Answering your questions about owning and operating a drone in Canada

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As of February 2023, there are more than 74,000 registered drones — or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) — in Canada. That's twice as many as traditional aircraft, according to Transport Canada. There are also more than 88,000 registered drone pilots. Whether you use your drone for business or pleasure, Transport Canada has specific regulations for drones and their pilots. This article summarises what you may need to know to operate your drone safely and legally.

Note: We encourage you to contact Transport Canada directly with any specific regulatory questions. This article is intended as general guidance only.

Drone registration in Canada: quick answer

In Canada, most drones weighing 250 g to 25 kg must be registered through Transport Canada's Drone Management Portal before they are flown. Pilots operating drones in that weight range also need the appropriate pilot certificate. Registration is not the same as insurance: registration helps meet Transport Canada rules, while drone or UAV insurance helps address liability, equipment, client contract, or business-use risk.

Registration, licensing, and insurance are three different things

Drone operators often search for one answer, but there are three separate questions to review:

Air1 can help with the insurance side. For official registration, licensing, portal access, and regulatory updates, always use Transport Canada as the source of truth.

Drone registration in Canada

Do I need to register my drone?

You probably need to register your drone — it depends on the weight of the craft.

• If your drone weighs less than 250 g, it does not need to be registered.
• If your drone weighs 250 g to 25 kg, register your drone using Transport Canada's Drone Management Portal.
• If your drone weighs more than 25 kg, it does not need to be registered. Instead, apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (SFOC-RPAS).

How do I register my drone?

Use Transport Canada's Drone Management Portal to register your drone. You can use your GCKey or your online banking partner to sign in to the portal.

What are the fees for registering a drone?

The drone registration fee is $5.

How do I show proof that I've registered my drone?

Transport Canada will give your drone a unique registration number. Mark your drone with that number using permanent marker, engraving, or a permanent label. The registration number must be clearly visible on your drone.

What are the penalties for flying an unregistered drone in Canada?

If a recreational drone pilot flies an unregistered drone, Transport Canada may fine them $1,000. For a commercial drone pilot, fines are five times higher — a $5,000 fine for flying an unregistered drone. If your drone weighs 250 g to 25 kg, it's well worth filling out the paperwork and paying the $5 registration fee.

After you register your drone: when should you review insurance?

Drone registration does not automatically protect you from liability or damage costs. After registration, review UAV insurance options if any of the following apply:

• You use the drone for paid work, business operations, inspections, photography, mapping, real estate, agriculture, construction, or media projects
• A client, landlord, municipality, event organizer, or contractor asks for proof of insurance
• You fly around people, buildings, vehicles, job sites, or third-party property
• You use higher-value equipment, payloads, cameras, sensors, or accessories
• You need coverage for theft, physical damage, liability, or business interruption tied to drone operations
• You are unsure whether your existing business or home policy excludes drone activity

For recreational users, insurance needs may differ from commercial operators. The safest next step is to explain how, where, and why you fly so an advisor can identify potential gaps.

Drone pilot licensing in Canada

Do I need a drone pilot licence?

If your drone weighs 250 g to 25 kg, you will need a drone pilot licence — which Transport Canada calls a Pilot Certificate. Transport Canada offers two types: Basic Operations and Advanced Operations.

Which drone pilot certificate do I need?

Basic operators meet five conditions:

• Your drone flies in uncontrolled airspace.
• You fly your drone more than 30 m from people.
• You never fly your drone over people.
• You fly your drone at least 3 nautical miles from a certified airport or military aerodrome.
• You fly your drone at least 1 nautical mile from a certified heliport.

If you meet all five conditions, you can apply for the Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations. Otherwise, you'll need a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations.

How do I obtain a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations?

Pass the Small Basic Exam — a 35-question, multiple-choice, online exam administered through Transport Canada's Drone Management Portal. You have 90 minutes to complete it. A score of 65 percent or higher is required to pass; results are shown immediately after finishing.

Tip: Before taking the exam, review the Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems. Consider attending a drone flight school, which can provide training on airspace classifications, NOTAM reporting, aeronautical charts, the Canada Flight Supplement, and relevant sections of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

What are the fees for a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations?

