Need to register your drone with the IAA? Our step-by-step MySRS guide covers who must register, the fee, online training and labelling your drone.
To register a drone in Ireland, you register yourself as a drone operator on the Irish Aviation Authority's MySRS portal before your first flight. After paying the fee you receive an operator number, which goes on every drone you fly. If your drone weighs over 250g, you also complete the IAA's online training.
You register the person, not the drone. One registration covers every drone you own, and it lasts two years.
Do you need to register?
You need to register if your drone:
- has a camera, or any sensor that can capture personal data, or
- weighs over 250g.
You do not need to register if your drone is legally a toy. That means its packaging or paperwork says it meets EU toy safety rules and is intended for children under 14. A drone with no camera that weighs 250g or less is also exempt.
In practice, almost every camera drone sold in Ireland needs its owner registered, including tiny ones like the 135g DJI Neo.
Under 16? A parent registers
You must be at least 16 to register as an operator. For a younger pilot, a parent or guardian registers in their own name. The adult then becomes responsible for training and supervising the child whenever they fly.
What you need before you start
Have these ready and the process goes smoothly:
- an email address you can access straight away
- your personal details, so MySRS can verify your name and age
- a payment card for the registration fee
- time to complete the online course, if your drone needs it
You do not need your drone's make or serial number for an ordinary hobby registration. You can even register before you buy.
Registering on MySRS, step by step
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Create a MySRS account
Go to the IAA’s MySRS portal and sign up with your email address. MySRS is the IAA’s online system for drone registration and training.
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Verify your identity
MySRS guides you through confirming your name and age. This step is required because operators must be 16 or over.
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Apply for operator registration and pay
Choose drone operator registration and pay the fee. Once it goes through, you receive your operator registration number.
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Do the online training if you need it
If your drone weighs over 250g, complete the A1/A3 online course and test in MySRS. You then receive a proof of online training certificate.
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Label your drone
Display your operator number on the outside of every drone you fly, or inside a compartment you can open without tools. A small printed sticker works well.
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Load the number into remote ID
If your drone broadcasts remote ID, enter your operator number in its app so the drone transmits it in flight.
What it costs
The IAA's schedule of charges sets the fees below.
| Item | Fee and validity |
|---|---|
| Operator registration | €41, valid two years |
| A1/A3 online training proof | €51, valid five years |
| A2 certificate of competency | €128, valid five years |
| Extra drones | No extra charge |
One note on training. The IAA's drone register page describes the online course as free, while the schedule of charges lists a fee for the certificate. Check the price MySRS shows you before paying.
Most hobby pilots with a sub-250g drone pay the registration fee only. The A2 certificate is for people who want to fly heavier drones closer to people.
Getting the label right
Your operator number must be visible on the drone, or inside a compartment you can open without tools, such as the battery bay. A small waterproof label is the neatest option.
Newer drones also broadcast a remote ID signal in flight. The IAA's remote identification page explains that you must upload your registration number into the drone's remote ID, so anyone nearby with a free app can see which operator is responsible.
After you register
Renew every two years. Registration does not roll over automatically, so note the expiry date. The IAA's MySRS FAQs confirm there is no refund if you stop flying before then.
Keep your details current. If you move house or change your name, update it yourself in your MySRS account.
Report a stolen drone. Report the theft to An Garda Síochána, then let the IAA know through MySRS. Your operator number stays linked to that drone.
Remember the flying rules. Registration is not permission to fly anywhere. You still need to respect the height limit and keep clear of restricted zones. Our guide to drone rules in Ireland covers the limits.
Visiting from abroad?
If you are registered in another EU country, you do not need to register again to fly here in the open category. Residents of non-EU countries, including the UK, register in the first EU country where they fly. The IAA's registration FAQs cover these cases in detail.
Registration in any EU state is recognised across the EU under the EASA rules for the open category, though individual countries can still have local restrictions.
How much does it cost to register a drone in Ireland?
Operator registration costs €41 and lasts two years. Drones over 250g also need the online training certificate.
Do I need to register each drone separately?
No. You register yourself once as an operator. The same number covers every drone you own, with no extra charge.
Can a child register a drone?
No. Operators must be 16 or older. A parent or guardian registers on behalf of a younger pilot and must supervise them.
What happens if I fly without registering?
The IAA can detain the drone and bring a prosecution through the District Court. It has successfully prosecuted unregistered pilots.
This page is general information, not legal advice. The IAA's own guidance is the final word.
Still choosing a drone? See the best drones for beginners, or our guide to drones for kids if the pilot is younger. Got one as a present? Read what to do with a gift drone.