The registration number must be clearly visible on all drones operated by the operator; the method of labeling is up to the operator.
If the drone is equipped with a remote identification system, the registration number must also be entered into that system.
For scale model aircraft, placing the registration number inside the drone is permitted – preferably in an easily accessible location, such as the battery compartment.
You must register as a drone operator if you operate:
- Drones weighing 250 g or more
- Drones (including those under 250 g) that can transfer kinetic energy of more than 80 joules upon impact with a person (so-called "high-speed drones")
- Drones (including those under 250 g) that are equipped with sensors capable of collecting personal data
This means that before operating any drone equipped with a camera, operator registration is always requiredexcept for devices that fall under the EU "toy directive."
(Please note that you are not registering individual UAS, but rather yourself as an operator.)
After successful registration, the operator receives a registration number, which must be affixed to all operated drones (this can also be done simply by manually labeling the drone).
The registration of individual drones is not possible, as only a single operator registration is required.
The registration fee is €39.60, and the registration remains valid for 3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which drones need to be registered?
In the EU regulations, individual drones do not need to be registered.
However, registration is mandatory for the UAS operator – defined as a natural or legal person who operates or intends to operate one or more unmanned aircraft. Upon successful registration, the operator receives a registration number, which must be visibly displayed on all drones they use. This can be done simply by writing the number on the drone by hand.
Registration is required before operating any of the following:
Drones with a take-off weight of 250 g or more
Drones under 250 g that can transfer kinetic energy of more than 80 joules in the event of a collision with a person (so-called high-speed drones)
Drones under 250 g that are equipped with sensors capable of collecting personal data
This means that any drone equipped with a camera requires operator registration before use – except for drones classified as toys under the EU Toy Directive.
Do operators of drones under 250 g also need to register?
Operators of drones under 250 g are required to register if:
the drone is equipped with a sensor capable of capturing personal data (this includes all drones with a camera, except those classified as toys under the EU Toy Directive), or
the drone can transfer more than 80 joules of kinetic energy in the event of a collision with a person (so-called high-speed drones).
Do I need to register a drone from the DJI Mini series?
Although the drone weighs less than 250 g, it is equipped with a camera. Therefore, the operator is required to register.
Is the registration requirement based on the drone’s weight or its kinetic energy?
Operators of drones weighing 250 g or more are always required to register.
However, registration is also mandatory for operators of drones under 250 g if:
the drone can transfer more than 80 joules of kinetic energy upon impact with a person (so-called high-speed drones), or
the drone is equipped with a sensor capable of capturing personal data, such as a camera.
Do I need to register even if I only fly my drone on my own property?
Yes - the requirement to register does not depend on where the drone is operated.
Do self-built drones need to be registered?
The same rules apply to self-built drones as to commercially available ones.
Operator registration is required before operating any of the following:
drones weighing more than 250 g,
drones under 250 g that are equipped with a sensor capable of capturing personal data (e.g. a camera),
drones under 250 g that can transfer more than 80 joules of kinetic energy (so-called high-speed drones).
Do I need to submit proof of insurance when registering as a drone operator?
You do not need to upload insurance documents during registration, but you are required to provide your insurance policy number as part of the registration process.
Is insurance required for a drone from the DJI Mini series?
Yes. These drones are subject to the registration requirement, which means proper insurance is also mandatory.
What are the requirements for labeling? Is it sufficient, for example, to apply the registration number using a waterproof marker?
Which document does the operator receive after successful registration?
After registration, a confirmation document is provided in digital form. It can be saved and printed if needed.
Who is allowed to check my registration information?
All law enforcement authorities and Austro Control are authorized to check your registration information.
How long is the registration data valid?
The registration remains valid for 3 years and must be renewed thereafter.
What does the registration number look like? Can it be used to identify the federal state or district?
No, the registration number does not contain any personal information. Only the country of issue can be identified.
I am 16 years old – can I register as a drone operator?
The minimum age for registering as a drone operator is 18.
From the age of 16, you are generally allowed to act as a remote pilot, but the registration must be carried out by an adult (e.g. a parent or legal guardian).
From the age of 16, you are generally allowed to act as a remote pilot, but the registration must be carried out by an adult (e.g. a parent or legal guardian).
Where can I register?
Registration is possible here.
How long is the registration valid?
Your registration is valid for three years and must be renewed thereafter.
Is there a minimum age for registration?
Yes. The minimum age for registration as a drone operator is 18 years.
How much does the registration cost?
Die Kosten belaufen sich auf 39,60 EUR.
I registered with incorrect information – how can I make changes?
It is unfortunately not possible to change the data afterwards. Please make sure to carefully check all information before submitting your registration.
What data is collected during registration?
Your name, address, date of birth, email address, phone number, and insurance policy number are collected.
Please make sure all information is entered correctly – changes cannot be made after submission!
Please make sure all information is entered correctly – changes cannot be made after submission!
Which browsers and browser settings are recommended for registration?
Please use one of the following browsers for the registration process:
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Edge
- Safari
Also, make sure that cookies, JavaScript, and pop-ups are allowed during the registration process.
How can I renew my existing operator registration?
You can renew your registration directly in the Austro Control Dronespace system.
To do so, log into your operator account, select the "Registration data" tab, and then choose the "Renew registration" option.
Once payment is completed, your registration will be valid for another three years.
Detailed information is available in our guide "How to renew your operator registration."
To do so, log into your operator account, select the "Registration data" tab, and then choose the "Renew registration" option.
Once payment is completed, your registration will be valid for another three years.
Detailed information is available in our guide "How to renew your operator registration."
When can I renew my operator registration?
You can start the renewal process 31 days before your current registration expires.
The validity of the new registration will begin only after the current registration period ends.
The validity of the new registration will begin only after the current registration period ends.
How much does it cost to renew my operator registration?
The renewal fee is €39.60.
Once payment is completed, the registration is valid for another three years.
Once payment is completed, the registration is valid for another three years.
Will I receive a new operator number when I renew my registration?
No. Your operator number will always remain the same as the one you received during your initial registration.