Applying for a pilot licence or operator number for a drone
In many cases, you have to apply for a pilot licence or an operator number when you want to fly a drone or another unmanned aircraft such as a model aircraft. See what the conditions are and how you can apply.
When is a pilot licence obligated
Required if the (toy) drone or other unmanned aircraft you are flying is 250 grams or heavier. For lighter drones, a licence to fly is not required.
When is an operator number obligated
You need an operator number if you are the owner (operator) of a drone or an unmanned aircraft with a camera or a weight of 250 gram or more and also if you fly such a drone belonging to someone else. Do you have a toy drone? Then an operator number is only obligatory if it weighs 250 grams or more. In that case it does not matter if the drone has a camera or not.
Attaching the operator number to your drone
You only need to attach the part before the dash to the outside of the drone in a clearly visible way. For example, with a sticker. Leave out the last 3 letters. Does your drone have software that allows you to program the number? If so, you must also program the complete number.
Requirements for applying for a pilot licence:
- You can only apply for the pilot licence if you have taken an online knowledge test. You can take this exam at a recognised Dutch flight school.
- You have a DigiD and you are registered (as a Dutch resident) in the Personal Records Database (BRP) .
- You are registered (as a Dutch resident) in the Personal Records Database (BRP) .
You need a pilot licence if your drone weighs 250 grams or more. At RDW you can apply for a pilot licence for subcategory A1/A3, subcategory A2 and STS (standard scenario's). For more information about subcategories, go to the website of the Dutch government.
- You take an exam with a recognised Dutch flight school. This can be an exam for the A1/A3 subcategory, the A2 subcategory or for STS.
Did you take the A1/A3 subcategory exam abroad and the A2 subcategory or STS exam in the Netherlands? Then you need to upload your foreign A1/A3 pilot licence with your application. - Using the unique link in the email from the flight school, log in with DigiD to make the application. To apply for a licence for category A2 or STS, you need a licence A1/A3. If you obtained this abroad, you must add it to the application. We do not keep the details of the A1/A3 licence.
- For the A1/A3 subcategory, you receive a European pilot licence called ‘certificate of completion of theoretical exam’.
For the A2 subcategory, you receive a European pilot licence called ‘certificate of competency’. For STS, you receive a European pilot licence called ‘certificate of theoretical knowledge for STS’. - Check the details on the pilot's licence. Is something not right? Send an email to [email protected].
- Handle your pilot licence with care. You need this pilot licence when flying (printed out or on your mobile phone).
- Are you also the owner of a drone? Then you need an operator number. You will find more information under ‘Apply for your operator number here'.
You need an operator number if you are the owner of 1 or more drones with a camera or a weight of 250 g or more. When you apply for an operator number, you will be registered with us as the owner (operator).
You only need 1 operator number, even if you have more than one drone.
- You apply for an operator number by using the button ‘Apply for an operator number' (only available in Dutch). You log in via DigiD and pay the costs using iDeal .
Do you make the application on behalf of your company? Then you must log in with eHerkenning . And keep your branch number on hand. You can find this number on your company registration certificate or on the website of the Chamber of Commerce. You pay the costs by using iDEAL .
Are you self-employed? Then you can only log in via DigiD.
2. You will receive the operator number by e-mail. You must make sure that part of the operator number is visible on the outside of the drone(s).
3. Are you also the pilot of a drone? Then you need a pilot licence. You will find more information under ‘Apply for your pilot licence here'.
Do you want an operator number and you do not have DigiD or eHerkenning?
- Then use the form 'Drone operator number application form(pdf, 559kb)' (only available in Dutch) for a drone operator registration number.
- You can read on the form what to do and what to submit.
- Have we approved your request and received your payment? Please keep in mind that after that it will take a minimum of 10 working days before you receive your operator number from us.
Requirements for an operator number application
You can only apply for an operator number with us if you live outside the European Union and want to fly mainly in the Netherlands.
- Send an e-mail to [email protected] and ask for the form 'Drone operator number application form'. We will send you the form by e-mail within 5 working days. You can read on the form what to do and what to submit.
- If the application is complete, it will take about 10 working days to receive your operator number.
Requirements for a pilot licence
Are you also the pilot of a drone?
- Then you need to take an exam with a recognised Dutch flight school to get your pilot licence. If you are not registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) of the Netherlands, you have to apply for your pilot licence via your Dutch flight school.
- Need an invoice of your pilot licence? Contact the flight school where you took the exam.
Are you registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) ? Then follow the steps explained in ‘How to Apply for your pilot licence here'.
On the pilot's licence, we write the pilot's first name in full and the other first names with an initial.
The operator number is valid for one year and applies to all drones or unmanned aircrafts you own. Therefore the renewal is immediately arranged for all drones. You can apply for a renewal if you live in the Netherlands and are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) of a municipality. Renewing is possible 6 weeks before your operator number expires.
Please note: Has your operator number expired? If so, you can no longer renew it. You must reapply for an operator number. The operator number is personal. You will therefore receive the same operator number again. Log in with the same DigiD or e-Herkenning with which you requested your operator number.
Are you renewing on time? Then follow the following steps.
- Renew your operator number via the button 'Renew operator number with DigiD'.
- Log in with DigiD and pay the costs with iDeal .
Is the operator number in the name of your company? Then log in using the button 'Renew operator number with e-Herkenning'. And keep your Chamber of Commerce extract at hand. Pay the costs with iDeal.
No DigiD or e-Herkenning?
You don't have DigiD or e-Herkenning? Send an e-mail to [email protected] with a request to extend your operator number. Your operator number doesn't change.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Operator number application | €23,00 |
| Extending your operator number | €13,00 |
Note: No refunds
You are paying for the processing of the application. Once you have paid, you cannot get your money back, even if you make a mistake.