How to fly your drone legally in Singapore
A quick but comprehensive guide to the rules.
Find out exactly what you need to do before you take flight.
Requirements
What's needed
It's all about weight, purpose, and location. Answer three simple questions to see the specific registration and licensing rules that apply to you.
Your requirements
Select your drone's weight, purpose, and location to see your specific requirements here.
The essentials
Key safety regulations for outdoor flying
These rules apply to all drone operators for outdoor flights, regardless of weight or purpose. Safety is paramount.
Maintain Visual Line-of-Sight (VLOS)
Always keep your drone where you can see it with your own eyes, not just on a screen. Flying beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) is strictly prohibited without an Operator and Class 1 Activity Permit.
Fly over 200ft (60m)
Do not fly higher than 200 feet above Mean Sea Level (not AGL) unless you have a specific permit.
Fly in restricted areas
Do not fly within 5km of an airport or airbase. Always check OneMap before flying.
Respect privacy
Do not fly over private property or take photos/videos of people without their consent.
Use Remote ID
From 1 Dec 2025, all drones over 250g must have Broadcast Remote ID (B-RID), a digital license plate. Learn more.
Fly over crowds
Never fly over groups of people, public events, or areas full of people.
Carry hazardous materials
Never carry hazardous substances.
Fly under the influence
Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Interfere with emergencies
Never get in the way of ongoing emergency response efforts.
Drop items from drone
Never drop any item or discharge any substance from your drone.
Consequences
Penalties for offences
Breaking the rules can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. These are the maximum fines for first-time offenders.
Operating an unregistered drone (>250g)
Flying without the required permit or license
Where to fly
Permitted flying areas
While you can fly in many open spaces, some areas are specifically designated for drone flying. Always check the official map first.
Official resource: OneMap
The OneMap application isn't the easiest to use but it is the definitive source for identifying no-fly zones and permitted areas. Consult this map before every single flight. Look under the menu item Drone Query.
Open OneMapDesignated flying areas
CAAS has designated specific areas for recreational flying:
Can I fly in a park? See the FAQ section below.
Pre-flight checklist
Run through this quick checklist before you launch.
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✓
Drone registered? (If over 250g and flying outdoors)
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✓
Correct license/certificate obtained?
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✓
Remote ID equipped? (For >250g drones from 1 Dec 2025)
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✓
Airspace checked on OneMap? (For outdoor flights)
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✓
Is the weather ok? (Winds, rain, visibility)
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✓
Drone in good working condition?
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Registration is a two-step process for all drones over 250g. First, you must purchase a registration label (S$25) online or at designated SingPost offices. Second, you complete the registration online via the CAAS UA Portal. You will need to affix the label to a non-removable part of your drone (like the main body) and upload a photo. You must be at least 16 years old to register. If you sell or lose your drone, you must de-register it. The registration label is non-transferable.
Broadcast Remote Identification (B-RID) is like a digital license plate for your drone. It transmits information like the drone's serial number, position, and the operator's location. Starting from 1 December 2025, all drones weighing over 250g must be equipped with B-RID to be flown outdoors in Singapore. This can be a built-in feature or an external module attached to the drone. For more official information, please refer to the CAAS Remote Identification page.
CAAS has an official list of approved B-RID modules and drone models that have compliant, built-in B-RID functionality. You should consult this list before purchasing a drone or a separate module to ensure it meets the technical requirements. You can view the official list via the link below.
View Approved B-RID Products List (PDF)The UA Basic Training Certificate is required for anyone flying a drone between 1.5kg and 7kg for recreational or educational purposes. To get it, you must be at least 16 years old, complete a one-time online theory course, and pass an online theory test. The training is conducted by CAAS-approved organisations. (Not to be confused with the UAPL)
The UAPL is a more advanced license required for anyone flying a drone for commercial purposes (regardless of weight) or for recreational/educational purposes if the drone is over 7kg. To obtain a UAPL, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a theory test administered by CAAS, and pass a practical assessment with an authorised flight examiner.
You may fly your drones in parks that do not have a "no flying" sign. However, flying is prohibited in all nature reserves, nature parks, and the following specific parks:
- Bukit Batok Town Park
- Fort Canning Park
- Jurong Lake Gardens
- Kranji Marshes
- Kranji Reservoir Park
- Lower Peirce Reservoir Park
- Pasir Panjang Nursery
- Pulau Ubin
- Rail Corridor
- Singapore Botanic Gardens
- Upper Peirce Reservoir Park
- Upper Seletar Reservoir Park
- War Memorial Park
For more details, refer to the official NParks guidelines. If you wish to fly your drone at HortPark, you must apply for a permit at least 2 weeks in advance.
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