It costs $10 to take the Small Basic Exam. You may retake it as many times as needed, with at least 24 hours between attempts at $10 per attempt.

What is a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations?

Transport Canada defines advanced operations as flying a drone that meets one or more of the following:

• In controlled airspace
• Over bystanders
• Within 30 m of bystanders
• Less than 3 nautical miles from a certified airport or military aerodrome
• Less than 1 nautical mile from a certified heliport

How do I obtain a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations?

You need to pass both the Small Advanced Exam (administered by Transport Canada) and a flight review administered by a drone flight school.

The Small Advanced Exam is a 50-question, multiple-choice, online exam. You have 60 minutes to complete it and must score 80 percent or higher. As of November 2023, there are 179 drone flight schools in Canada, many serving the entire country. When attending your flight review, bring:

• A copy of your successful Small Advanced Exam results
• Valid, government-issued identification
• The Certificate of Registration for the drone you'll use in the flight review

Your flight reviewer will submit results within 24 hours; you'll receive an email confirmation with a link to view them.

What are the fees for a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations?

Expect up to three fees: a $25 certificate fee, $10 for the Small Advanced Exam (retakes also $10 each, with at least 24 hours between attempts), and a flight reviewer fee, which varies and is not always charged.

How do I renew a drone Pilot Certificate?

Your drone Pilot Certificate does not expire. However, Transport Canada expects you to have completed one of the following in the past 24 months before you fly:

• Pass either the Small Basic Exam or the Small Advanced Exam
• Successfully pass a flight review
• Complete an endorsed training activity, such as a safety seminar, recurrent training, or a self-paced study program

Do I need a Basic certificate if I already have an Advanced certificate?

No. Your Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations also covers basic operations. You do not need an additional certificate.

Recreational vs. commercial drone use: why it matters for insurance

Transport Canada rules focus on safe and legal operation. Insurance underwriting also looks at the purpose and risk of the flight.

A recreational drone used occasionally in open areas may create a different exposure than one used for paid roof inspections, real estate photography, infrastructure surveys, or construction progress updates. Commercial drone use can also trigger client contract requirements, certificate of insurance requests, higher liability limits, or specific wording around additional insured parties.

Before accepting paid drone work, consider:

• What type of work will the drone support?
• Where will flights take place?
• Will flights happen near people, roads, buildings, airports, or private property?
• Does the client require proof of insurance?
• What equipment value needs to be protected?
• Are subcontractors, employees, or multiple pilots involved?

Those answers help determine whether basic coverage is enough or whether a dedicated drone liability insurance review is needed.

FAQ: Drone registration and insurance in Canada

Do I need insurance to fly a drone in Canada?

Drone insurance needs depend on how the drone is used, where it is flown, and whether the operation is recreational or commercial. Some clients, contracts, or work sites may require proof of insurance even when registration requirements are handled separately.

Is drone registration the same as drone insurance?

No. Drone registration is a Transport Canada requirement for many drones. Drone insurance is separate coverage that may help address liability, physical damage, equipment, or business-use exposure.

Where do I register a drone in Canada?

Use Transport Canada's official Drone Management Portal for registration, certificate, and regulatory actions. Air1 can help with insurance guidance, but Transport Canada is the official source for registration and licensing.

What do commercial drone clients usually ask for?

Commercial clients may ask for proof of liability insurance, a certificate of insurance, specific coverage limits, or contract wording such as additional insured status. Requirements vary by client and project.

Does a home insurance policy cover drone use?

Do not assume it does. Some home or business policies may exclude drone activity or limit coverage based on use. Review your policy wording with an advisor before relying on existing coverage.

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Need drone insurance guidance?

Once your registration and pilot certificate questions are handled, the next step is to review how the drone is actually used. Air1 Insurance can help Canadian drone operators understand liability, equipment, and commercial-use insurance considerations.

Coverage cannot be bound or changed through a contact form, but you can start the conversation with our team and request advisor support for your UAV insurance needs.

Learn about UAV insurance or contact Air1 to speak with an advisor.