If you're flying a drone in the EU, you've probably heard about the Operator ID. But what is it exactly? How do you get one, and how should it be displayed on your drone? In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to stay compliant and avoid fine, especially when it comes to properly marking your drone.
What Is an Operator ID?
An Operator ID is a unique identification number issued to drone operators (not individual drones) by the aviation authority in your EU country, such as the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) in Germany, DGAC in France, or Transportstyrelsen in Sweden. It proves that you’ve registered as a drone operator, which is mandatory for most drone users under EU regulation (EU) 2019/947.
Important: An Operator ID is not the same as a Remote Pilot Certificate or Drone Serial Number.
You only need one Operator ID even if you own and fly multiple drones. You’ll use that same ID for all your drones and model aircraft.
When Do You Need an Operator ID?
You must register and obtain an Operator ID if:
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Your drone is equipped with a camera or other sensor capable of capturing personal data
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Your drone weighs 250 grams or more
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You fly in the ‘Specific’ category (regardless of weight)
Even some sub-250g drones require registration if they have a camera, so always double-check with your national aviation authority.
How to Get an Operator ID
You can usually register through your country’s aviation authority website. The process varies slightly by country, but typically includes:
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Creating an account
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Completing online training and/or a knowledge test (for certain categories)
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Paying a small annual fee
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Receiving your Operator ID, usually via email or PDF
How Should the Operator ID Be Displayed?
Once you have your Operator ID, you must label it clearly on all drones you operate. This is a legal requirement under EU drone regulations.
Labeling Guidelines:
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The label must be clearly visible without needing to open the drone
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It must be durable and resistant to weather and abrasion
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It must include your the public part of your Operator ID, excluding the private suffix (see below)
Do You Need to Include the “-xyz” Suffix?
No — you should not include the suffix (typically three or four characters, such as -abc) when labeling your drone with your Operator ID.
The suffix is a private element used for Remote ID systems and is not part of the publicly visible Operator ID.
✅ Correct format for labels:
DEUa1b2c3d4e5f
🚫 Incorrect format:DEUa1b2c3d4e5f-xyz
Always double-check that your sticker or label matches the main Operator ID only, without the suffix.
What's the Best Way to Label Your Drone?
To stay compliant and make labeling easy, use a durable sticker designed for drones. Make sure the label:
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Uses UV and weather-resistant material
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Has strong adhesive (so it doesn’t peel off mid-flight)
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Is printed in a clear, legible font
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Matches your full Operator ID exactly
Final Tips
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Label each drone you use with the same Operator ID
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Don’t confuse the Operator ID with the Drone Serial Number or Remote Pilot Certificate
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Always double-check your country's specific rules, some might have additional requirements
Need weatherproof drone ID stickers? At StickerHill, we specialize in durable EU-compliant Operator ID labels for drone pilots. Our labels are resistant to water, sun, and abrasion, designed to last even in tough flying conditions.
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