Question 1

Do I need to register my drone in China?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as of January 1, 2024, all drones must be registered with China's Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) before flying, regardless of weight or purpose. This applies to both Chinese citizens and foreign visitors. Flying an unregistered drone can result in fines up to ¥10,000 ($1,400), drone confiscation, and potential legal action.

Question 2

How long does the registration process take?

Accepted Answer

Our service completes registration within 3 business days from when we receive all your required documents and photos. The actual processing by CAAC typically takes only 30 minutes of active work, but we account for potential verification delays and government office hours to ensure your registration is handled properly.

Question 3

What documents do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

You need: 1) Clear photos of your drone's serial number, 2) Copy of your passport (photo page), 3) Drone specifications (model name, weight), and 4) Your contact information. We'll send you a simple form to complete with step-by-step photo guidelines. No Chinese language translation is required - we handle everything.

Question 4

How much does drone registration cost?

Accepted Answer

Our professional registration service is $90 USD (3 business day processing). This includes official CAAC registration certificate, full email and WhatsApp support throughout the process, and digital delivery of all documents. There are no hidden fees or additional charges.

Question 5

What do I receive after registration?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive your official CAAC registration certificate via email as a digital file, along with detailed instructions in English on how to display it when flying. The certificate includes your drone's unique registration number and is legally valid for flying throughout China. You may be asked to show this during police checks or at flight-restricted areas.

Question 6

Where you can't fly your drone

Accepted Answer

This is a list of places where flying a drone is usually not allowed. THE LIST IS PARTIAL and only includes the most famous places:

• Beijing: The entire city and The Great Wall
• Shanghai: The Bund (you can fly in other areas, but you first have to register for every flight)
• Huangshan: Yellow Mountains
• Jiangsu: Niushou Park
• Zhangjiajie: Tianmen Mountain and Glass Bridge
• Fujian: Wuyi Mountains and Xiamen
• Jilin: Changbai Mountains
• Guizhou: Fanjingshan
• Yunnan: Lijiang Ancient City and Shangri-la
• Sichuan: Jiuzhaigou
• Gansu: Zhangye Danxia Geopark, Mogao Grottoes, Echoing Sand Mountains, Crescent Spring, Jiayuguan Pass, and Jiuquan
• Xinjiang: Turpan, Tianshan Lake, and Grand Canyon
• Tibet: All of the Autonomous Region is a no-fly area for foreigners
• Qinghai: Xining

The regulations used to be much lighter, but as time passes, even in China, it's becoming increasingly difficult to fly to the most famous scenic spots.

Question 7

Can I register the drone myself instead of using your service?

Accepted Answer

Technically yes, but it's extremely difficult for foreigners. The CAAC website is entirely in Chinese with complex bureaucratic terminology. You need a Chinese phone number for SMS verification and a verified WeChat account - both difficult for visitors to obtain. Many travelers spend hours attempting self-registration and fail due to these barriers. Our service removes all these obstacles and guarantees successful registration.

Question 8

How long is the registration valid for?

Accepted Answer

Drone registration in China is typically valid for one year from the registration date. You can re-register before expiry if planning another trip. For single visits lasting less than a year, you won't need to worry about renewal. We can assist with re-registration for repeat visitors at a discounted rate.

Question 9

I have multiple drones. Do I need to register each one?

Accepted Answer

Yes, each drone requires separate registration with its own unique serial number and certificate. We offer bulk registration discounts for 2+ drones. Contact us via WhatsApp or email with the number of drones you need to register, and we'll provide a custom quote.

Question 10

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx), PayPal, and international bank transfers. Payment is required upfront before we begin the registration process. You'll receive a payment link via email with secure checkout. All transactions are encrypted and processed through trusted payment gateways.

Question 11

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

If we cannot successfully register your drone due to issues on our end, we provide a full refund. If you cancel before we submit to CAAC, we refund 50% of the service fee. Once registration is submitted to CAAC, no refunds are available as the work is completed. If CAAC rejects registration due to drone specifications or other technical reasons, we'll work with you to resolve the issue at no additional cost.

Question 12

2026 Update: New Mandatory 'Activation' Rules

Accepted Answer

China implemented a new national drone standard on May 1, 2026. The rules are now much stricter:

• UOM App & Activation: You must use the UOM (Unmanned Aircraft Operation Management) app to 'activate' your drone. Without linking your ID and serial number, the drone is software-locked and will not take off.
• Airspace Check: Always check the UOM app for real-time fly and no-fly zones. The police use this app as the 'source of truth,' and it is often more accurate than the DJI Fly app for temporary local restrictions.
• Remote ID: Drones must now broadcast their location in real-time. Older models without this feature will need a hardware module or will be permanently grounded by May 2029.
• Stricter Penalties: 'Dark flying' (unregistered flight) is now a serious offense. Violators face fines up to 20,000 RMB and 5 to 10 days of police detention.
• License Requirement: If you are doing commercial work, a CAAC-issued pilot license is mandatory. Hobbyists only need the UOM activation.

Before you fly, register and check the real-time map on the UOM app. The police now use these tools to track and ground illegal drones instantly.

Register Your Drone in China

Quick Drone Category Checker

Why Can't Foreigners Self-Register?

CAAC Website is Chinese-Only

Chinese Phone Number Required

WeChat Verification Needed

⚠️ Flying Without Registration is Illegal

How It Works

Submit Your Details

We Handle Everything

Receive Your Certificate

Start Flying Legally

Submit Your Details

We Handle Everything

Receive Your Certificate

Start Flying Legally

We Register Your Drone for You

100% Hands-Off Service

Professional Team Handling

Reliable Processing

Full Support Included

Simple, Transparent Pricing

Professional Registration Service

What Drone Pilots Say

Secure Payment Methods

Credit & Debit Cards

Digital Wallets

Frequently Asked Questions

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