Remote ID is a system that lets a drone broadcast its identity and location while it flies. As of October 2026, it is mandatory for new UK-class-marked drones in classes UK1, UK2 and UK3, and the operator must switch it on. It extends to many other drones, including most camera drones of 100g or more, from 1 January 2028.
This is general information drawn from CAA guidance, not legal advice. Check the CAA's Remote ID pages for the latest position before you buy or fly.
What Remote ID actually does
The CAA describes three forms. Direct Remote ID broadcasts locally by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to nearby receivers. Networked Remote ID sends data over the internet to a central service available to authorised users such as the police. Hybrid combines both. The CAA says hybrid is a long-term goal with no date given, so Direct is the form that matters now.
Remote ID is separate from electronic conspicuity, which helps aircraft and air traffic control see each other, usually through ADS-B. A drone broadcasting Remote ID is not thereby visible to crewed aircraft.
The timetable
| Date | What applies |
|---|---|
| September 2025 | Direct Remote ID went live, and operators could enable it voluntarily |
| 1 January 2026 | Mandatory for new UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5 and UK6 class-marked drones placed on the market, and the operator must use it |
| 1 January 2028 | Extends to UK0 drones of 100g or more with a camera, UK4 and model aircraft (unless exempted under agreed conditions), privately built drones of 100g or more with a camera, and legacy drones of 100g or more with a camera |
The Drone and Model Aircraft Code (March 2026) states the 2026 duty in simpler terms: you must add your Remote ID and switch it on before flying a UK1, UK2 or UK3 aircraft. Your Remote ID is shown in your CAA registration account under My Registration.
What this means for different owners
- Buying a new UK1, UK2 or UK3 drone: the manufacturer must build Remote ID in. Your job is to enter your Remote ID and keep it switched on.
- Owning a legacy camera drone of 100g or more: you have until 1 January 2028 to add Remote ID functionality. The CAA article reviewed did not specify the add-on method, so look for CAA updates and manufacturer announcements closer to the date.
- Owning a UK0 camera drone of 100g or more: the same 1 January 2028 date applies.
- Flying a model aircraft or UK4: the 2028 date applies, with possible exemptions under agreed conditions.
- Holding a Specific Category operational authorisation: an exemption applies only if it was requested at application and granted. Holding an authorisation does not exempt you automatically.
A worked example
Suppose you buy a new drone in 2026 carrying a UK1 mark. Remote ID is built in by the manufacturer. Before the first flight, you enter your Remote ID from your CAA account and switch it on, and from then on you fly with it active. Now suppose you already own a camera drone of 100g or more bought in 2024 with no class mark. It is a legacy drone, and the CAA gives you until 1 January 2028 to add Remote ID functionality, so nothing changes for your flying today, but you should plan for it.
The voluntary period that began in September 2025 allowed operators to enable Direct Remote ID early. If your drone and its software support that option, using it ahead of the deadline is allowed.
Privacy and what is broadcast
The CAA frames Remote ID as a safety and accountability tool. Direct Remote ID broadcasts locally to nearby receivers, and networked data is available to authorised users such as the police. The exact data fields are set out in the CAA's material, so read that rather than relying on a summary.
How to prepare now
- Get your IDs in order first. See UK drone rules: Flyer ID and Operator ID.
- Find out if your drone has a class mark and which one. The class marks explainer shows how to read it.
- Check your CAA registration account for your Remote ID, which is separate from your Operator ID label.
- If you plan to keep a pre-2026 camera drone beyond 2027, watch CAA announcements for how legacy drones can comply, and check with the manufacturer.
- Before any purchase, ask the seller in writing whether the model has built-in Remote ID and what class it is.
A listing that says Remote ID is coming in a future update is not the same as a drone that has it. For new UK1 to UK3 drones the CAA says it must be built in by the manufacturer.
For the question of where you can use a drone once it is compliant, see where you can fly a drone in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Does my existing drone need Remote ID now?
Generally not yet. The 2026 duty covers new UK1, UK2 and UK3 drones, and legacy camera drones of 100g or more have until 1 January 2028.
Where do I find my Remote ID?
In your CAA registration account, under My Registration. It is separate from the Operator ID you label on the drone.
Is Remote ID the same as electronic conspicuity?
No. Electronic conspicuity helps aircraft and air traffic control see each other, usually via ADS-B, while Remote ID is for identifying drones.
Does a Specific Category authorisation exempt me?
Only if you asked for an exemption when applying and it was granted. Holding an authorisation does not exempt you automatically.