Here are the new rules for flying a drone in the UK
Key Points
- UK government has committed £20.5 million to a Hybrid Remote ID system for real-time drone tracking
- From 1 January 2026, new drones 250g or more sold in the UK must have direct remote identification
- From 2028, remote ID becomes mandatory for all drones over 250g and all drones with cameras over 100g
- Drone registrations will be linked to verified real-world identities under enhanced identity verification
- All camera drones, regardless of weight, already require CAA registration and compliance with the Drone and Model Aircraft Code
The UK government will invest £20.5 million in a real-time drone tracking system that links operator registrations to verified real-world identities.
Transport minister Keir Mather confirmed the spending in a written parliamentary answer on 22 May 2026, in response to a question from Al Pinkerton, Liberal Democrat MP for Surrey Heath.
The investment, first announced on 5 May, funds a Hybrid Remote ID system that will allow authorised authorities to identify and track drones and their operators in real time, and access historic records to tackle illegal and unsafe drone use.
Since 1 January 2026, new drones weighing 250g or more must be equipped with direct remote identification before being placed on the UK market, capturing the vast majority of mid-range and prosumer models entering retail.
From 2028, remote identification becomes mandatory for all drones over 250g already in operation, alongside all drones with cameras over 100g, a lower threshold that pulls in sub-250g camera models popular with hobbyists and content creators precisely because they sit under the higher weight bar.
Operating any drone with a camera, regardless of weight, already requires registration with the Civil Aviation Authority and adherence to the published Drone and Model Aircraft Code, with photography use subject to standard data protection law.
The CAA authorises drone operations and considers flight location and ground risk in doing so.
“The Department for Transport keeps the regulatory framework governing the use of uncrewed aircraft under regular review to ensure it remains proportionate, effective and fit for purpose, including in residential areas,” Mather said.
The Hybrid Remote ID system represents a step beyond passive registration, giving authorities live visibility of who is flying what and where, with a linked record of verified identity behind every operator.
Enhanced identity verification will tie drone records to real-world identities, closing a gap between paper registration and operator accountability that has shaped enforcement debates since consumer drones reached the mass market.
