The “drone pilot license” people usually mean is the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107. The FAA’s process is outlined here: Become a Certificated Remote Pilot.
For first-time pilots, the basics are straightforward. You must be at least 16 years old, able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and in a condition to operate safely. Then you pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam and complete the FAA application process.
What the process looks like
- Study for the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft General exam
- Take the test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center
- Apply through IACRA after passing
- Complete TSA vetting and receive the certificate
- Keep knowledge current with recurrent training every 24 calendar months
The FAA also notes that the initial knowledge test typically costs about $175.
Good news: this is not a manned-aircraft pilot license. It is a far more practical pathway focused on rules, airspace, and safe operations.
Why this is worth doing early
Waiting until you have a live job to start certification is a mistake. The test itself is manageable, but business operations run better when certification is already solved. It removes uncertainty from quoting, staffing, and scheduling.
It also signals that the company is treating drones as a real production tool instead of an experimental side hobby.
What matters after you pass
Passing the test is not the end of legal compliance. You still need airspace awareness, aircraft registration, site judgment, and current recurrent training. The license is the gateway, not the whole operating system.