Real Estate Drone Photography License Guide 2025
Table of Contents
If you want to offer aerial services for property listings, obtaining a real estate drone photography license is not optional-it's the law. The FAA requires commercial drone pilots to be certified, even if they are shooting unpaid real estate projects. In this guide, we'll explain why licensing is necessary, what the Part 107 certification involves, how to get licensed, preparation tips, and important flying rules every real estate drone operator must know.
1. Why You Need a License for Real Estate Drone Work
Operating drones for real estate without proper licensing is a serious violation of federal law. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) mandates that any commercial drone pilot must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, regardless of whether you are paid for your services or not. In real estate, any drone flight intended to promote a property-even free promotional work-is considered commercial use.
Violating this rule can result in severe penalties, including hefty fines reaching up to $32,666 per incident, and possible enforcement action against both the drone operator and their clients. Simply put, if you're using drone shots to support a real estate listing or to advertise properties, securing your real estate drone photography license is not just recommended-it's legally required.
2. What Is the Part 107 Drone License?
If you want a real estate drone photography license, you’ll need to obtain the FAA Part 107 certification.
Issued by the FAA in the United States
The Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is the legal authorization that allows you to operate drones commercially in the United States. It shows that you have the aeronautical knowledge necessary to fly drones safely and legally.
Requires Passing an Aeronautical Knowledge Test
To earn the certificate, you must pass a rigorous multiple-choice knowledge test that covers topics such as airspace classification, weather effects on drones, emergency procedures, and FAA regulations.
Authorizes Flying Drones Under 55 lbs for Commercial Purposes
The Part 107 license allows you to fly drones weighing less than 55 pounds for business activities, including capturing stunning aerial shots for real estate marketing.
3. How to Get Your Drone License (Step-by-Step)
Obtaining your real estate drone photography license involves a few important steps:
Be at Least 16 Years Old
Applicants must be at least 16 years old. This requirement ensures a basic level of maturity and responsibility in drone operators.
Pass the FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test
You’ll need to pass a multiple-choice test consisting of about 60 questions covering topics like flight operations, airspace regulations, weather factors, and drone safety.
Register Your Drone with the FAA
Every drone you plan to use commercially must be registered with the FAA. Registration involves a small fee and provides an ID number that must be displayed on your drone.
Apply for a Remote Pilot Certificate
After passing the test and registering your drone, you’ll complete an application through the FAA’s IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) portal to receive your official Remote Pilot Certificate.
4. Cost and Preparation
Earning your real estate drone photography license requires a small financial and time investment, but it pays off with expanded career opportunities.
Test Cost: ~$175 at FAA-Approved Testing Centers
The FAA Part 107 exam typically costs around $175, payable directly to the approved testing center when you schedule your test.
Recommended Study Time: 15–20 Hours
To successfully pass the exam, most candidates should dedicate 15 to 20 hours of focused study time. This allows you to absorb critical aviation concepts, regulations, and safety procedures.
Use Prep Platforms: Drone Pilot Ground School, Remote Pilot 101
Several online study programs like Drone Pilot Ground School and Remote Pilot 101 provide video lessons, practice exams, and study guides tailored specifically for the Part 107 exam.
5. What Happens After You’re Certified?
Once you secure your real estate drone photography license, exciting new services become available to offer your clients.
You Can Legally Fly Drones for Real Estate Listings
With your Part 107 certification, you can legally capture aerial footage for residential, commercial, and rental property listings-expanding the visual appeal of properties you showcase.
Drone Video Walkthroughs
You can now offer video walkthroughs that combine drone footage with traditional interiors, creating dynamic, eye-catching presentations that capture buyers' attention online.
Aerial Photos of Properties and Surrounding Areas
Aerial photos are ideal for showing lot size, neighborhood layout, and proximity to parks, schools, or shopping centers-important selling points for many real estate buyers.
6. Important Flying Rules to Know
Obtaining your license is just the beginning-you must also operate within FAA regulations during every flight.
- Max Altitude: 400 ft AGL: FAA rules limit drone operations to 400 feet above ground level, helping avoid interference with manned aircraft.
- Must Fly During Daylight: Unless you obtain special authorization, drone flights must occur between sunrise and sunset under standard Part 107 regulations.
- Always Keep Drone in Line-of-Sight: You must be able to see your drone directly during flight to maintain safety and compliance.
- No Flying Over People or Moving Vehicles (Unless Waivered): Flying directly over people or moving traffic is prohibited unless you have obtained a special FAA waiver granting permission for specific operations.
7. Got Your Drone License? Let Fotober Edit Your Aerial Shots
Now that you’ve earned your real estate drone photography license, it's time to ensure your aerial shots truly shine. Capturing great footage is important, but professional editing makes the difference between good photos and outstanding ones that sell properties faster.
Fotober - Real Estate Photo Editing And Video Editing specializes in real estate drone photo enhancement, offering services like sky replacements, HDR blending, color corrections, and object removals. Our experienced editors ensure that your aerial images are vibrant, polished, and ready for marketing.
Outsourcing your editing to Fotober saves you valuable time while guaranteeing consistent, high-quality results. Focus on flying and growing your business-let Fotober perfect your visuals and help your listings stand out.
Conclusion
Achieving your real estate drone photography license marks an important milestone in building a professional real estate photography business. With the license in hand, you can legally offer high-value aerial services, expand your portfolio, and command higher fees. Mastering FAA flying rules ensures safe, compliant operations that protect your career and reputation. And by partnering with expert editing teams like Fotober, you can focus on capturing breathtaking drone footage while ensuring your images are always client-ready. Start your journey today and watch your business reach new heights-literally!
