Drone License USA: TRUST Test vs Part 107 Certificate

It depends on why you fly, not on whether you get paid. If you fly purely for fun or personal enjoyment, you fly under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations and need the TRUST certificate.

Almost everything else falls under Part 107. The FAA's examples include taking photos to help sell a property, roof inspections, taking pictures of a school football game for the school's website and volunteering your drone for a non-profit. When in doubt, the FAA says to assume Part 107.

TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) is required by law for recreational flyers, whatever the drone weighs. You must pass it before you fly and carry proof when flying.

• It is free and online.
• You take it through one of the FAA-approved test administrators, such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Pilot Institute or UAV Coach.
• Every question can be corrected until you reach 100%.
• Download, save or print your certificate. The administrators do not keep a record, so if you lose it you must take the test again.
• Show the certificate if a law enforcement officer asks.

To fly under Part 107 you must:

• be at least 16 years old
• be able to read, speak, write and understand English
• be in a physical and mental condition to fly a drone safely
• pass the initial knowledge test "Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)"

What the knowledge test covers

• regulations, airspace classes and flight restrictions
• weather and its effect on drone performance
• loading, performance and emergency procedures
• radio communication and airport operations
• drugs and alcohol, decision-making and crew resource management
• maintenance, preflight inspection and operation at night

1. Create an IACRA profile to get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN).
2. Book an appointment at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center and bring a government-issued photo ID.
3. Pass the knowledge test.
4. Complete FAA Form 8710-13 in IACRA with your 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID. It can take up to 48 hours for the result to appear.
5. After the TSA security background check you get an email and can print a temporary certificate.
6. The permanent certificate is sent by mail.

Pilots who already hold a Part 61 pilot certificate and a current flight review take the free online course ALC-451 instead of the knowledge test.

Keeping it current

Every 24 calendar months, complete the free online recurrent training ALC-677 (or ALC-515 if you also hold a Part 61 certificate with a current flight review).

• TRUST certificate: free.
• Registration for recreational flying: $5 for all your drones, valid for three years.
• Registration under Part 107: $5 per drone, valid for three years.
• Part 107 recurrent training: free.

The FAA's pages do not list the fee for the Part 107 knowledge test. Check it with the testing center when you book.

The FAA does not recognise foreign remote pilot certificates. A visitor who wants to fly under Part 107 must pass the knowledge test, and all testing centers are in the US. Alternatively, a US-certificated remote pilot who can take direct control can supervise the flight, or fly it for you.

• Recreational Flyers & Community-Based Organizations (checked 30 October 2026)
• The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) (checked 30 October 2026)
• Become a Certificated Remote Pilot (checked 30 October 2026)
• How to Register Your Drone (checked 30 October 2026)
• Information for International UAS Operators (checked 30 October 2026)