Drone Registration & Certification in India
Drone technology is reshaping industries across India — from agriculture and infrastructure to surveillance, media, mapping, and emergency response. With rapid innovations and widespread adoption, the Government of India has established a robust regulatory ecosystem to ensure drones are safe, reliable, and compliant.
Under the Drone Rules, 2021, every Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) must be type-certified and registered on the DigitalSky Platform before operation, unless exempted. Global Consulting Services ensures seamless compliance — from type certification to UIN registration, remote pilot licensing, and training organization approvals.
Understanding the Drone Rules, 2021
Exemptions Under Drone Rules
Types of Drones (Unmanned Aircraft Systems)
Airplane
Rotorcraft
Hybrid
Each of these is further categorized into:
- Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)
- Model RPAS
- Autonomous UAS
Scheme X – Compliance & Technical Requirements
Conformity to Type A, Type B, or Type C standards under BIS regulations
Safety labelling, warnings, and mandatory markings
Complete Technical File submission including design, risk assessment, QA processes, and reports
Application of BIS Standard Mark post-certification
Drone Type Certification in India
Design validation
Prototype testing
Evaluation by Quality Council of India (QCI) or an Authorized Testing Entity (ATE)
Only models approved by DGCA may carry the Drone Certification Mark.
Exemptions from Type Certification: Nano UAS, Model RPAS, Drones used for research, development, and testing, Drones imported or manufactured (but not operated)
Essential Requirements & Harmonized Standards
CEN
CENELEC
ETSI
Using harmonized standards presumes compliance, but alternative standards may also apply, depending on the regulation.
Do You Need Third-Party Certification?
Medical Devices
Pressure Equipment
Gas Appliances
PPE
Machinery (if harmonized standards are not used)
Toy Safety (if standards are not used)
Where NB assessment is not mandatory, manufacturers may still opt for third-party testing for reliability and credibility.
How CE Conformity is Verified?
Product testing
Documentation review
Risk assessment
Quality system audits
Sample verification
Labeling and manual review
Assessment modules range from self-declaration to full quality assurance (ISO 9001 aligned).
Steps to Obtain a Drone Type Certificate
Create Account on DigitalSky Platform
Submit Prototype Details
Submit Type Certificate Application (Form D-1)
DGCA Review & Approval
Prototype Testing
Documents Required for Drone Type Certification
- Legal entity documents of manufacturer
- Government-authorized approvals
- Equipment Type Approval
- Detailed engineering drawings
- Ground & flight testing report
- UAS Flight Manual / Operating Manual
- Additional technical documents as needed
Drone Registration in India (UIN Issuance)
Account Creation
Submit Application (Form D-2)
Grant of UIN
Verification
Advantages of IMEI Registration
- Enables seamless handset imports
- Ensures faster customs clearance
- Allows individuals to register their phones
- Supports tracking of lost or stolen devices
- Helps authorities trace criminals
- Enhances digital ecosystem security
Documents Required for UIN Registration
- Company name & address
- Organization registration ID
- Valid GST certificate
- Director details + DIN
- Aadhaar (one director)
- Detailed drone specifications
- Photo of the drone
Transfer & Deregistration of Drones
Transfer of Ownership (Form D-3)
A drone can be transferred (sale/lease/gift) by submitting details of transferor, transferee, and UIN.
Deregistration (Form D-3)
Required when a drone is permanently lost or irreparably damaged.
Remote Pilot Licence (RPL)
Eligibility for RPL
• 18+ years of age • 10th standard or equivalent • Completed training from a DGCA-authorized RTPO
Documents Required
• ID & address proof • Recent photograph • Aadhaar number • Training details • UAS details
Procedure for Obtaining RPL
Training
Application (Form D-4)
Remote Pilot Certificate
Authorization for Remote Pilot Training Organization (RTPO)
Documents Required
• Promoter/owner details • Entity registration documents • Land ownership/lease proof • Drone specifications & manuals
Steps for RTPO Authorization
• Step 1.Create RTPO account on DigitalSky • Step 2.Submit Application Form D-5 • Step 3.Pay application fee • Step 4.DGCA assessment & approval • Step 5.Grant of authorization (valid for 10 years)
Drone Registration & Licensing Fee Structure
Responsibilities of Importers / Distributors
verify the product complies
hold the Declaration of Conformity for 10 years
supply it when requested
If the product is manufactured in the EU, liability cannot be shifted to outsiders.
Why Choose Global Consulting Services for Drone Compliance?
- Complete assistance with DigitalSky registration
- End-to-end support for Drone Type Certification
- Documentation, testing, and DGCA coordination
- UIN registration & compliance management
- Remote Pilot Licence assistance
- RTPO setup & authorization support
- Fast, accurate, and regulation-compliant processes
Our expertise in compliance, strong industry network, and hands-on knowledge help manufacturers and importers achieve faster licensing and hassle-free execution.
We ensure your products meet all safety standards so you can enter the market confidently.
📩 For Drone registration assistance, contact us today — our team will guide you through the latest regulations, updates, and requirements.
Confused about Drone Registration or Certification?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It verifies that a drone’s design meets DGCA safety and airworthiness standards.
The Unique Identification Number assigned to a registered drone for traceability.
Nano drones, and drones used exclusively for R&D/testing.
A license issued by DGCA permitting an individual to operate specific categories of drones.
Submit prototype details, undergo testing, and receive approval from DGCA.
A model drone (≤25kg) used only for education, research, testing, or recreation.