Starting in 2024, some drone rules in the open and specific categories will change. From then on, it will be mandatory in many cases to transfer the operator number via Remote ID. In this blog you will learn everything about Remote ID and when to send the Remote ID.

What is Remote ID?

Remote ID can be thought of as a remote identification technology. As the owner of a drone, you must register as an operator with the LBA and receive an operator number. While you previously only had to attach the operator number to the outside of the drone, from 2024 it will be mandatory to also transfer the operator number.

During the flight, the drone sends out data and the operator number, which can be recorded by law enforcement using an app.

Should my drone send a remote ID?

From 2024, most drones will have to send out a remote ID. In the specific category, transmitting a remote ID is mandatory for all drones, including drones without a Cx label.

In the open category, most Cx-tagged drones must use a remote ID. The table below shows which drones in the open category must use Remote ID.

Drones without remote ID requirement:

• Drones without Cx marking* and self-built in subcategory A3
• All drones under 250 grams* in subcategory A1
• Toy drones

* Brought to the EU by the manufacturer before January 1, 2024.

How do I set up a drone’s remote ID?

Drones with Cx label support Remote ID. All you need to do is enter the operator number in the settings. The drone will automatically transmit the Remote ID when you start flying.

Follow these steps to set your operator number on a DJI drone:

• Activate remote control
• Navigate to the settings menu, click on the three dots at the top right of the controller screen
• Go to ‘Security’ in the settings menu
• Scroll down to ‘UAS Remote Identification’ option
• Open ‘UAS Remote Identification’ and enter your operator number in the input field

The operator number must be entered completely.

Do I need the remote ID in the special category?

When operating in the special category, the drone must always broadcast a remote ID. This is also required for drones without Cx marking. However, many drones without a Cx label do not support sending the remote ID. If your drone does not support this, you will need to install a Remote ID addon on the drone. This external module ensures that the operator number is transmitted.