EASA Drone ID Cards: What They Are and Why You Might Need One

Flying drones in the EU comes with clear rules. If you're flying anything other than a toy drone, you're expected to follow safety guidelines and register as a drone operator or remote pilot with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Our cards are designed to support those who have gone through the correct process and want to carry proof of their certification in a simple and reliable format.

Our cards show that the holder is registered with EASA and include key details such as the name, expiry date, EASA identification number, and a photo. The back confirms that the drone operator has completed the required tests and includes a signature strip. They are designed and printed by us here at The Card Project UK, are the same size as a credit card, and are easy to keep in a wallet or drone bag.

Understanding EASA Drone Rules and Registration

EASA is responsible for creating and managing drone regulations across EU member states. Since 2021, the EU has had a unified set of rules to make it easier to fly drones across borders, provided pilots follow safety procedures and hold valid registration.

Anyone operating a drone weighing over 250g, or flying a drone with a camera (even if it's lighter), must register as a drone operator in their home country. The registration is then valid across the EASA zone, which includes EU countries, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

There are also requirements for drone pilots to pass an online training course and exam, depending on the category of drone use. These are typically split into three categories: Open, Specific, and Certified. Most hobby pilots fall under the Open category, but training is still required for many activities within it.

Once registered, drone pilots are issued with a unique Operator ID, which must be marked on all drones they fly. Some countries also issue a Remote Pilot Certificate Number, especially if the operator has passed the A1/A3 or A2 online training. Both can be useful to show on an ID card.

Why EASA Drone ID Cards Make Life Easier

Our cards make it easy to carry important details in your pocket. If you're stopped while flying, or need to show proof of your credentials to someone concerned about drone use, our cards give you a quick way to do that.

Most countries within the EASA zone accept digital or printed confirmation of registration, but not everyone wants to rely on an app or worry about finding an email in a hurry. Our cards offer a practical way to keep your registration details close to hand.

The layout of our cards makes everything clear at a glance. Name, expiry date and identification number are shown on the front, along with a photo. The back shows a smaller version of the photo and a printed statement confirming that the holder has passed the required tests. There’s also a signature strip for added security.

What’s Involved in Getting Registered with EASA

Registration isn’t done directly through EASA. Instead, you register in the country where you live or have your main place of residence. Each country operates its own system, but all follow the same core framework set by EASA.

To register as a drone operator, you need to:

• Visit your national civil aviation authority's website.

• Complete the operator registration form.

• Pay a small annual fee.

• Display your Operator ID on all your drones.

To fly in more advanced subcategories like A2 (for flights closer to people), you’ll also need to:

• Complete the A1/A3 training and exam online.

• Take additional training and possibly a theory test depending on your country.

Once you’ve completed this process, you can use the Operator ID across all EASA member countries. If you have a Remote Pilot Certificate Number, you can also carry proof of that.

Our cards do not replace the official online registration or training. Instead, they are a helpful way to carry your details without relying on an internet connection or phone battery.

Why UK Drone Pilots Shouldn’t Use EASA ID Cards

If you're based in the UK, the rules are different. Since Brexit, the UK is no longer part of EASA and runs its own system through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This means that even if you used to fly under EASA rules, you now need to register with the CAA instead.

The CAA issues an Operator ID and Flyer ID. These are separate from anything issued by an EASA country. Our EASA Drone ID Cards are not suitable for use within the UK unless you're flying under an EASA registration from another country and are temporarily visiting.

If you're flying in both the UK and the EU, you'll need to follow the rules for both areas. You might need two sets of paperwork, and you’ll need to know which set of rules apply depending on where you are.

We also offer UK-specific Drone Pilot ID Cards for people registered with the CAA. These follow a similar format but are based on the UK system. If you need both, you can order them separately.

What Makes Our EASA Drone ID Cards Useful for EU Drone Pilots

Our cards are designed to be clear, simple, and practical. We’ve chosen a layout that includes the most important details that drone operators are likely to be asked for. Because our cards are made from biodegradable plastic, they’re also better for the environment than traditional PVC cards.

Each card includes:

• The holder’s name.

• Expiry date of their registration or certificate.

• Their EASA-issued identification number.

• A passport-style photograph.

• A smaller version of the photo on the rear.

• A signature strip.

• A printed statement confirming EASA compliance.

These are not official ID cards from EASA, but they include the same key information in a professional format. They are useful for showing your details in person without having to rely on your phone or paper printouts.

Because we make the cards ourselves, you can upload your photo and details during the order process. Once your information is checked, we print and post your card using our standard turnaround. You can find out more about delivery options available to you on our delivery page.

Don't Get Caught Without It – Order EASA Drone ID Cards from The Card Project UK Today

If you're flying a drone in the EU and you're already registered with EASA, there’s no reason to leave your details buried in your inbox or locked behind an app. Our cards give you a quick and reliable way to carry your registration info with you, whether you're flying for fun or work.

They’re compact, practical, and ready to use from the moment they arrive. Upload your details and photo when ordering, and we’ll do the rest.

Don’t get caught without proof – order your EASA Drone ID Cards from The Card Project UK and keep your flights simple and stress-free.