Demystifying Remote ID: What Every Drone Pilot Needs to Know for 2025 Compliance
By Damon Johnson, Founder of Raising Drones
Hello, future drone pilots and drone enthusiasts!
If you’re new to the world of drones, or even if you’ve been flying for a while, you’ve probably heard the term “Remote ID” tossed around a lot. If you’re like most people, you’re probably wondering: What is it? and Why does it matter to me?
Great questions! Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense.
What Is Remote ID?
Remote ID is basically a system that helps identify your drone when it’s flying in the air. Think of it like a license plate for your drone. Just like every car on the road has a license plate that helps others know where it’s coming from, Remote ID helps keep track of drones in the sky.
When your drone has Remote ID, it sends out information about where it is, how high it’s flying, how fast it’s going, and who is flying it. This information can be picked up by other people, like law enforcement or air traffic control, and helps them know what’s happening in the sky.
This system is being put in place to make flying safer. With more drones in the sky, we need a way to keep track of them so they don’t run into each other or cause accidents.
Why Does Remote ID Matter?
Now, you might be asking, Why do I need to care about this? If you’re just flying for fun, does it really matter? Well, yes, it does. Here’s why:
Safety: Remote ID helps keep the airspace safer for everyone. With more drones flying around, it’s important to know where each drone is and who is flying it. This helps prevent accidents with other drones or even with manned aircraft.
Legal Compliance: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has set up the Remote ID rule, and if you’re flying in the U.S., you need to follow it. This helps the government keep track of drone activity and ensures everything is above board.
Better Control of the Skies: Remote ID makes it easier for law enforcement and other authorities to see if a drone is flying where it shouldn’t be, or if it’s being operated by someone who isn’t following the rules. It’s all about keeping control over the skies for everyone.
When Does Remote ID Apply?
The Remote ID rule applies to most drones that are registered with the FAA. If you have a drone that weighs more than 0.55 pounds (about 250 grams) and you’ve registered it with the FAA, you will need to have Remote ID on your drone. This includes both hobbyist and commercial drones.
If your drone doesn’t meet the Remote ID requirement, you won’t be able to legally fly it in most places after September 2023. The good news is that many newer drones already have Remote ID built into them, so if you’re buying a new drone in 2025, it’s likely already compliant.
How Can I Comply with Remote ID Rules?
The good news is that it’s pretty simple to comply with Remote ID rules, and there are a few ways you can do it:
Buy a Drone with Built-in Remote ID:
The easiest way to comply is to buy a drone that already has Remote ID built into it. Many drones from brands like DJI already have this feature. When you buy a drone with built-in Remote ID, it will automatically send out the information needed to comply with the rules.Get a Remote ID Broadcast Module:
If you already own a drone that doesn’t have Remote ID built in, don’t worry—you don’t need to buy a whole new drone. Instead, you can buy a small device called a "Remote ID Broadcast Module." This device attaches to your drone and sends out the required information.Fly in a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA):
If you’re flying in an area that’s officially recognized by the FAA as a safe zone for drone flights, called a FRIA, you might not need Remote ID. However, these areas are limited, and most pilots will need to have Remote ID if they’re flying outside of these zones.
What Happens if I Don’t Follow the Rules?
If you don’t have Remote ID on your drone and you’re flying it in airspace where it’s required, you could face penalties. The FAA is serious about enforcing these rules, and they’ve already started to make sure pilots are complying. This could mean fines or even having your drone taken away.
But don’t worry! As long as you make sure your drone has Remote ID (either built in or with a broadcast module), you’ll be all set.
How Do I Know If My Drone Needs Remote ID?
If you’re not sure if your drone needs Remote ID, check your drone’s weight and whether it’s registered with the FAA. If your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds and is registered, it needs Remote ID.
If you bought your drone recently (in the past couple of years), chances are it’s already Remote ID ready. If not, you’ll need to either buy a compatible drone or get a Remote ID module to attach to your current drone.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Game
Remote ID might sound like a lot of new rules to follow, but it’s really just a way to make flying safer for everyone. The good news is that it’s easy to comply, and once you have a drone that meets the Remote ID rules, you can fly confidently knowing you’re following the law and contributing to a safer, more organized sky.
At Raising Drones, we’re here to help you understand all the rules and regulations in the drone world. If you need any advice or have questions about Remote ID or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to help.
Fly smart, fly safe, and we’ll see you in the skies!
Damon Johnson
Founder, Raising Drones