UA.I.B.K1: Registration requirements for sUAS.

ACS Area I — Regulations Task B: Operating Rules References: 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. parts 47, 48, 89, and 107, subpart B; ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-H-8083-25; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-G-8082-22

Key Concepts

Which small UAS must be registered, and under which system?

• Part 48 provides the registration and identification requirements for small unmanned aircraft that are part of a small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. as defined in § 1.1. Small unmanned aircraft eligible for U.S. registration must be registered and identified either under Part 48, or under Part 47 with identification and registration marking per Part 45 subparts A and C. If a small unmanned aircraft is intended to be operated outside the territorial airspace of the United States, or is registered through a trust or voting trust, it must be registered under Part 47 and marked per Part 45 subparts A and C. Practically, most Part 107 operators use Part 48 unless they fall into one of those Part 47 cases.^[5]

• For any small unmanned aircraft used for purposes other than exclusively limited recreational operations under 49 U.S.C. 44809 (that is, typical Part 107 operations), a Certificate of Aircraft Registration issued in accordance with § 48.110 constitutes registration for the specific aircraft identified on the application. Each non‑recreational aircraft you operate must have its own certificate tied to that aircraft’s information.^[1]

When registration becomes effective and proof of registration

• An aircraft is registered when the applicant receives a Certificate of Aircraft Registration for that specific aircraft. The effective date is shown by the date of issue printed on the certificate. For test questions, remember that “registered” hinges on receipt of the certificate, not merely submitting an application.^[1]

Keeping registration current: expiration, renewal, and information accuracy

• A Certificate of Aircraft Registration issued under Part 48 expires 3 years after the date of issue unless renewed. The holder must renew by verifying—using the FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.’s prescribed form and manner—that the information originally provided (per § 48.110) is accurate, and must update any information that is no longer accurate. This verification may occur any time within the six months preceding the month in which the certificate expires. Upon renewal, the new certificate expires 3 years from the expiration date of the previous certificate (not from the date you complete the renewal). For operational planning, build a renewal reminder before the six‑month window opens to avoid lapses.^[1]

• Small unmanned aircraft eligible for registration must also be “identified” in accordance with the chosen registration path: either Part 48’s identification provisions or, if registering under Part 47, the identification and registration marking requirements in Part 45 subparts A and C. Ensure your marking method aligns with the system you used to register.^[5]

When a certificate stops being effective

• Each Certificate of Aircraft Registration under Part 48 remains effective unless registration has ended by reason of revocation, cancelation, expiration, or transfer of ownership, until the date on which certain events occur. One specified event is when the aircraft is registered under the laws of a foreign country (subject to the Convention on the International Recognition of Rights in Aircraft when applicable). For a Part 107 pilot, the key takeaway is that selling or otherwise transferring ownership ends the effectiveness of the current certificate; the new owner must obtain their own registration before operating. If you plan to operate the aircraft outside U.S. territorial airspace, ensure the aircraft is registered in the correct system (Part 47) before the operation.^[1][5]

Exam tips:

• Know that non‑recreational small unmanned aircraft require a Certificate of Aircraft Registration tied to that specific aircraft, effective on the certificate’s issue date.^[1]
• Memorize the 3‑year expiration, the six‑month renewal window, and the requirement to verify/update registration information at renewal.^[1]
• Be able to distinguish when to use Part 48 versus Part 47/Part 45 (outside U.S. operations or trust/voting trust registration trigger Part 47/45).^[5]