Chapter 24 Remote Identification

Remote Identification or Remote ID is a new requirement for drones. It will require most drones operating in US airspace to have remote ID capability. Remote ID will provide information about drones in flight, such as the identity, location, and altitude of the drone and its control station or take-off location. Authorized individuals from public safety organizations may request identity of the drone’s owner from the FAA.

Remote ID helps the FAA, law enforcement, and other federal agencies find the control station when a drone appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where it is not allowed to fly. Remote ID also lays the foundation of the safety and security groundwork needed for more complex drone operations.

24.1 Types of Remote ID

There are three ways that drone pilots will be able to meet the identification requirements of the Remote ID regulations:

  • Standard Remote ID
  • Broadcast Remote ID
  • FAA Recognized Identification Areas

24.1.1 Standard Remote ID

Standard Remote ID refers to the most common scenario where a drone has Remote ID built-in. From takeoff to shutdown, the drone will broadcast the drone’s information, including position, and the location of the drone’s control station or transmitter.

24.1.2 Broadcast Remote ID

For drones that do not have Remote ID built-in, operators may purchase a broadcast or retrofit Remote ID module and attach it to the drone. The Broadcast Remote ID will transmit similar information as the a Standard Remote ID, but will only be able to transmit the location of the drone’s takeoff location instead of the drone’s control station. Because of this, Broadcast Remote ID is restricted to visual line of sight operations only, but otherwise will be allowed to operate freely within the National Airspace System.

24.1.3 FAA Recognized Identification Areas

Drones without either Standard or Broadcast Remote ID will be restricted to operating only within FAA Recognized Identification Areas, or FRIAs. FRIAs are zones sponsored by CBO or an institute of higher education. Most campuses will have a FRIA available for use, pending FAA approval.

24.2 Timeline

Remote ID is currently not required as the technology is not readily available. However this is expected to change rapidly.

  • September 2022 - All drones for sale within the US must be Standard Remote ID compliant.
  • September 2023 - All drone pilots must be compliant with Remote ID.

While Standard Remote ID drones are not currently available, there is no benefit to delaying purchasing a drone for the sake of Standard Remote ID.