Drone Licence Germany: A1/A3 and A2 Certificates and Costs

It depends on your drone's class mark and where you fly it:

• C0 drones and drones under 250 g (subcategory A1): no certificate required, but the free online training is recommended.
• C1 drones (A1), C3 and C4 drones, and drones without a class mark up to 25 kg (A3): the EU A1/A3 certificate.
• C2 drones close to people (A2): the A1/A3 certificate plus the A2 remote pilot certificate.
• C5 and C6 drones in the standard scenarios STS-01 and STS-02: the A1/A3 certificate, the STS remote pilot certificate and a practical STS accreditation.

1. Work through the LBA's free online training, with texts, graphics and training videos.
2. Pass the practice test at the end of the training.
3. Follow the link to register for the online exam, or log in if you are already registered as an operator. If you only register as a pilot, you do not upload an ID document or insurance details.
4. Take the online exam: 40 multiple-choice questions.
5. Download the certificate from your LBA account and save or print it.

The online exam has 40 multiple-choice questions from nine subject areas. You pass with at least 75% correct answers, which means 30 of 40. If you do not reach that, you can take the exam again as often as you need, and the fee is charged only once.

The online training can also be repeated, and each module ends with practice questions that prepare you for the exam.

• Online training: free
• A1/A3 exam and certificate: €25
• Issuing the A2 certificate: €30
• Issuing the STS certificate: €30
• Renewing or changing a certificate: €15

The €30 for the A2 and STS certificates covers issuing them. You take those exams at a test centre designated by the LBA. Operator registration is separate and costs €20.

All certificates issued by the LBA (A1/A3, A2 and STS) are valid for 5 years. If you get a higher certificate, its expiry date applies to everything on the combined certificate.

You can renew the A1/A3 certificate in your LBA account once it has less than 12 months left. The new validity counts from the day of renewal. You renew the A2 certificate with a higher certificate (STS), an online refresher course or a new exam at a test centre.

1. Get the EU A1/A3 certificate.
2. Complete practical self-training in the operating conditions of subcategory A2.
3. Pass an additional theory exam at a test centre designated by the LBA.

The LBA issues the certificate as a PDF by email. You apply for it only through the test centre.

Certificates from any EASA country, meaning the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, are valid in Germany. Certificates from other countries, including the UK, are not recognised, so you must take the LBA exam before you fly.

• LBA: Fernpilotenausbildung (checked 30 October 2026)
• LBA: EU-Kompetenznachweis A1/A3 (checked 30 October 2026)
• LBA: Fragen und Antworten zu Drohnen (checked 30 October 2026)