How to register Drone in India ?

Written By Gautham Krishna   | Published on August 15, 2019




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.

Categorisation of Unmanned Aircraft System

The unmanned aircraft system shall be categorized into the following three categories, namely:

  • Aeroplane
  • Rotorcraft
  • Hybrid unmanned aircraft system

The airplane, rotorcraft and hybrid unmanned aircraft system shall be further sub-categorised as follows

  • Remotely piloted aircraft system
  • Model remotely piloted aircraft system
  • Autonomous unmanned aircraft system

Classification of Unmanned Aircraft System

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.

  1. One-time registration of drones, pilots and owners.

  2. Obtain UIN

  3. Obtain UAOP License

  4. 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.

  • Visit the DigitalSky Portal.

  • Click on ‘Register’.

  • Select the type of profile you want to sign up with.

    • I want to use UAS

    • I am a UAS Manufactures/Importer

    • I want to become an authorized RPTO

    • I want to be a certified remote pilot

    • Authorized Testing Entity (ATE)

 

  • For UAS Manufacturer/Importer, select whether you are an Indian Manufacturer/ Importer or a Foreigner Manufacturer/Importer.

  • Fill your name, email address, mobile number and password.

How to Apply for Type Certificate?

Follow the below steps to apply for type certificate.

  • Visit the DigitalSky Portal.

  • Click on ‘Login’.

  • Login using your email and password.

  • Select 'Add Prototype UAS' from the dashboard. 

  • Preview the Application for Type Certificate (Form D-1). 

  • Pay Rs. 100 fee and complete the submission of Application for Type Certificate (Form D-1)

  • Upon successful receipt of requisite fee, the application will be sent to the selected authorized testing entity (ATE). 

  • Testing of prototype UAS by ATE will be offline process

  • Selected ATE will contact you after receipt of your application.

  • Upon recommendation of QCI/ ATE, DGCA will review the application and after approval, the TYPE CERTIFICATE will be generated. 

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.

UIN Eligibility Criteria

All Civil RPAs shall require a UIN from the DGCA. The UIN will be granted on the submission of numerous documents, if the RPAS is wholly owned by:

  • A citizen of India; or 

  • By the Central Government or any State Government or any company or corporation owned or controlled by either of the said Governments; or 

  • By a company or a body corporate provided that: 

    •  it is registered and has its principal place of business within India; 

    • its chairman and at least two-thirds of its directors are citizens of India; and, 

    • its substantial ownership and effective control is vested in Indian nationals; or 

  • By a company or corporation registered elsewhere than in India, provided that such company or corporation has leased the RPAS to any organization mentioned in Para I (ii) or (iii) above.

Documents Required for UIN

Following documents are required while applying for UIN.

  • Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from WPC (Wireless Planning and Co-ordination) Wing

  • OEM Certificate

  • Security documents from MHA or copies of any 2 IDs (Passport, Driving License, Aadhar)

  • Specification of UAS & applicable Manuals.

  • Any other supporting documents deemed necessary.

How to Apply for Unique Identification Number?

Option 1: Apply UIN for cases exempted from Type Certificate (Model or a Nano UAS)

Follow the below steps to apply for UIN for exempted cases from type certificate.

  • Visit the DigitalSky Portal.

  • Click on ‘Login’.

  • Login using your email and password.

  • Select 'Add Exempted Model' menu option from the dashboard

  • Fill all mandatory details of your Exempted UAS model and add your model on Digital Sky Platform. 

  • Once a model is added, Individual/Organisation users can Add UAS Serial Number from the dashboard, for the added UAS Model.

  • User can Click Apply for UIN for the added UAS serial number. 

  • Preview the Application for Registration of UIN, Pay Rs. 100 fee and Submit Form D-2 (Application for Unique Identification Number) Upon successful receipt of requisite fee, the UIN will be generated.

Option 2: I want an UIN for my UAS which is Type Certified model

  • Visit the DigitalSky Portal.

  • Click on ‘Login’.

  • Login using your email and password.

  • SelectAdd your UAS Serial Number’ from the dashboard.

