Upcoming Changes to UK Drone Laws and Regulations in January 2026: What Drone Flyers Need to Know

Harvey Dunstan
Sep 23
3 min read

Updated: Sep 28

As of 1 January 2026, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is rolling out important updates to drone regulations. These changes will directly affect hobbyists, commercial drone operators, and aerial photographers alike. Whether you fly and operate drones like we do, or for professional services, here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and how to stay compliant.

UK drone laws 2026 - Key Changes next year

1. Flyer ID Threshold Drops to 100g

Currently, you need a Flyer ID to fly drones or model aircraft weighing 250g or more. From January 2026, that threshold is reduced to 100g.

This means even lightweight drones like the DJI Mini series will require the pilot to pass the Flyer ID online test. The aim is to improve air safety as smaller drones become more powerful and widely used.

What this means for you:

If your drone weighs 100g or more, you’ll need to take the Flyer ID test before flying outdoors.
Even casual flyers will need to get certified, not just commercial pilots.

2. Remote ID Becomes Mandatory

The UK is introducing Direct Remote ID (RID) requirements. From 1 January 2026, certain drone classes (UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5, and UK6) must broadcast a Remote ID signal. Note, that the UK class-marking system only becomes mandatory from 1 January 2026, and there’s a transition period during which EU class-marked drones (C0, C1, etc.) are accepted as equivalent.

This digital ID allows authorities to identify drones in real time, improving accountability and safety in the skies.

Practical implications:

Some older drones may need a Remote ID module installed.
New drones will likely come with built-in RID compliance.
Enforcement of RID will expand further in 2028 to include UK0 drones with cameras, privately built, and legacy drones.

3. Operator ID Rules Continue

The Operator ID - which identifies the person or organisation responsible for a drone - will remain mandatory. You’ll still need an Operator ID if:

Your drone has a camera (unless it’s classed as a toy), or
It weighs 250g or more.

This ID must be renewed annually and clearly displayed on your drone.

4. UK Drone Class Markings (UK0-UK6)

From 2026, drones sold in the UK will be classified into categories UK0-UK6. Each class has different operational limits, Remote ID requirements, and safety features.

For example:

UK0 drones: Sub-250g, limited restrictions unless fitted with a camera.
UK1-UK6 drones: Increasing safety features, weight ranges, and RID requirements.

At present, there are no drones officially on the UK market with UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5 or UK6 markings. Instead, the UK accepts drones with EU C‑class markings (C0, C1, C2, etc.) as equivalents until 1 January 2028. For example, a drone with a C1 class mark will be treated like a UK1 drone during this transition period.

This means:

You may already own a drone that meets the technical requirements but does not yet carry the UK class label.
After 2026, newly manufactured drones for the UK market will need the UK class markings.
Higher classes (UK5 and UK6) are generally for specific category operations and won’t typically apply to casual or commercial open-category flights.
This classification system makes it easier for pilots to understand where and how they can fly legally, but buyers should watch for updates from manufacturers and retailers as UK‑marked drones begin to appear on the market.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

The CAA is updating rules to:

Enhance safety by ensuring more pilots understand the rules before flying.
Protect privacy as more drones with cameras enter the skies.
Increase accountability with Remote ID, helping police and regulators track drones in real time.
Standardise equipment through class markings, making compliance simpler.

How Drone Photographers Should Prepare

If you run an HD drone photography business, these changes are crucial:

Make sure all your drones are Remote ID compliant before 2026.
Renew both your Flyer ID and Operator ID well in advance.
Train your team on the new class categories to avoid fines or restrictions.
Factor compliance costs (such as RID modules or test fees) into your 2026 business budget.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming January 2026 drone regulation changes represent a major shift for UK drone pilots. While they may feel restrictive, they’re designed to improve safety and professionalism across the drone industry. For aerial photographers, compliance isn’t just a legal requirement - it’s also a way to show clients that you operate responsibly and to the highest standards.

At HD Drone Photography, we’ll continue to monitor regulatory updates to keep our operations safe, legal, and ready to capture stunning aerial imagery.