Drone Registration & Certification in India

Fly Legally. Operate Safely. Get Your Drones Certified & Registered with DGCA Standards

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

As per Drone Rule 2021:
• No UAS can be operated in India without a valid type certificate and registration on the DigitalSky Platform (unless exempted).
• Regulations apply to all individuals and organizations that own, operate, transfer, maintain, or manage drones in India.
• All drones flying in or above Indian airspace must follow DGCA rules.

The rules create a streamlined certification & accreditation framework designed to support the safe, large-scale adoption of drone technology nationwide.

Exemptions Under Drone Rules

No Type Certificate, UIN, or RPL required for:
• Research & development activities
• Testing purposes
• Nano drones (entirely exempt)
• Micro drones (non-commercial use)

Types of Drones (Unmanned Aircraft Systems)

UAS are broadly divided into three platform types:

Airplane

Rotorcraft

Hybrid

Each of these is further categorized into:

  • Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)
  • Model RPAS
  • Autonomous UAS

Scheme X – Compliance & Technical Requirements

Manufacturers must ensure:

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

A Type Certificate ensures that a drone’s design meets necessary airworthiness, safety, noise, and emissions standards.

DGCA issues type certificates based on:

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
Directives contain broad legal requirements, but not specific designs.
To help manufacturers demonstrate compliance, the EU develops harmonized standards (EN standards) through bodies like:

CEN

CENELEC

ETSI

Using harmonized standards presumes compliance, but alternative standards may also apply, depending on the regulation.

Do You Need Third-Party Certification?

Some directives allow self-certification, while others mandate testing through an EU-approved Notified Body (NB)
. Notified Body involvement is required for products under:

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?

Conformity assessment may include:

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).

Registration Process

Steps to Obtain a Drone Type Certificate

Create Account on DigitalSky Platform

Manufacturer must register and create their profile.

Submit Prototype Details

Fill out the application with detailed drone specifications.

Submit Type Certificate Application (Form D-1)

Pay the fee and upload all required documents.

DGCA Review & Approval

Upon successful evaluation, DGCA issues the Drone Type Certificate.

Prototype Testing

An Authorized Testing Entity (ATE) conducts ground and flight tests.
Documents Required

Documents Required for Drone Type Certification

Registration Process

Drone Registration in India (UIN Issuance)

Every operable drone (except exempted categories) must be registered on DigitalSky and assigned a Unique Identification Number (UIN) — similar to a license plate for drones.
Procedure for Drone Registration:

Account Creation

Create an account on the DigitalSky Portal.

Submit Application (Form D-2)

Provide the Type Certificate number and pay the applicable fee.

Grant of UIN

A unique identification number is issued linking:
• Drone serial number
• Flight control module serial number
• Remote pilot station serial number

Verification

DigitalSky validates the documents and details.
Quality Standards
Quality Standards

Advantages of IMEI Registration

Documents Required

Documents Required for UIN Registration

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)

A Remote Pilot Licence is mandatory to fly any drone except:
• Nano drones
• Micro drones (non-commercial use)

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

Registration Process

Procedure for Obtaining RPL

Training

Undergo training and pass the test at a DGCA-authorized Remote Pilot Training Organization (RTPO).

Application (Form D-4)

RTPO submits the application for the candidate on DigitalSky.

Remote Pilot Certificate

Issued once the test is cleared.

Authorization for Remote Pilot Training Organization (RTPO)

Training organizations must be authorized by DGCA before offering RPL training.

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

100
Type Certificate Issuance
100
UIN Issuance / Transfer / Deregistration
100
Remote Pilot Licence Issuance / Renewal

Responsibilities of Importers / Distributors

Importers must:

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 us

Why Choose Global Consulting Services for Drone Compliance?

At Global Consulting Services, we provide end-to-end Drone certificate registration support, including:

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?

Contact Global Consulting Services for expert end-to-end assistance!

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.