  • Navigate to the list of UAS and Apply for UIN for the added UAS serial number

  • Preview the Application for Registration of UIN (Unique Identification Number)

  • Pay Rs. 100 fee and complete the submission of Form D-2 (Application for Unique Identification Number)

  • Upon successful receipt of requisite fee, the UIN will be generated.

UAOP License

UAOP is Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit. All operators other than exempted categories mentioned below are required to obtain UAOP from DGCA.

  • Operators of Nano &Micro category in uncontrolled airspace/ enclosed premises upto 50ft and 200ft respectively.

  • 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).

  • Standard Operating Procedure

  • Permission of the land/property owner (only for area used for take-off and landing of RPA);

  • 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.;

  • Insurance details (as applicable);

  • Security programme as approved by BCAS.

  • Fees for UAOP of Rs 25,000/- to be deposited in Bharatkosh link  and applicant should upload the generated receipt along with application.

UAOP License Eligibility Criteria

An applicant for UAS Operator Permit-I (UAOP-I) shall fulfill the following conditions, namely:

  • Operations shall be limited only to Micro or Small unmanned aircraft. 

  • The UAS operations shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Standard Operating Procedure prepared by the authorized UAS operator and accepted by the Director General. 

  • The UAS operations shall be carried out only by the holder of a Remote Pilot Licence of appropriate class and category. 

  • The UAS operations shall be limited to visual line of sight. 

  • The UAS operations for carriage of goods for any delivery shall not be permissible. 

  • The UAS operations shall not carry any Dangerous Goods

An applicant for UAS Operator Permit-II (UAOP-II) shall fulfil the following conditions, namely:

  • The UAS operations shall be conducted in accordance with the Operations Manual prepared by the authorized UAS operator and approved by the Director General. 

  • The UAS Operations shall be carried out only by the holder of a Remote Pilot Licence of appropriate class and category. 

  • The UAS operations shall not be carried out without prior clearance from Air Traffic and Air Defence Control. 

  • Operators shall implement a Safety Management System (SMS) as standard practice for ensuring safe operation. 

  • Carriage of Goods shall be permissible as per the approved Operations Manual. 

  • The carriage of Dangerous Goods by UA is permissible subject to compliance of The Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules, 2003.

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 for Remot Pilot Training

  • Remote pilot should have attained 18 years of age.

  • Remote pilot should have passed at least 10th exam in English.

  • 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).

Procedure for Obtaining Remote Pilot License

Following is the procedure for obtaining remote pilot license.

  • Any individual, who desires to obtain a remote pilot license for any category, sub-category or class of an unmanned aircraft system, or a combination thereof, shall complete the training specified by the Director General for such category, sub-category or class, and pass the tests conducted by the authorized remote pilot training organization.

  • Within seven days of successful completion of the training and passing of the tests under sub-rule (1), the authorized remote pilot training organization shall make an application for remote pilot license in Form D-4 on the digital sky platform along with the fee as specified in rule 46, providing details of the individual who has passed the test

  • The individual in respect of whom an application has been made by the authorized remote pilot training organization under sub-rule (2) shall be issued a remote pilot certificate through digital sky platform. 

  • The Director General shall, within fifteen days from the date of issue of the remote pilot certificate under sub-rule (3), issue the remote pilot license to such individuals through the digital sky platform.

Permissions Required

No.

Stakeholder

Responsibility

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

Validity of Remote Pilot License

A remote pilot license shall:

  • be valid only if it is enlisted on the digital sky platform

  • unless suspended or canceled, remain valid for a period of ten years

  • be renewed by the Director General for such period as may be specified therein, subject to a maximum period of ten years, on payment of fee as specified in rule 46.

Provided that the holder of the remote pilot license shall undergo such refresher course as may be specified by the Director General on the digital sky platform from time to time.

Operational Requirements

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • As of now, RPAS to operate within visual line of sight (VLoS), during day time only, and upto maximum400 ft. altitude.

