Guide
Clearly explained: rules, drone ID plates, operator ID and drone licence. From more than eight years of experience in Bavaria’s Chiemgau region.
Quick answers
The most common questions answered in a sentence. The linked article has the details.
Do I need a drone licence?
Not with class C0, nor for privately built drones under 250 g or older drones without a class under 250 g that came onto the market before 2024. For C1 to C4 you need the EU A1/A3 proof of competency, and for flying a C2 drone close to people also the A2 certificate.
How high can I fly my drone?
No more than 120 m above ground. The height is measured to the closest point of the earth’s surface, not to the take-off point. Lower limits often apply in airport control zones.
How far can I fly?
As far as you can see the drone clearly without binoculars or a screen and judge its position. Glasses are allowed. There is no fixed limit in metres. With FPV goggles you need an observer right next to you.
Where am I not allowed to fly?
In Germany, among other places, not near airports, not over other people’s residential properties or nature reserves without express consent, and not closer than 100 m to motorways, federal roads, railway facilities, hospitals or industrial plants, unless an exception applies. Check every location on the dipul map first.
Can I fly over people?
Never over assemblies of people. Only class C0 drones, privately built drones under 250 g and older drones without a class under 250 g may fly over individual people, and even that is best avoided. With C1, no planned overflights of uninvolved people; larger drones must keep minimum distances, for example 30 m in subcategory A2.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. In Germany every drone needs liability insurance, even under 250 g. Carry the proof with you when flying.
Do I have to register?
Yes, if your drone weighs 250 g or more. Under 250 g, as soon as it has a camera or microphone; only toy drones are exempt then. You register as an operator in your country of residence, in Germany with the Federal Aviation Office (LBA) for a one-off €20, and receive your operator ID (e-ID).
What goes on the drone ID plate?
Your operator ID exactly as it appears in your registration, but without the three secret characters after the hyphen. Name and address are optional. A fireproof plate is no longer required.
Operator ID or licence number: what is the difference?
The operator ID (e-ID) is the operator’s number and goes on the drone, like a car number plate. The number on your drone licence is your personal pilot number and does not go on the drone.
From what age can I fly?
In Germany from 16. Children under 16 may fly class C0 toy drones or privately built drones under 250 g, and other drones if a remote pilot aged 16 or over with the appropriate certificate directly supervises them.
Can I fly at night?
Yes, with a green flashing light switched on and within line of sight. In Germany, stricter rules apply over residential properties between 10 pm and 6 am.
What must I carry when flying?
The insurance confirmation, ideally printed, and, if your drone requires one, your proof of competency, on paper, as a card or on your phone. The operator ID belongs on the drone.
Is my registration valid abroad?
Yes, in all EU states and in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. But check the restricted zones of the country concerned. The United Kingdom does not recognise EU registrations.
As of October 2026. These answers are not legal advice; the regulations and the information provided by the authorities are authoritative.
Guide
What goes on a drone ID plate?
Only your operator ID (e-ID) is mandatory, without the 3 secret characters. What is optional, why fireproof is no longer needed and where to find it.
What goes on a drone ID plate?
Only your operator ID (e-ID) is mandatory, without the 3 secret characters. What is optional, why fireproof is no longer needed and where to find it.
