Drone operator registration

Drone operator or UAS registration has started to become mandatory for most drone pilots with the entry into force of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and delegated regulation (EU) 2019/945 of the commission on December 31, 2020.

Drone operator registration is one of the 5 requirements to fly a drone in Spain.

If you operate in a professional or recreational activity, you must be registered as a drone operator if your drone meets any of these requirements:

• Si usas cualquier aeronave no tripulada en ‘categoría abierta‘:
  • More than 250g MTOM (total take-off mass) or in case of a collision your drone can transfer a kinetic energy of more than 80 joules.
  • Irrespective of their weight, as long as they have built-in imaging equipment (cameras), unless in compliance with Directive 2009/48/EC (“Toys Directive”).
• Any unmanned aircraft of any MTOM in ‘specific category’.

If you come from abroad, and you want to fly your drone here you must have previously registered your drone in any EU country (including Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein among others). This is new since the entry into force of the new Royal Decree UAS 517/2024.

The drone registration obligation is different, there is no longer a distinction between professional and recreational, nor between pilots registered in Spain and EU (including Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein among others), and is as follows:

• If you fly your drone in open category you are not required to register your aircraft, only the registration as an operator in the case that the characteristics of your aircraft make you are obliged to perform this registration.
• If you are going to fly in a specific category, it is necessary to register the aircraft, as you will have to make an operational declaration or authorization request.

(Only for EASA registered pilots) In this case, you must access the ‘aircraft’ section which you will find by logging in to your user (https://sede.seguridadaerea.gob.es/AESA_UAS/). Inactive’ status refers to aircraft that have been included in the profile but are not yet part of an operational declaration or authorisation. As soon as the aircraft is included in one of these two applications, the status automatically changes to ‘Accepted Auto’.

In short, you are exempt from having to complete this procedure if you have one of the so-called unlicensed drones that are less than 250 grams, or that are considered toys in the manufacturer’s technical specifications.

Although you should be aware that drones such as the DJI Mini, DJI Mini 2, DJI Neo or Potensic Atom SE, although they weigh less than 250 grams, require you to register as a UAS operator to fly them in the ‘open category’, as they have a device that allows you to capture personal data (camera).

Its typology does not fall under the Community Directive 2009/48/EC as it is not considered a toy by the manufacturers. More information.

Steps to register as a drone operator

If you register either online or in person, it consists of two steps:

1. The first is to register as a user or create your profile in AESA.
2. The second step is to register in the application as a drone operator.

This number must be visible on your drone and on the remote control of the drone you are piloting.

It can be with a sticker as a fireproof plate is not mandatory for drones.

Registration as a drone operator in Spain is free and can be done through AESA’s electronic headquarters and only with the electronic certificate.

Steps to apply for a digital certificate in Palma de Mallorca

1. Request the certificate from the FNMT website

The most common issuing entity is the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT).

1. Go to: sede.fnmt.gob.es/certificados/persona-fisica/obtener-certificado-software
2. Click on ‘Request certificate’.
3. Enter your DNI/NIE, full name and email address
4. You will receive an application code by email.

2. Prove your identity in person

With this code, you must go to an authorised office to verify your identity. In Palma de Mallorca, you can go to:

• 📍 Tax Agency office
• 📍 Government Delegation (Gerencia del Catastro)
• 📍 Social Security (some offices allow it)

It is necessary to make an appointment, usually through the website of the corresponding body:

• AEAT appointment
• Seguridad Social appointment
• Appointment for other agencies

🔖 Take with you:

• Your original DNI or NIE
• The application code received by email

3. Download the digital certificate

A few hours after verifying your identity, you will receive another email to download the certificate from the FNMT website.

1. Click on the same link as before
2. Use the same computer and browser with which you made the application (very important!).
3. Download and install it

I recommend you to make a backup copy of the certificate on a pendrive or external disk, in case you change computers.

💡 Useful tips

• Use Firefox or Internet Explorer for the application, as some modern browsers (such as Chrome) may give errors.
• If you are self-employed or represent a company, you may need another type of certificate, such as a legal representative certificate.
• You can also use the eDNI or the Cl@ve system (clave.gob.es) if you already have it activated, as an alternative to the certificate.

You no longer have an excuse for not registering as a drone operator if this is your case.

Once you have registered you will get a card like this one, in which your ID number will appear, and depending on the permits you already have, they will be reflected on the right.

As you can see I have all the necessary to fly in ‘open and specific category‘.

Expiry date of drone operator’s registration

All ID cards have an expiry date, and this one is no exception. To meet the requirement to be registered, drone operators are required to review the information provided at least every 2 years. By logging in to your UAS application account, through this link.

You can also change the expiry date of the registration certificate on your own initiative by clicking on the change button in the register.

I hope I have shed some light on this subject that has so many people a bit confused and confused.

You can also leave me any questions you may have and feel free to contribute things that you think may help other users of this site.