The UK does not have a separate "commercial drone licence." The same certification framework applies whether you're flying for fun or for profit. But the level of certification you need depends on how close to people and structures you want to operate.
Open Category (including commercial)
Basic commercial work is allowed in the Open Category with just a Flyer ID and Operator ID. This covers operations where you stay away from people (150m buffer in A3 subcategory) and fly drones up to 25kg. For work closer to people, you need the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC).
| Subcategory | Drone Weight | Certificate Needed | People Proximity |
|---|
| A1 | Under 250g (UK0/UK1) | Flyer ID + Operator ID | Can fly over uninvolved people (not crowds) |
| A2 | Up to 2kg | A2 CofC (GBP 200-400 course) | 5m with UK1 class, 30m with UK2 in low-speed mode |
| A3 | Up to 25kg | Flyer ID + Operator ID | 150m from people, residential, commercial, industrial areas |
Specific Category (higher-risk work)
Operations that fall outside Open Category limits require the Specific Category pathway. This means getting a GVC (General Visual Line of Sight Certificate), which typically costs GBP 800 to 1,500 for the training course. You also need an Operational Authorisation (OA) from the CAA, which requires submitting a risk assessment using the UK SORA process or a Predefined Risk Assessment (PDRA).
Typical Specific Category work includes filming in congested urban areas, flying near large gatherings, and operations requiring reduced distances from people and buildings.
Insurance
Insurance is not legally required for Open Category recreational flights. For Specific and Certified Category operations, it is required. In practice, almost every commercial client and filming location will ask for proof of insurance regardless of legal requirements. Most UK drone operators carry at least GBP 1 million in public liability coverage.
Tip: Starting a drone business in the UK? The A2 CofC is the practical minimum for most commercial work, since clients expect you to operate near their properties and people. The GBP 200-400 course cost pays for itself on your first job. See our
how to start a drone business guide for more.
Night flying for commercial operators
Night flying is permitted in the UK with no special endorsement required. Since January 2026, the drone must display a green flashing light at all times during night operations. The light must be green specifically, and it must flash (not steady, not another colour). If your drone doesn't have a built-in green flashing light, you must securely fit an external one. The weight of the light counts toward the drone's total weight, which could change its regulatory category.
GVC holders operating in the Specific Category must include night operations in their Operational Authorisation risk assessment. Additional lighting beyond the green flashing light may be required depending on the operation. For more on night rules, see our night flying guide.
Real enforcement: what actually happens
UK authorities do prosecute drone offences. In February 2026, Christopher McEwen of Norwich was convicted of 17 offences after flying a DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine over an emergency response at a factory fire, exceeding 1,900 feet altitude, and photographing prisoners at HMP Norwich. He was fined GBP 2,910 total, and his drone was ordered forfeited and destroyed. This was believed to be the first UK conviction for flying over an emergency response.
Earlier, in 2015, Nigel Wilson became the first person prosecuted by the CPS for drone offences after flying over the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and football stadiums. He was fined GBP 2,400. In November 2025, a drone smuggler was jailed after police linked his drone to multiple flights into prisons across England.
