The drone license plate, also known as the company number or E-ID, is a registration number that you must attach to your drone. In this blog we answer all questions about this drone license plate and explain when you need this drone license plate and how to apply for it.
When do I need a drone license plate?
If you own a drone, you must register and apply for a drone license plate. You can apply for the drone license plate via the LBA and you will then receive a code by email. This is the operator number. The operator number should be clearly visible on the outside of the drone in the form of a sign or sticker.
You need an operator number if:
- The drone has a camera on board
- The drone weighs more than 249 grams
Toy drones are excluded.
How can I apply for a drone license plate?
You apply for the drone license plate through the LBA. You can start the application via this link: Application for drone license plate.
You go through the application process and receive the drone license plate by email within a few minutes. Are you looking for more information about drone license plates? You can find all information about applying for the LBA on the LBA website Drone license plate.
How much does the drone license plate cost?
You apply for the drone license plate from the LBA. A distinction is made between natural persons and legal entities.
Natural persons include individuals, sole proprietors and registered merchants. To apply for the drone license plate, you only need an ID card or passport. Other types of companies fall under legal entities. In order to apply for the drone license plate from the LBA, you must submit company documents. Depending on the type of company, these corporate documents vary; they are often a shareholders’ agreement and/or an extract from the commercial register.
How must a drone be marked?
The drone license plate consists of letters and numbers. An example of an operator number: DEU87astrdge12kc-xyz. Only the part before the dash (DEU87astrdge12kc) should be attached to the drone. You should therefore omit the last three characters. This prevents misuse of your operator number.
Do you own multiple drones? The operator number is valid for all drones you own. Post the operator number prominently on the outside of each drone.
Do I risk a fine if I don’t have a drone license plate?
If you fly a drone without a drone license plate, you risk a fine. Fines can be up to €50,000.
Do I also need an EU drone license?
In addition to the drone license plate, you often also need an EU drone license to fly legally in Germany. The EU drone license is required for every drone pilot who wants to fly a drone weighing 250 grams or more.
You can easily and conveniently purchase the EU drone driving license online. You first complete an online course and then take an online exam. Once you have passed this, apply for the official EU drone license, which allows you to fly throughout the EU.
Would you like to know which EU drone license you need for your drone? Find out which certificate you need in just one minute. Read more about the EU drone driving license here.
