How to register Drone in India ?
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has issued the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) for civil use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) commonly known as drones. As per the regulation, there are 5 categories of RPAS categorized by weight, namely nano, micro, small, medium and large.
Type of Drones |
Weight of Drone |
Nano |
Less than or equal to 250 grams. |
Micro |
Greater than 250 grams and less than or equal to 2 kg. |
Small |
Greater than 2 kg and less than or equal to 25 kg. |
Medium |
Greater than 25 kg and less than or equal to 150 kg. |
Large |
Greater than 150 kg. |
Registration for flying Drone
Registration for flying Drone in India involves the following steps.
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One-time registration of drones, pilots and owners.
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Obtain UIN
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Obtain UAOP License
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Remote Pilot Training
Details of each of this step is mentioned below.
Registration of Drones, Pilots and Owners
Users will be required to do a one-time registration of their drones, pilots and owners. For every flight (exempted for the nano category), users will be required to ask for permission to fly on a mobile app and an automated process permits or denies the request instantly. To prevent unauthorized flights and to ensure public safety, any drone without a digital permit to fly will simply not be able to takeoff. The unmanned traffic management (UTM) platform operates as a traffic regulator in the drone airspace and coordinates closely with the defense and civilian air traffic controllers (ATCs) to ensure that drones remain on the approved flight paths. The Digital Sky Platform is the first-of-its-kind national unmanned traffic management (UTM) platform that implements “no permission, no takeoff” (NPNT).
As an operator, manufacturer or remote pilot, you need to first register yourself. Registered users can add their NPNT compliant RPAs, and apply to fly.
Follow the below steps to register drone in India.
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Visit Digital Sky website.
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Click on "Get Started".
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Enter your Name or Company name and fill the required details to sign up.
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After registering with Digital Sky, the user will receive notification through the registered mail. By clicking the link in the mail, the user will be directed to select the that is relevant to him/her.
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For registration for Pilots, following steps needs to be completed.
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Pilots to upload certifications, other documents through the digital sky for issuance of Unmanned Aerial Pilot Licence (UAPL)
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e-KYC to be completed before issuance of licence
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For registration for Owners, following steps needs to be completed.
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Operators will have to register their Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP) through the digital sky system
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Complete an an e-KYC process
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For registration for Drones, following steps needs to be completed.
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Manufacturers will have to submit drone versions or models for certification to DGCA
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The drone’s onboard software to be compliant with the proposed SDK specifications
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Approved and certified drone models to be added to the digital sky database
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Unique Identification Number (UIN) of drones to be registered with DGCA
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Get UIN for Drones
UIN is unique identification number issued by DGCA for a particular Drone.
Nano Drones and RPA owned by NTRO, ARC and Central Intelligence Agencies are not required to obtain UIN. Except foreign entity all others are eligible for applying for UIN.
For imported RPAS, ETA from WPC, Import clearance from DGCA and import license from DGFT are required before applying for UIN. For locally purchased RPAS, ETA from WPC and NPNT compliance certificate from OEM is required before applying for UIN.
Following documents are required while applying for UIN.
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Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from WPC (Wireless Planning and Co-ordination) Wing
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OEM Certificate
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Security documents from MHA or copies of any 2 IDs (Passport, Driving License, Aadhar)
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Specification of UAS & applicable Manuals.
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Any other supporting documents deemed necessary.
The process of registering the drones is followed after registering the user at the Digital Sky platform. User has to fill the following details.
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Name, address and PAN details of the owner
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Drone Type
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Model Number
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Serial Number
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OEM Certificate (certificate received from manufacturer)
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NPL Letter
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Name, address and nationality of the Manufacturer
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Maximum take-off weight and height attainable and
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Details of compatible payload
After filling the valid credentials, the user shall make the payment of INR 1000 to apply for Unique Identification Number (UIN) to operate the drones . UIN can also be applied through Bharatkosh Website.
After you have been issued with UIN for a particular drone; engrave it on a fire resistant plate and firmly affix on your drone. Ensure the number remains affixed to the aircraft during routine handling and all operating conditions and is readily accessible and legible upon close visual inspection.
Get UAOP License
UAOP is Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit. All operators other than exempted categories mentioned below are required to obtain UAOP from DGCA.
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Operators of Nano &Micro category in uncontrolled airspace/ enclosed premises upto 50ft and 200ft respectively.
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RPA operated by NTRO, ARC, and Central Intelligence Agencies.
UAOP has a validity of 5 years.
After obtaining UIN , the eligible applicant should apply for UAOP through Digital Sky platform along with following supporting documents and requisite fees (at least 7 working days prior to actual commencement of operations).
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Standard Operating Procedure
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Permission of the land/property owner (only for area used for take-off and landing of RPA);
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Details of remote pilot(s) along with security clearance from MHA or selfattested copies of at least two out of three valid identity proofs viz. Passport, Driving License/ Pilot License or Aadhar Card and copies of training records.;
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Insurance details (as applicable);
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Security programme as approved by BCAS.
