If you fly a drone in the U.S., you've probably heard about Remote ID, sometimes called a "digital license plate" for drones. It's been required since 2023, yet it's still one of the most common questions we get: Does my drone already have it, or do I need a broadcast module?
This guide covers what Remote ID is, who has to comply, which popular DJI drones already broadcast it, and when an add-on module like the DroneBeacon db120 makes sense. Then you can fly legally and get back in the air quickly.
Quick note: This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules and the list of approved drones change, so always check FAA.gov for the latest before you fly.
What is Remote ID?
The FAA describes Remote ID as "the ability of a drone in flight to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties through a broadcast signal." It lets the FAA, law enforcement, and other agencies locate the control station when a drone appears to be flying unsafely or where it isn't allowed to fly.
The rule is in 14 CFR Part 89. According to the FAA, a Standard Remote ID drone broadcasts the following from takeoff to shutdown:
- Drone ID (serial number)
- Drone location, altitude, and velocity
- Control station location and elevation
- Time mark and emergency status
Key dates: is Remote ID enforced yet?
Yes. Under Part 89, operators had to comply starting September 16, 2023. The FAA then gave pilots a six-month grace period because broadcast modules were hard to find. The FAA ended that discretionary enforcement policy on March 16, 2024, and warned that operators who don't comply "could face fines and suspension or revocation of their drone pilot certificates."
Who needs Remote ID?
The FAA's rule is simple: drones that are required to be registered, or are registered, must comply with Remote ID. That includes drones flown for fun, for business, and for public safety.
That makes registration the real question. Per the FAA's registration page:
- All drones must be registered, except those that weigh 0.55 lb or less (under 250 g) and are flown under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations.
- Part 107 (commercial) pilots must register every drone, whatever it weighs. That means a sub-250 g drone flown for work needs Remote ID too.
Three ways to comply
The FAA gives you three options:
1. Fly a Standard Remote ID drone
The drone has Remote ID built in. Many newer DJI drones are in this group. Some older models got it through a firmware update, so keep yours current.
2. Attach a Remote ID broadcast module
A module retrofits an older drone that doesn't have built-in Remote ID. It broadcasts the drone's ID, location, altitude, and velocity, plus the takeoff location instead of the control station. The key rule from the FAA: pilots using a broadcast module must be able to see their drone at all times during flight.
3. Fly inside a FRIA
FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs) are specific locations, usually sponsored by community-based organizations or schools, where you can fly without Remote ID. You still have to stay within visual line of sight.
Quick reference: popular DJI drones and Remote ID
| Drone | Built-in Standard Remote ID? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DJI Mini 3 Pro | Yes | On the FAA's accepted list (RID000000001) |
| DJI Mini 3 / Mini 4 Pro | Yes, with Plus battery | DJI's Mini 4 Pro firmware turns on U.S. Remote ID automatically only with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus |
| DJI Air 2S | Yes | On the FAA's accepted list (RID000000007) |
| DJI Mavic 3 / Mavic 3 Cine | Yes | On the FAA's accepted list |
| DJI Avata | Yes | On the FAA's accepted list (RID000000008) |
| DJI Avata 2 | Yes | On the FAA's accepted list (RID000001376) |
| DJI FPV | Yes, via firmware | DJI announced a Remote ID firmware update; update before flying |
| DJI Mini 2 / Mini SE | No | Under 250 g: fine for recreation without registration. For Part 107, use a broadcast module or a FRIA |
Always confirm your exact model on the FAA's Remote ID Declaration of Compliance list. If your drone isn't listed, it doesn't have Standard Remote ID.
When do you need a broadcast module?
Use this checklist:
- Is your drone on the FAA's accepted Remote ID list? If yes, update the firmware and you're set. No module needed.
- Not on the list, and you fly recreationally under 250 g? No registration and no Remote ID required. Keep in mind that heavier batteries and add-ons change the weight.
- Not on the list, and it's over 250 g or you fly under Part 107? You need a broadcast module, unless you only fly at a FRIA.
That third group covers a lot of pilots: commercial operators flying a DJI Mini 2 for real estate shots, people with older non-DJI drones, FPV builds, and anyone with a drone that never got a Remote ID firmware update.
Spotlight: DroneBeacon db120 broadcast module
The DroneBeacon db120 Remote ID Broadcast Module from BlueMark is a compact, self-powered add-on for drones without built-in Remote ID. It's on the FAA's list of accepted broadcast modules under Declaration of Compliance RID000000058.
Per the manufacturer:
- Has its own battery and GPS, so there's no wiring into your drone
- Battery life over 3 hours, and it recharges over USB-C
- Weighs 25 g and measures 48 × 38 × 28 mm
- Mounts with 3M Dual Lock or M5 screw noses
- No setup needed for typical U.S. use. You register the module's serial number with the FAA.
How to register a broadcast module with the FAA
Based on the FAA's instructions:
- Log in to FAADroneZone and open your Recreational or Part 107 dashboard.
- Go to Manage Device Inventory and choose Add Device (or edit an existing drone).
- Answer "Yes" to the Remote ID question and select "Remote ID broadcast module."
- Enter the drone's make and model and the module's Remote ID serial number.
Good to know: Recreational flyers can move one module between drones, as long as each drone's make and model is listed in the same inventory with that module's serial number. Part 107 pilots must register each device separately.
Remote ID FAQ
Do I need Remote ID for a drone under 250 grams?
Not if you fly it purely for recreation under the FAA's recreational exception, because it doesn't need to be registered. If you fly it under Part 107, it must be registered and comply with Remote ID.
Can I put a broadcast module on a drone that already has Remote ID?
You don't need to. If your drone is on the FAA's accepted list, keep its firmware updated and register it with its built-in Remote ID serial number.
Can I fly beyond visual line of sight with a broadcast module?
No. The FAA requires pilots using a broadcast module to be able to see the drone at all times during flight.
What happens if I don't comply?
Since March 16, 2024, the FAA has said non-compliant operators could face fines and suspension or revocation of their pilot certificates.
Is my Remote ID serial number the same as my drone's serial number?
Not necessarily. The FAA notes that the Remote ID serial number isn't the same as the drone's serial number. For modules it's usually printed on the device. Check with the manufacturer if you can't find it.
Get Remote ID ready
At Wicked Aerial Photography, we specialize in keeping your gear flight-ready at an affordable price. If your drone needs Remote ID, pick up the DroneBeacon db120 broadcast module. If you'd rather upgrade to a drone with Remote ID built in, browse our drones, including the DJI FPV and DJI Avata 2. Not sure what your drone needs? Message us before you order and we'll help you sort it out.