Remote ID is a way for drones and model aircraft to transmit their identity and location when flying.
As our skies get busier, Remote ID will help to keep everyone safe and secure. It helps the police and other enforcement bodies tell whether a drone or model aircraft is being used legally or not. It works by transmitting a Remote ID number from your aircraft using a WiFi or Bluetooth signal.
Legal requirements for Remote ID
You must enable Remote ID on your drone or model aircraft by either 1 January 2026 or 1 January 2028, depending on the class of your drone or model aircraft and the category you're operating in. You must have Remote ID switched on whenever you fly from the applicable date onwards.
From 1 January 2028, you must use Remote ID for all drone and model operations (unless you have an exemption from the CAA). The transitional period until 1 January 2028 gives people with legacy drones, privately built aircraft and model aircraft time to add Remote ID functionality to their aircraft.
We recommend switching on Remote ID even if it does not become mandatory for your operations until 1 January 2028.
Dates when use of Remote ID becomes mandatory
| Class or type of aircraft | Open category | Specific category with Operational Authorisation issued before 1 January 2026 |
Specific category with Operational Authorisation issued from 1 January 2026 onwards |
| UK0 weighing 100g or more with a camera | 1 January 2028 | 1 January 2028 | 1 January 2028 |
| UK1, UK2 and UK3 | 1 January 2026 | 1 January 2026 | 1 January 2026 |
| UK4 (e.g. model aircraft) | 1 January 2028 | 1 January 2028 | 1 January 2028 |
| UK5 and UK6 | not applicable | 1 January 2026 | 1 January 2026 |
| Legacy UAS (i.e. not UK class-marked) weighing 100g or more with a camera | 1 January 2028 | 1 January 2028 | 1 January 2028 |
| Privately built weighing 100g or more with a camera | 1 January 2028 | 1 January 2028 | 1 January 2028 |
Where to find your Remote ID
You can view your Remote ID number in the My registration area.
We provide all registered operators with a Remote ID number.
If you are a new operator, you will need to register to get an Operator ID for your organisation. A RID will be generated at this point.
You can use the same Remote ID number for all drones and model aircraft you operate.
Know your Remote ID number
Your Remote ID number is similar to your Operator ID, but not exactly the same.
Your Remote ID number is case sensitive.
Example of Remote ID number
|
Country identifier: three upper case characters |
Public part: 12 characters; Mix of lower case letters and numbers |
Check sum: 1 number |
Private key: 3 characters; |
| GBR | gc284pmztcrt | 7 |
2ot |
Always keep your private key secure
The last three digits of your Remote ID are your private key.
- Keep your private key secure so that nobody else can use it.
- Never write your private key on your drone or model aircraft.
- Never share your private key and avoid writing it down.
If you think someone may know your private key, contact us drone.registration@caa.co.uk to request a new one.
How to add your Remote ID number to your drone or model aircraft
When you first set-up your drone or model aircraft, it will prompt you to enter your Remote ID number, including the private key.
If you have already set-up your drone or model aircraft, follow the manufacturer's instructions to add the Remote ID number later.
Your drone or model aircraft will check that your Remote ID number is valid. It will not accept an invalid Remote ID (including the private key).
Always keep your drone or model aircraft's firmware and software up to date.
Remove your Remote ID if you sell your drone or model aircraft, or allow someone else to use it
If you sell or let someone else use your drone or model aircraft, you should delete your Remote ID number from it. This will help to prevent someone else from discovering your Remote ID number and private key.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove your Remote ID number.
What data is transmitted using Remote ID
Remote ID transmits the following time-stamped data periodically during every flight:
- the Operator ID
- the unique serial number of the aircraft
- the aircraft's geographical position and height above the surface or take-off point
- the aircraft's route course
- the geographical position of the remote pilot
- an indication of any emergency status of the aircraft, such as low battery
Full details of the data transmitted are in Page 45 of UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947
Access to personal identifying data is restricted
Your Remote ID does not transmit any personal identifying data. Only the CAA and organisations we authorise can access details of the operator and remote pilot.
Guidance for manufacturers
We're currently engaging with drone manufacturers on the requirements for Remote ID.
If you're a manufacturer and have a query about Remote ID, you can email uavenquiries@caa.co.uk
Help with this service
We have drafted an information sheet that should help with any RID queries you may have.
Any additional questions can be sent to drone.registration@caa.co.uk