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Fees for UAOP of Rs 25,000/- to be deposited in Bharatkosh link and applicant should upload the generated receipt along with application.
Remote Pilot Training
A remote pilot is a person charged by the operator with duties essential to the operation of a remotely piloted aircraft and who manipulates the flight controls, as appropriate, during flight time. Remote Pilot training is not applicable for Nano and Micro category RPA pilots intending to operate in uncontrolled airspace. However, the owner and user should be fully aware of responsibilities for all aspects of flight safety during such operations
Eligibility Criteria
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Remote pilot should have attained 18 years of age.
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Remote pilot should have passed at least 10th exam in English.
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A remote pilot should either obtain security clearance from MHA or submit selfattested copies of at least two out of three valid identity proofs viz. Passport, Driving License or Aadhar Card.
The remote pilot should have undergone ground/ practical training at any DGCA approved Flying Training Organization (FTO).
Follow the below steps to undergo Remote Pilot Training.
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Approach DGCA approved FTOs (List available in DGCA website)
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Ensure FTOs are providing the training as per curriculum with at least minimum ground and practical training specified in the CAR
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Undergo Training and obtain copy of training records
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Update & Maintain Remote Pilot log book
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Signup and upload necessary documents in Digital Sky Platform
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Follow SOP while operating RPAS
Permissions Required
1. |
Directorate General of Civil Aviation |
Import clearance Issuance of UIN Issuance & renewal of UAOP Suspension / Cancellation of UIN & UAOP in case of violations of regulations. |
2. |
Directorate General of Foreign Trade |
Import license |
3. |
Ministry of Home Affairs |
Security clearance |
4. |
Ministry of Defence |
Permission for aerial survey/imageries/ videography/ still photography over the restricted/prohibited areas on case-tocase basis |
5. |
Indian Air Force |
Air Defence Clearance Monitoring of RPA movements in thecountry |
6. |
Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing, DoT |
Equipment Type Approval (ETA) or License for RPA |
7. |
Bureau of Civil Aviation Security |
Approval of Security Programme |
8. |
Airport Authority of India |
Flight Plan Approval Monitoring of RPA movements in the country |
9. |
Local Police Office |
Enforcement of violators as per applicable IPCs |
Operational Requirements
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All RPAS except nano and those owned by NTRO, ARC and Central Intelligence Agencies are to be registered and issued with Unique Identification Number (UIN).
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Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP) shall be required for RPA operators except for nano RPAS operating below 50 ft., micro RPAS operating below 200 ft., and those owned by NTRO, ARC and Central Intelligence Agencies.
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The mandatory equipment required for operation of RPAS except nano category are (a) GNSS (GPS), (b) Return-To-Home (RTH), (c) Anti-collision light, (d) ID-Plate, (e) Flight controller with flight data logging capability, and (f) RF ID and SIM/ No-Permission No Take off (NPNT).
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As of now, RPAS to operate within visual line of sight (VLoS), during day time only, and upto maximum400 ft. altitude.
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For flying in controlled Airspace, filing of flight plan and obtaining Air Defence Clearance (ADC) /Flight Information Centre (FIC) number shall be necessary.
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Minimum manufacturing standards and training requirements of Remote Pilots of small and above categories of RPAS have been specified in the regulation.
Enforcement Actions
If the applicant violates any of the rules, the enforcement actions are as follows.
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Suspension/ cancellation of UIN/ UAOP in case of violation of regulatory provisions,
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Actions as per relevant Sections of the Aircraft Act 1934, or Aircraft Rules, or any statutory provisions, and
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Penalties as per applicable IPCs (such as 287, 336, 337, 338, or any relevant section of IPC).
FAQs
You can find a list of common Drone License queries and their answer in the link below.
Drone License queries and its answers
Tesz is a free-to-use platform for citizens to ask government-related queries. Questions are sent to a community of experts, departments and citizens to answer. You can ask the queries here.
Ask Question
RPAS if issued with UIN, cannot be transferred or disposed-off without permission from DGCA. You are required for cancellation of UIN and the buyer has to apply for fresh UIN through Digital Sky Platform.
Please lodge FIR immediately in local police and report occurrence in Digital Sky along with a copy of FIR.
No. The operator has to apply for fresh UIN.
Drone is a layman terminology for Unmanned Aircraft (UA). There are three subsets of Unmanned Aircraft, a) Remotely Piloted Aircraft, b) Autonomous Aircraft and c) Model Aircraft. An aircraft and its associated elements, which are operated with no pilot on board is called as Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
RPAS is one subset of UAS. A remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), its associated remote pilot station(s), the required command and control links and any other components, as specified in the type design.
Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) is a set of regulations issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The CAR on RPAS shall be effective from 1st December, 2018.
Any entity intending to import RPAS in India shall obtain Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from WPC Wing, Department of Telecommunication for operating in de-licensed frequency band(s). Such approval shall be valid for a particular make and model. The applicant, other than Nano category, shall apply to DGCA along with ETA for import clearance. Based upon the import clearance issued by DGCA, DGFT shall issue license for import of RPAS.
