Regulations

How to Register Your Drone in Singapore: A Simple 2-Step Guide

Alan Soon Published on 7 min read

If you’ve just unboxed a new drone in Singapore and you’re itching to fly, there’s one admin task you must tick off first: registration. Here’s a clear, human guide to getting it done fast and right.

Key Takeaways

  • What: Registration is mandatory for all drones weighing over 250 grams before flight.
  • How: It's a 2-step process: first buy a S$25 label, then complete the registration online via the UA Portal.
  • Who: You must be 16 or older to register. The registrant is legally responsible for the drone.
  • Penalty: Flying an unregistered drone can lead to fines up to S$10,000 and/or 6 months in prison.

Why registration matters

Singapore treats drones like any other aircraft: accountability and safety come first. If your unmanned aircraft (UA) weighs more than 250 grams, it must be registered before you take off. That includes popular camera drones, RC planes, and even remote-controlled kites. The only exception is UA used solely for light shows under a Class 1 Activity Permit.

Registration signals that you understand the rules, know who’s responsible for the aircraft, and can be contacted if something goes wrong. It also saves you from painful penalties later.

  • Threshold: UA over 250 g must be registered
  • Cost: $25 per UA for a registration label
  • Where it happens: Online via the UA Portal
One more thing many pilots are asking about: early reports suggest the DJI Mini 5 Pro sits right around the 250g line depending on battery or accessories. In Singapore, if your configured take-off weight lands at or above 250g, you should register it. Given the tiny margin and the anxiety this has caused, the practical path is simple: register and fly with peace of mind for $25.

The 2-Step Process in Plain English

There are two parts, and they happen in this order:

  1. Buy a $25 registration label. You can get it online or at selected SingPost post offices. If you’re buying online, factor in delivery time within Singapore — up to five working days.
  2. When the label arrives, stick it on your drone (more on placement below), take a quick photo that shows the label clearly, then log in to the UA Portal to complete the online registration. That’s it.

Step 1: Buy & Place Your Registration Label

Where and How to Buy the Label

Most people purchase online because it’s simple. You’ll pay $25 and the label will be mailed to a Singapore address. If you’re in a rush or prefer to do it in person, head to designated SingPost post offices. Either way, you need one label per drone. Lost or damaged labels aren’t replaced for free — you’ll buy a new one if that happens.

Pro Tip

If you’re timing a new drone purchase for a weekend shoot, order the label early so delivery doesn’t delay your first legal flight.

How to Place the Label Correctly

When the label arrives, resist the urge to slap it anywhere. The placement matters. Affix the label on a visible, non-detachable part of the main body. Avoid anything that’s easily removed or replaced — propellers, prop guards, the battery, or payload. Think of it like a license plate: it should stay with the aircraft’s body.

After you stick it down, take a clear photo that shows the label attached to the drone. Keep it simple: good lighting, frame the whole aircraft, make sure the label can be read. You’ll upload this during the online registration.

Step 2: Complete the Online Registration

Logging into the UA Portal

Head to the UA Portal to finish the process. You’ll log in with one of the following:

  • Singpass: For individuals and businesses based in Singapore
  • UAPass: For visitors without a valid Singpass

If you’re a visitor without Singpass, you’ll first need to create a UAPass. That takes up to five working days, so do it before your trip.

Submitting Your Details

Once logged in, the portal will prompt for details about you and your drone, and for the photo you took earlier. Submit, get your confirmation, and you’re done. Keep a copy of the confirmation email or screenshot. It’s handy when you’re questioned on-site or need proof later.

Who can register, and who’s responsible

  • Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to register a drone. If you're under 16, a parent or legal guardian must register it in their name.
  • Legal Responsibility: Whoever registers the UA is legally responsible for everything that happens with it. If it’s registered in your name and an unsafe flight occurs, the accountability points to you.
  • Shared Drones: For teams or families sharing a drone, agree upfront on who holds the registration — and therefore the responsibility.

When to de-register (and what to do with the label)

Log back into the UA Portal to de-register if any of these happen:

  • The UA is lost or damaged beyond repair
  • The label is damaged or becomes illegible
  • You sell or give the UA to someone else

Registration labels are not transferable. A new owner must buy a fresh label and complete a new registration. Once you de-register, remove the old label and destroy it.

What happens if you skip registration?

Serious Penalties

Don’t do it. Operating an unregistered UA over 250 g is an offence. You could face fines of up to $10,000, up to six months’ imprisonment, or both. It’s an expensive way to ruin an otherwise great flying day.

A quick pre-flight checklist for registration

Even though this is a narrative guide, a short checklist helps you finish fast:

Confirm your drone is over 250 g.

Buy the $25 label (online or at SingPost).

Affix the label to a visible, non-detachable part of the main body.

Take a clear photo showing the label on the drone.

Complete the online registration via the UA Portal.

Save your confirmation.

Visitors’ corner: flying on a short trip

If you’re visiting Singapore and bringing a heavier drone, plan ahead. Start your UAPass application about a week before you fly in, wait for activation, then register your aircraft once your label is on hand. If you’re staying short-term and can’t receive mail, consider whether an over-the-counter label purchase fits your schedule.

Got your label? Register now.

Once your label is on, complete the final step on the official portal. Then join our community for flying tips!

Useful links

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