Drone registration (UIN) and Remote Pilot Certificates: documents, fees and how to apply online and offline
Under the Drone Rules, 2021 every drone needs a Unique Identification Number, must be a type-certified model, and commercial pilots need a Remote Pilot Certificate from a DGCA-authorised training school.
How to apply online, step by step
- Buy a type-certified drone model (listed on Digital Sky).
- Register on Digital Sky and generate the UIN for each drone.
- Train pilots at a DGCA-authorised Remote Pilot Training Organisation; the certificate is issued on Digital Sky.
- Check the airspace map (green, yellow, red zones) before every flight.
How to apply offline (in person)
- Pilot training is in person at the training organisation; registration itself is online.
Documents required for Drone registration (UIN) and Remote Pilot Certificates, and how to get each
PAN card of each founder / director / partner
Get it online
- Instant e-PAN: on the Income Tax e-filing portal choose 'Instant e-PAN', enter Aadhaar and the OTP; the e-PAN PDF arrives in minutes, free.
- Or apply on Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL with Form 49A for a printed card.
Get it in person
- Fill Form 49A at a PAN centre (Protean / UTIITSL facilitation centre), attach ID, address and date of birth proof and a photo, pay the fee; the card is posted to you.
Fee: Instant e-PAN free; printed card about Rs 107 (Indian address) · Time: Minutes (e-PAN); about 2 weeks (printed card) · Official site
Aadhaar of each founder (linked to a working mobile number)
Get it online
- Already enrolled: download e-Aadhaar from myAadhaar (uidai.gov.in) with the OTP; update the address online with a proof.
Get it in person
- Enrol, or update the mobile number or biometrics, at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or bank / post office enrolment centre.
Fee: Enrolment free; updates Rs 50 to Rs 100 · Time: Download instantly; updates up to about 30 days · Official site
Recent passport-size photographs (and a scanned copy)
Get it online
- Scan or photograph against a plain light background; keep a JPEG under 100 KB for portal uploads.
Get it in person
- Any photo studio; ask for both prints and a soft copy.
Fee: Nominal · Time: Same day
Constitution documents: incorporation certificate, MoA and AoA (company), LLP agreement, or partnership deed
Get it online
- Company: the Certificate of Incorporation, e-MoA and e-AoA come with SPICe+ on the MCA portal.
- LLP: the LLP agreement is filed in Form 3 on the MCA portal within 30 days of incorporation.
Get it in person
- Partnership: print the deed on stamp paper of the value the State prescribes, sign before witnesses, notarise, and register it with the State Registrar of Firms.
Fee: Stamp duty as per the State · Time: With incorporation · Official site
Questions people ask
How much does Drone registration (UIN) and Remote Pilot Certificates cost?
Rs 100 per UIN and Rs 100 per Remote Pilot Certificate; training fees extra
How long does Drone registration (UIN) and Remote Pilot Certificates take?
UIN within days; training 1 to 3 weeks
Who issues Drone registration (UIN) and Remote Pilot Certificates?
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (Digital Sky)
Can I apply for Drone registration (UIN) and Remote Pilot Certificates without an agent?
Yes. Every step above can be done by the founder on the official portal or at the office; agents and consultants are optional.
Official source: https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/. Rules and fees change; the official page is the authority. Checked October 2026.
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