NPNT or ‘No Permission – No Take-off” is a software programme that enables every RPA (except Nano) to obtain a valid permissions through digital sky platform before operating in India. Please contact your OEM/ Manufacturer for complying with this requirement.
Controlled airspace is airspace of defined dimensions within which ATC services are provided. Uncontrolled airspace is airspace where an Air Traffic Control (ATC) service is not necessary or cannot be provided for practical reasons.
ETA from WPC Wing is required for all wireless equipment working in de-licensed frequency band(s) in India. Ensure to get ETA from the seller or manufacturer of RPA which is required to be uploaded while applying for UIN.
Drones are restricted items and can’t be carried in hand baggage.
Foreigners are currently not allowed to fly drones in India. For commercial purpose, they need to lease RPAS to an Indian entity who in-turn will obtain Unique Identification Number (UIN) and UAOP from DGCA.
For Nano, no UIN is required. However, for micro category and above, UIN is required.
Foreign Entity has to lease their RPAS to the Indian Entity. The Indian entity shall apply for UIN and UAOP. Remote Pilot (if a foreign national) should be security cleared. Foreigners are currently not allowed to fly drones in India.
For Security clearance, apply as per the form available in the CAR on RPAS or Use “ESahaj – Online portal for processing security clearance applications” available in DGCA website.
Nano RPA (less than 250 gm) is exempted from obtaining UIN and UAOP. Please ensure not to fly it beyond 50 ft (15m) AGL. Also, ensure you are not flying in controlled airspace and no other manned or unmanned aircraft is flying nearby. If operations to be done in controlled airspace you need to apply for UIN, UAOP and your RPA shall be NPNT complaint. It is recommended to fly in uncontrolled airspace/ enclosed premises and go through Do’s and Don’ts every time before you fly.
You need to obtain UIN. You will not require an UAOP if you are flying your drone below 200 ft (60m) AGL in uncontrolled airspace/ enclosed premises. However, you shall intimate the local police office at least 24 hours prior to conduct of actual operations. Your drone needs to NPNT compliant and you have to obtain permission through digital sky before flying.
Not allowed as of now.
No, as of now but you need to undergo minimum training requirements specified in the Civil Aviation Requirements on “Requirements for Operation of Civil RPAS”.
You should have attained 18 years of age, having passed 10th exam in English, and undergone training at DGCA approved flying training organisation (FTO).
All individuals / operators (except Nano), shall maintain records of each RPA flight records and should be produced on demand by DGCA.
All RPA holders shall maintain maintenance records and, should be able to produce on demand by DGCA.
All drone operations are restricted to day light and within visual line of sight. However, if you are shooting in well-lit enclosed premises using micro drone upto 200 ft. AGL is allowable. Ensure your drone is NPNT compliant and issued with UIN. Also, you need to inform local police before flying. Ensure that you follow Do’s and Don’ts and respect individuals’ privacy.
No. But there is no harm in keeping your local police office informed. In addition, please go through Do’s and Don’ts before flying your Nano drone each time.
RPAS can be used for agricultural purpose except for the purpose of spraying pesticides until specifically cleared.
Carriage of explosives, animal or human payload are not allowed at this instance. Nevertheless, you can test your drones with dummy on any of the test sites specified in the CAR.
Areas over which flying a drone is prohibited/ restricted. Please go through the list of nodrone zones in Civil Aviation Requirements.
You need to keep at least 25 km distance from international border which includes Line of Control (LoC), Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL).
Flying drone over no-drone zone is prohibited. However, DGCA may authorize such operations on case-to-case basis subject to approval of MoD.
DGCA may authorise such operation on case-to-case basis subject to adequate justification is provided by you for safe conduct of RPAS operation. Please note, DGCA may impose additional conditions for permitting such operations. In addition, you may test your drone in the test sites specified in the Civil Aviation Requirements.
DGCA has not stipulated any requirement on minimum amount of insurance for any category of drone. It should be of an adequate amount to cover the risks, damages or other factors that is posed by operation of drone. Further, it is an agreement between the insurance company and you (the policy holder).
In case of violation of the rules and regulations for drones, the UIN/UAOP issued by DGCA shall be suspended/cancelled. Violation of compliance to any of the requirements and falsification of records/documents shall attract penal action including imposition of penalties as per applicable IPCs (such as 287, 336, 337, 338 or any relevant section of IPC) or Aircraft Act 1934 or Aircraft Rules 1937 or any statutory provisions.
You can lodge your grievance in Centralized Public Grievance Redress And Monitoring System Portal. Where do I file flight plan? What is the procedure for filing flight plan? You can file flight plan online through Digital Sky Platform. Procedure for filing flight plan is available in Digital Sky Manual. The link for the Digital Sky Platform/ Manual shall be available in Homepage of DGCA website, and it will be operational from 1st December, 2018.