The Drone License and Its New Legislation in 2026: What You Need to Know to Fly

In this new year of 2026, flying a drone in France is no longer a simple leisure activity. A drone is now considered a genuine aircraft, required to share airspace under strict rules. Over recent years, legislation has evolved significantly in order to ensure public safety, protect so-called sensitive infrastructure, and safeguard privacy. This evolution aims to professionalise and hold remote pilots accountable, regardless of their level of experience.

For some, the idea of a “drone license” may seem surprising. Yet it encompasses very real obligations, including training requirements, administrative procedures, compliance with airspace restrictions, and legal responsibilities.

As you may have guessed, the purpose of this article is to provide you with a clear and structured overview of drone regulations in France, so that you can fly responsibly and in complete safety.

What Is the Drone License in 2026?

The drone license is not a single document, unlike a car driving license. In reality, it is a set of certifications, attestations, and training requirements that allow you to operate a drone legally, depending on its intended use (recreational or professional) and the environment in which you fly.

For recreational use, the drone license consists of mandatory theoretical training followed by an online examination validating the knowledge acquired. This ensures that even amateur pilots have the essential foundations to operate in airspace without endangering others.

For professional use, however, the concept of a drone license takes on a much broader dimension. It becomes a true remote pilot certification, obtained after comprehensive training that combines aeronautical theory, practical flight skills, and full mastery of safety procedures. Once certified, you are authorised to carry out complex operations such as flights in urban areas, commercial aerial photography, and technical missions near sensitive zones, subject to prior approval.

In practical terms, this system is based on validated competencies adapted to the level of risk associated with each operation. The more complex the flight environment, the higher the training and authorisation requirements.

The European Framework and Drone Categories

Drone regulations in France are fully integrated into the common European framework established by EASA (the European Union Aviation Safety Agency), which ensures uniform rules across all Member States. Consequently, a license obtained in France is recognised throughout the European Union, subject to possible local restrictions.

There are three main categories of operations that structure drone activity in 2026.

First, the Open Category, which covers low-risk flights and primarily concerns recreational use. It includes strict safety conditions such as visual line-of-sight operation, minimum separation distances, and the prohibition of flying directly over people. It is divided into three subcategories (A1, A2, and A3), corresponding to different levels of proximity to people and populated areas.

Second, the Specific Category, which concerns more complex and professional operations. This includes flights in urban areas with authorisation, technical missions, commercial aerial imaging, and all operations involving a higher level of risk. In this case, theoretical training alone is no longer sufficient; it must be complemented by a professional risk assessment and the implementation of robust safety procedures. This category truly represents the core of professional drone activity. It includes the STS-01 scenario for visual line-of-sight flights and STS-02 for beyond visual line-of-sight operations.

If you thought the Specific Category was the most demanding, think again. The Certified Category applies to highly specialised operations such as the transport of people or heavy cargo, bringing drone operations closer to traditional aviation. It perfectly illustrates the future evolution of the sector, where drones will play an increasingly significant role in airspace.

It is also important to note that drones are classified according to their weight and technical characteristics, ranging from C0 (for drones under 250 g) to C6 (for drones over 25 kg). To go further and master French and European regulations in detail, the Manual of Drone Flight Regulations, 12th Edition is an essential reference. It brings together all official legal texts, their practical interpretation, and indispensable legislative updates for any remote pilot wishing to operate in full legal compliance.

Flying Legally: Urban Areas, Restricted Zones, and the Role of Géoportail

Flying legally with a drone first and foremost requires knowing exactly where you are in airspace and which rules apply. Urban areas are the most sensitive environments, as they involve people, buildings, and critical infrastructure. For this reason, recreational flying is prohibited in urban zones in order to prevent accidents in densely populated areas. Imagine losing control of your drone and having it fall onto a passer-by; the consequences are easy to foresee.

Urban flights are only permitted within a professional framework and under strict conditions. The remote pilot must hold recognised professional training and must be able to demonstrate full mastery of safety procedures. Every mission must be prepared carefully and responsibly, taking into account the surrounding environment and its associated risks. Urban drone operations are considered true aeronautical missions.