  • For flying in controlled Airspace, filing of flight plan and obtaining Air Defence Clearance (ADC) /Flight Information Centre (FIC) number shall be necessary.

  • 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.

  • Suspension/ cancellation of UIN/ UAOP in case of violation of regulatory provisions,

  • Actions as per relevant Sections of the Aircraft Act 1934, or Aircraft Rules, or any statutory provisions, and

  • Penalties as per applicable IPCs (such as 287, 336, 337, 338, or any relevant section of IPC).

References

While crafting this guide, we have consulted reliable and authoritative sources, including official government directives, user manuals, and pertinent content sourced from government websites.

FAQs

What are some common queries related to Drone License?
You can find a list of common Drone License queries and their answer in the link below.
Drone License queries and its answers
Where can I get my queries related to Drone License answered for free?
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
I want to sell my used drone to someone. What is the procedure?
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.
I was travelling and lost my bag along with my drone. Whom should I contact now?
Please lodge FIR immediately in local police and report occurrence in Digital Sky along with a copy of FIR.
My drone is completely broken. Can I use its UIN for another drone of same make and model?
No. The operator has to apply for fresh UIN.
What is a drone and UAS?
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).
What is Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) and its categories?
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.
What does Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) mean, and when the same on Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) will be effective?
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.
What are the requirements for import of Drones (with or without camera) in India?
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.
What is NPNT and how do I comply with that?
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.
What is controlled and uncontrolled airspace?
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.
I am intending to locally purchase one drone operating in de-licensed frequency band, should I still require ETA from WPC Wing, DoT?
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.
Whether drones fall under the category of restricted items for carrying in hand baggage in aircrafts?
Drones are restricted items and can’t be carried in hand baggage.
I am a foreigner and want to fly drones in India. What are the permission do I require?
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.
If I'm just flying my UAS inside a building, do I have to register it?
For Nano, no UIN is required. However, for micro category and above, UIN is required.
We are a company registered elsewhere than in India and we have a remote pilot who is licensed by our civil aviation authority. We want to lend our services to an Indian Organisation. What permissions do we require?
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.
Where should I apply for security clearance?
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.
I have a Nano drone. What permissions to I require?
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.
I have a micro drone engaged in wedding photography, what permission do I need to keep doing it legally.
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.
I want to deliver foods using drones and it will be fully autonomous and fly below 50 ft. whom should I contact for necessary permission.
Not allowed as of now.
Do I require remote pilot license to fly drone?
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”.
What are the minimum requirements and eligibility for becoming a remote pilot for flying drones?
You should have attained 18 years of age, having passed 10th exam in English, and undergone training at DGCA approved flying training organisation (FTO).
Should I maintain flying log when and where I am flying?
All individuals / operators (except Nano), shall maintain records of each RPA flight records and should be produced on demand by DGCA.
Should I maintain maintenance log for the repair/maintenance carried out on RPAS?
All RPA holders shall maintain maintenance records and, should be able to produce on demand by DGCA.
I am a wedding photographer and I have a micro drone. Most of the marriages in Northern India happen after sunset. Can I use my drone for covering marriages at night?
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.
I have a Nano drone, should I also intimate local police each time before I fly?
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.
Can I use my small drone for agricultural purpose?
RPAS can be used for agricultural purpose except for the purpose of spraying pesticides until specifically cleared.
I have developed a drone that can carry passenger, where can I test it?
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.
What are no-drone zones?
Areas over which flying a drone is prohibited/ restricted. Please go through the list of nodrone zones in Civil Aviation Requirements.
What is the minimum distance to fly drones from the border areas?
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).
What if I require to fly over a no-drone zone for a genuine purpose? How do I obtain special authorisation for the same?
Flying drone over no-drone zone is prohibited. However, DGCA may authorize such operations on case-to-case basis subject to approval of MoD.
What if I want to test my drone that built for night operation and beyond meteorological conditions, will I be permitted by DGCA?
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.
What is the minimum amount of insurance should I require for my drone?
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).
What will be the enforcement action on violation of the rules and regulations for drones?
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.
Where can I lodge my grievance regarding Drones?
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.