Drone Registration and Takeoff Applications in China

The new drone regulations in China, which will come into effect on July 1, 2026, state that after implementation, drones that are not registered with real-name authentication, fly illegally at excessive altitudes, enter restricted zones, or conduct commercial flights without a license will be subject to fines and confiscation of the drone. In serious cases, administrative detention may be imposed, and those causing safety incidents will bear criminal liability.

How to legally fly a drone in China?
Answer: You need to register your drone with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in advance and apply for airspace approval before flying.

To put it simply: Now, flying a drone in China requires each device to have an identity, and every flight must be recorded.

The latest drone flight regulations for 2026

1. Full real-name registration coverage, with no exemptions for any drone models.

All civil drones (regardless of weight) must complete real-name activation with facial recognition on the UOM platform. Unregistered devices will be locked and unable to take off. Older models must undergo supplementary registration.

2. Drones are required to have mandatory Remote Identification (RID) for traceability, and unauthorized modifications are strictly prohibited.

Each drone must have a unique code and upload flight data in real-time via an internet connection. Tampering with GPS signals, altering flight control systems, or removing identification modules is a serious violation and will result in hefty penalties.

3. The nature of the flight is determined by its purpose, not by the drone model.

Any flight involving profit-making activities = Commercial flight.
Casual personal photography and free sharing = Recreational flight.

Official Penalty Standards for Flight Violations Starting in 2026 (Effective July 1)

Unregistered flight:
- Minor violations: fines up to 200 RMB
- Serious violations: fines between 2,000 and 20,000 RMB

Unlicensed commercial use of micro-drones and unlicensed operational flights of lightweight drones:
- Fines between 5,000 and 50,000 RMB
- Serious cases: fines between 10,000 and 100,000 RMB

Unauthorized entry into controlled airspace:
- Fines up to 500 RMB
- Serious cases: confiscation of drones and fines between 1,000 and 10,000 RMB

Unlicensed commercial flights operated by enterprises:
- Fines between 50,000 and 500,000 RMB

Malicious interference with civil aviation or intrusion into military control zones:
- May result in administrative detention
- Causing major safety incidents may lead to criminal liability

Under China’s new drone flight regulations in 2026, how to register a drone for flight?

1. First, register an account on the UOM platform; a Chinese phone number is required.

UOM Platform: https://uom.caac.gov.cn/#/register Fill in the required information and wait for the approval. The password must include special characters from this set: @$!%*?&. The review process usually takes 2-3 business days. After approval, you can log in to proceed with the next steps. The platform is in Chinese, so it is recommended to use a browser translation feature when accessing it on a computer.

2. Complete real-name registration and activation of the drone on the UOM platform. The drone cannot take off before activation.

Complete nationality registration. The real-name registration process requires a registered WeChat or Alipay account for facial recognition. After successful real-name registration, a QR code will be sent to your email. If you do not receive it, log in to the platform and request a resend. Consumer-grade drones generally do not need to have the QR code physically attached, whereas medium and large drones do. However, it is recommended that all users at least print and keep a copy.
If you cannot make a selection, the manufacturer needs to update the product information on the platform before you can proceed.

3. Before each flight, you need to apply for a flight permit through the UOM platform 2 to 7 days in advance. You may only fly after receiving approval.

Before each flight, you need to apply in advance and check whether the airspace you intend to fly in is open. Use the "Operation Management" - "Airspace Information Query" module on the UOM platform to check.
On the map, dark green = suitable airspace (flyable); no color/gray = restricted airspace.
The more detailed the information provided, the higher the approval rate.
You also need to confirm the airspace status again one hour before takeoff to avoid any changes.

Translation: Synchronization of operators, addition, and synchronization information of certified drones.

Translation: Whether the airspace is open for inquiry; location names can be entered for quick access.

Some useful information:

1. Special Notice: Drones are strictly prohibited in Beijing.
Starting from May 1, 2026, the entire administrative region of Beijing will be designated as controlled airspace for unmanned aerial vehicles. The new regulations explicitly prohibit transporting or carrying drones and their core components into Beijing’s administrative area.

Does this mean you cannot carry a drone during a transit in Beijing? Not exactly! The regulations restrict “carrying on your person,” but do not prohibit “regular checked baggage transit.” For drones transiting through Beijing, the complete drone must be packed in checked luggage (carry the battery and remote control with you, do not check them in). During transit in Beijing, you do not need to take out the drone, declare it, or open the luggage.

If you carry the drone with you in the cabin, it cannot pass security and is prohibited from entering Beijing. However, there are official courier services available at the airport that can ship your drone directly to your next destination.

2. Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for commercial drone flights.

3. Children’s toy drones without cameras, intelligent flight features, and with pure manual control do not require registration for flight.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What should I do if my flight permit application is denied?

If your application is denied, first check whether you selected a no-fly zone. Adjust your requested airspace accordingly and submit again.

Where can I check no-fly zones?

Use the Chinese UOM website or the UOM app to check.

How to use the RID module number?

Write down the RID module number, as you will need it for future applications and violation checks. Don’t lose it.

Precautions:

1. For all outdoor flights, the RID remote identification and traceability function must be enabled at all times.

2. Older drones that cannot have the remote identification module installed or upgraded must undergo equipment modification to add the RID “license plate” module; otherwise, flight is prohibited.

3. Stay away from strictly prohibited controlled airspace, specifically:

Airspace above 120 meters, aerial no-fly zones, restricted airspace and their surrounding areas, ultra-low altitude military flight zones, and the following areas and their above airspace shall be designated as controlled airspace:

(1) Airports and their surrounding areas within a certain range;
(2) Areas within a certain range on our side of national borders, actual control lines, and boundary lines;
(3) Military restricted zones, military management areas, secure facilities and their surrounding areas involving classified units;
(4) Protection zones for important military-industrial facilities, nuclear facility control zones, production and storage areas of flammable and explosive hazardous materials, and large storage areas of combustible important materials;
(5) Areas around power plants, substations, fuel (gas) stations, water supply plants, public transportation hubs, aeronautical hubs, major water conservancy facilities, ports, highways, railways, electrified lines, and other public infrastructures, as well as drinking water source protection zones;
(6) Radio astronomy observatories, satellite monitoring (navigation) stations, aeronautical radio navigation stations, radar stations, and other facilities requiring special electromagnetic environment protection, including surrounding areas;
(7) Important revolutionary memorial sites, significant immovable cultural relics, and their surrounding areas;
(8) Other areas designated by the national air traffic management authorities.

Additionally: Please be mindful of others’ privacy and avoid flying over crowds. In some major scenic areas, you may need to report your flight to the relevant departments within the park.

5. In case of emergencies (such as being asked to undergo an inspection): land immediately, cooperate with on-site personnel for inspection, and maintain a sincere attitude.

We offer drone registration services and charge only a small service fee (typically USD 50). If needed, please contact us via email or through our app.