To understand airspace and prepare such operations, a key tool is available: Géoportail. It centralises all information relating to airspace restrictions and identifies prohibited, regulated, and conditionally authorised zones. Consulting Géoportail is now an integral part of a remote pilot’s responsibility, and failing to do so before a flight is clearly considered negligence. It allows you to verify the feasibility of a mission, anticipate administrative requirements, and adapt your operation accordingly.

Administrative Obligations, Insurance, and Legal Liability

Drone operations also involve administrative obligations. Every remote pilot must register on the official AlphaTango platform to obtain an operator number, which must be displayed on each drone used. This is comparable to a vehicle registration plate: your drones can be traced and quickly identified in the event of an incident.

In addition, the pilot must be able to present proof of training or professional certification at any time. For professional operations, this includes additional requirements such as declaring the operator activity and demonstrating the implementation of safety procedures.

Do you need insurance for your drone? The answer is yes, with some nuances. For professional activity, specific civil liability insurance is mandatory and covers the financial consequences of accidents. For recreational use, insurance is not compulsory but is strongly recommended, as standard home insurance policies do not always cover remotely piloted aircraft.

Failure to comply with legal obligations exposes you to severe penalties, including fines, confiscation of equipment, and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution.

The Remote Pilot’s Responsibility: Safety, Privacy, and Public Respect

The responsibility of the remote pilot is fundamental, particularly when it comes to operational safety and respect for individual rights. Drones are capable of capturing highly detailed images, whether of natural landscapes or private property. Their use is therefore strictly regulated in terms of privacy. Filming an identifiable person without consent may constitute a violation of image rights and privacy laws.

Remote pilots must ensure that every flight and every recording complies with current legislation, including the GDPR. This responsibility applies equally to professionals and recreational users. The difference between leisure and professional activity lies in operational complexity, not in respect for others.

This ethical dimension is essential to maintaining public acceptance of drones. It reminds us that flying a drone is not merely about mastering technology, but about using a powerful tool responsibly and respectfully.

Why and Where to Train as a Drone Pilot?

As you can see, drone training is a legal obligation, but it goes far beyond compliance. It provides a genuine aeronautical culture, offering a comprehensive understanding of airspace, legal frameworks, public safety, and risk management. Without these solid foundations, safe and confident piloting is impossible. Training also gives you peace of mind, as you clearly understand what you are allowed and not allowed to do, helping you avoid sanctions.

For enthusiasts and beginners, training can transform a hobby into a structured and rewarding activity. For those wishing to make a career of it, it opens doors in many fields such as audiovisual production, technical inspection, mapping, precision agriculture, and security. Training also contributes positively to the public image of drones: competent pilots build trust, while careless users damage the reputation of the entire sector.

Several training options are available. Theoretical training for the Open Category can be completed online through official platforms, followed by a Europe-wide recognised examination. To prepare effectively, the Remote Pilot Exam Manual Questions and Explanations, 7th Edition is particularly valuable. It allows candidates to practise under conditions close to the real exam, using typical questions with clear explanations that foster true understanding of regulations and aeronautical principles.

For professional training, it is essential to turn to approved and specialised training centres. These offer comprehensive programmes combining aeronautical theory, regulations, flight practice, risk management, and mission preparation. They also assist with administrative procedures and professional obligations. In this context, the Remote Pilot Manual, 9th Edition is an indispensable resource. It goes beyond regulations and exams, supporting pilots in every aspect of their activity, from mission planning to risk management, operational safety, and professional conduct.

Conclusion: The Drone License, a Passport to Responsible and Sustainable Practice

In summary, the drone license is no longer a mere administrative formality; it symbolises a mature and regulated practice. It marks the remote pilot’s entry into a world where technology, safety, and responsibility must constantly coexist. Drones have clearly become full participants in airspace, subject to precise rules and high standards.

Understanding regulations, undertaking serious training, and complying with administrative obligations not only allow you to fly legally, but also to fly consciously and responsibly. Every remote pilot is a vital link in the collective safety chain. Their decisions, behaviour, and preparation directly shape how drones are perceived by the public.

The 2026 legislation should not be seen as a constraint, but as a protective framework designed to secure practices, professionalise the sector, and open new opportunities for both enthusiasts and future professionals.