What is Remote ID?
Remote ID is the FAA-mandated requirement for drones to broadcast identification and location information during flight — sometimes called the 'digital license plate' for drones.
Remote ID became fully effective on September 16, 2023. Every drone required to be registered with the FAA must broadcast Remote ID during flight, with three compliance paths: built-in Standard Remote ID (most drones manufactured after September 2022), a Broadcast Module attached to older drones, or operation only in an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA), which is typically a club field.
The broadcast contains the drone's serial number or session ID, current location and altitude, takeoff location, and operator location. It's broadcast over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and receivable by smartphones using FAA-approved apps as well as law enforcement systems.
Remote ID applies regardless of whether the pilot is recreational or commercial. Sub-250g drones flown purely recreationally are exempt unless they're flown commercially.
What this means for pilots
Verify your drone is Remote-ID compliant before flying outdoors. Most DJI drones from 2022 forward have it built in; older models (Mavic 2, Phantom 4 Pro V2, original Mavic Air) need an external broadcast module like the Dronetag Beacon. If you fly without compliance, FAA enforcement is real and ongoing.
FAQ
Do sub-250g drones need Remote ID?
Recreational sub-250g flight is exempt. Commercial Part 107 use of any registered drone requires Remote ID.
Does my older DJI drone have Remote ID?
DJI drones manufactured after September 2022 have it built in via firmware. Older models (Mavic 2, Phantom 4 Pro, etc.) need an external broadcast module.
Can I disable Remote ID?
No, not legally. The broadcast must be active throughout the flight on any drone subject to the rule.
Related terms
FAA regulations change. Verify current rules at faa.gov/uas before relying on this article for flight planning. Altoa is not the FAA.