Do you own a drone weighing 250 grams or more? If so, you’re required to register it with Transport Canada before taking flight. Whether your drone is custom-built, assembled from a kit, or bought off the shelf, registration is a must. 

The good news? The process is quick, easy, and only costs $10. Let’s break it down so you can get airborne with confidence!

(Check out our video if you’re a visual learner)

Who Needs to Register?

Not all drones require registration. According to Transport Canada, you must register your drone if it:

• Weighs between 250g and 25kg
• Will be flown in Canadian airspace (including for recreational or commercial purposes)

Drones under 250g do not require registration but must still follow Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). If modifications or attachments increase their weight to 250 g or more, they also require registration.

Check out the Canadian Aviation Regulations here for more information!

Gather Required Information

Before you start the registration process, make sure you have:

• Your drone’s manufacturer, model, and serial number
• Your contact details (including an email address)
• A valid payment method (registration costs $10 per drone)

How to Register Your Drone

Registering your drone is a straightforward process and takes less than 10 minutes. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Drone Management Portal
   Visit Transport Canada’s Drone Management Portal to begin the registration process.

2. Begin the Sign-In Process
   Click the ‘Sign In’ button and choose your preferred language.

3. Sign-In using your Bank Account or GCKey
   • If you have an account with one of the listed banks (click ‘Available Sign-In Partners’ to view the list), you can sign in through your bank account.
   • If not, you can sign in using GCKey—a secure, government-issued username and password. If you don’t have a GCKey, you can create one.

4. Register Your Drone
   Once inside the Drone Management Dashboard, you’ll see various options, including drone registration, pilot testing, and test results. To register your drone, click ‘Register a Drone’ then scroll down and select ‘Begin Registration’.

5. Provide the Required Information
   Fill in the following details to complete the registration:
   • Purchase date (if applicable)
   • Drone make, model, serial number, and type

6. Verify Your Information
   Scroll down and double-check that all the information you entered is accurate. Read the terms and conditions, then check the yellow confirmation box at the bottom.

7. Pay the Registration Fee

Click ‘Pay for Registration’ to proceed with the $10 CAD registration fee.

8. Enter a Valid Payment Method

Review the payment summary and enter your payment information to complete the transaction.

9. Receive Your Registration Number

Once registered, you’ll receive a unique registration number that must be clearly marked on your drone (more about this in the next section).

Marking Your Drone

After receiving your registration number, you must clearly display it on your drone before flying. The number should be visible and legible to ensure compliance with Transport Canada’s regulations.

You can use:

• A permanent marker
• A durable label
• An engraving

Failure to mark your drone properly can lead to a fine, so ensure the number is easily readable.

Why Registration Matters

• Legal Compliance: Flying an unregistered drone can result in hefty fines:
  • $1,000 for recreational users
  • $5,000 for commercial users
• Easier Recovery: If you lose your drone, registration can help return it to you.
• Manufacturer Recalls: Transport Canada will notify you of any manufacturer recalls related to your drone model.

View the Transport Canada website for more information about drone regulations.

Foreign Pilots & Registration

If you are a foreign pilot or operator, you cannot register a drone in Canada. Instead, you must apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (SFOC-RPAS) to comply with Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) before flying.

Follow Transport Canada’s Drone Safety Rules

Now that your drone is registered, you must follow the rules set by Transport Canada, including:

• Flying below 400 feet (122 meters)
• Keeping your drone within visual line of sight
• Respecting no-fly zones (airports, emergency sites, and controlled airspace)
• Ensuring your drone is in good working condition before each flight

For more information, check out the Transport Canada Drone Portal, with all the information you will need to ensure your drone flights are compliant.

Final Thoughts

Drone registration is a simple but essential step to ensure compliance with Canadian aviation laws. By following this guide, you’ll be ready to take to the skies legally and safely.

For more free drone training resources, visit RPAS Centre, Canada’s #1 hub for drone training and compliance!