly, but your identity will not be disclosed. Third parties will have the facility to message you regarding your flight report. 

Want more information on where you can fly? Read: Where can I fly my drone in the UK?

How FPV UK can help with CAA registration

FPV UK membership can include optional CAA registration and renewal support, alongside practical guidance, educational resources, member benefits and public liability protection for eligible flying.

You remain responsible for keeping the Operator ID valid and displaying it correctly on every applicable aircraft, but having support available can make the process less daunting.

Explore FPV UK membership benefits to see what is included.

Frequently asked questions

Do I still need the IDs if I only fly in my garden?

Yes, if the aircraft’s weight and camera mean the IDs are required. Flying from your own property does not remove those requirements. You must also fly safely, respect privacy and check the surrounding airspace.

Does a sub-250g drone still have to follow the Drone Code?

Yes. A lighter drone may have more flexibility in where it can be flown, but it is not exempt from the safety rules. You must still follow the Drone and Model Aircraft Code, remain within the applicable height limit, avoid restricted airspace and fly safely around other people.

Check before your first flight

If your drone weighs from 100g to less than 250g, the person flying needs a Flyer ID. If it has a camera, the responsible operator normally needs to register for an Operator ID and display it on the aircraft.

Once the correct IDs are in place, label the aircraft and check the location before every flight. Our guide to what you need to do before flying a new drone in the UK covers the rest of the first-flight essentials.

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general information only and is based on our best efforts at the time of writing. Rules and requirements can change, and you remain responsible for ensuring that your flying is safe, legal and compliant with all applicable regulations.