Use this table to check which drone rules apply to your business on a given date. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) sets these rules, and they apply across the UK.
'No change' means the Unmanned Aircraft (Amendment) Regulations 2025 set no change to that rule on 1 January 2028.
UK drone rules by date
Rules in force since 1 January 2026, and what applies from 1 January 2028.
| Rule | Until 31 December 2027 | From 1 January 2028 |
|---|---|---|
| New drone models placed on the market | Must carry a UK class mark, UK0 to UK6 | Must still carry a UK class mark |
| EU C-class drones | Flown as the matching UK class, for example a C1 drone as UK1 | No longer flown as the matching UK class. Check with the CAA which rules apply |
| Legacy drones with no UK class mark | Flown under the rules for their weight | No end date has been set for flying them under the rules for their weight. Must also broadcast direct Remote ID if they weigh 100g or more and have a camera |
| Direct Remote ID | Required for UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5 and UK6 class drones | Also required for UK0 drones of 100g or more with a camera, model aircraft such as UK4 unless exempted, and privately built drones of 100g or more with a camera |
| Aircraft flown in the Specific category | Each needs active direct Remote ID and a green flashing light, unless the CAA has disapplied this in your authorisation | No change |
| General VLOS Certificate (GVC) | Issued by CAA-approved training providers | No longer issued. An existing GVC is accepted until it expires, where your Operational Authorisation says a GVC is acceptable |
| Operator ID minimum age | 18 | No change |
| Who needs an Operator ID | Anyone responsible for a drone of 250g or more, or of 100g or more with a camera | No change |
| Who needs a Flyer ID | Anyone who flies a drone of 100g or more | No change |
Class marks and Remote ID
Check the class mark before you buy a drone for your business. An EU C-class drone counts as the matching UK class only until 31 December 2027.
If a drone you fly needs Remote ID from 1 January 2028, check that it can broadcast Remote ID before that date.
Registration and pilot certificates
The 2025 regulations set no change to the Operator ID and Flyer ID rules on 1 January 2028. For remote pilot certificates, the CAA stops issuing the GVC after 31 December 2027.
Legal basis
Primary legislation and key regulations
Related Guvnor guides
Drone operator registration (Operator ID)
Register as the person or organisation responsible for a drone.
Drone remote pilot competency (Flyer ID, A2 CofC, GVC)
Get the Flyer ID and any pilot certificate you need.
Drone operational authorisation (Specific category)
Needed to fly UK5 and UK6 class drones and for any other flight in the Specific category.
Official guidance
Remote ID (RID) (opens in a new tab)
CAA
UAS class marking (opens in a new tab)
CAA
Level 1, 2 and 3 Remote Pilot Certificates and GVC (opens in a new tab)
CAA
The Drone and Model Aircraft Code (CAP2320, March 2026) (opens in a new tab)
CAA
The Unmanned Aircraft (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (opens in a new tab)
legislation.gov.uk
Regulation (EU) 2019/947, article 20A (EU class drones) (opens in a new tab)
legislation.gov.uk