Drone ID Cards: What UK Drone Pilots Need to Know

Flying drones in the UK comes with responsibilities. Whether you’re flying for fun, filming professionally, or capturing views on holiday, you need to follow the law. One of the most useful things you can do as a drone pilot is carry one of our cards. It puts your details in one place, makes it easy to show you’re registered, and helps avoid confusion if anyone asks about your drone use.

Our cards are designed for drone operators who want to keep things simple and clear. They’re based on the real details you use when registering with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), including your Flyer ID, Operator ID, and registration expiry. It means you’ve always got your official status on hand without needing to search through apps or login pages.

Drone ID Cards and Why They Matter for UK Flyers

Drone rules in the UK changed in 2021. If your drone has a camera, or weighs over 250g, you need to be registered before flying outdoors. Even lightweight drones like the DJI Mini 2 still need a Flyer ID if they have a camera.

There are two parts to registration:

• The Flyer ID shows you’ve passed a basic online theory test. It proves you understand the rules of safe drone flying.

• The Operator ID is for the person responsible for the drone itself. If that’s you, you need to renew this every year and label your drones with this ID.

Both IDs are issued by the CAA and linked to your online account. But unless you print them out or take a screenshot, you’ll need to log in every time someone asks to see them. That’s where our cards come in. They store your key info in a clear and durable way, ready to show at any time.

Drone ID Cards Make Drone Flying Easier and More Professional

Not everyone understands the rules around drones. When you’re flying in a public area, people might be curious or even concerned. Being able to show one of our cards can help explain that you’re following the law. It shows your name, your registration details, and the date your CAA registration expires.

This is especially useful for people flying drones for work. Whether you’re filming weddings, doing roof inspections, or surveying land, our cards give you something to show to clients, bystanders, or even local authorities. It adds a sense of professionalism and helps you avoid awkward questions.

Even if you’re just flying for fun, having one of our cards helps. It means you don’t need to rely on your phone, which might be out of charge or out of signal. Everything you need is printed clearly and always available.

How to Register as a Drone Operator in the UK

To use our cards, you first need to be registered with the CAA. Here’s how that works:

1. Get your Flyer ID Anyone who wants to fly a drone weighing more than 250g or with a camera must pass a short online test. It’s free and covers basic safety and legal points. Once you pass, you’ll get a Flyer ID that’s valid for five years.

2. Get your Operator ID If you’re the person who owns or controls the drone, you also need to register as an operator. This costs £10.33 and must be renewed every year. The Operator ID must be clearly visible on your drone.

3. Keep your details updated If your name or address changes, you should update your CAA registration. If your Operator ID expires, you must stop flying until you renew.

Once you’ve got both IDs, you can order one of our cards with your full details. It makes everything easier going forward, especially if you fly regularly or take part in events where ID is needed.

What Details Are Shown on Our Drone ID Cards?

Our cards are designed to match your official drone registration details. Here’s what they show:

• Your name, exactly as it appears on your CAA account

• Your Flyer ID

• Your Operator ID

• The date your CAA registration expires

• A printed message confirming that you're registered with the Civil Aviation Authority

• A small Union Flag to clearly show the card is for UK use

The layout is simple and clear. We print onto biodegradable plastic, and the card is credit card-sized (86mm by 54mm), so it fits in a wallet or lanyard holder. The design is permanent and won’t fade or smudge. Because everything is printed, there’s no worry about phone batteries, app errors, or lost paperwork.

Drone ID Cards Are a Smart Addition to Your Flying Kit

If you already fly drones, you’ll know there’s a lot to remember. Batteries, charging cables, SD cards, memory checks, safety briefings, and sometimes permissions. Our cards take one small thing off your mind. You don’t need to hunt through your phone or find a printout before heading out. You don’t need to explain that yes, you are registered, and yes, you do have permission to fly.

Instead, you can just show your card.

Some drone pilots even keep a second copy in their drone case, just in case as it helps in case of loss. If you drop your drone or someone finds your gear, your card helps prove ownership. That’s a simple way to improve your chances of getting it back.

Ordering Drone ID Cards from us here at The Card Project UK is Quick and so Easy

We’ve made it easy to get your card. Just fill in your name, Flyer ID, Operator ID, and expiry date. If you’re not sure where to find these, they’re available in your CAA online account. Once we have your details, we’ll print and dispatch your card. Delivery is usually fast (you can find out more about your options on the delivery page), and your card will arrive ready to use.

Our cards are printed on biodegradable plastic, so they’re better for the environment than standard plastic cards. They’re tough, waterproof, and easy to keep clean.

Make Flying Simpler: Order Drone ID Cards from The Card Project UK Today

If you fly drones in the UK, don’t wait until someone asks you for proof. Be ready with one of our cards. It’s quick to order, easy to carry, and gives you peace of mind. You’ve done the work to register and follow the rules—our cards help you show it.

Place your order today and make flying drones that little bit easier.