So you just got a drone, or you have had one for years. Starting Monday, December 21, 2015, you have to register the drone with the FAA; cost is $5. (Update here) If you act before January 20, 2016 you will get a $5 rebate. Click here to go to the FAA’s registration page. Many questions you may have about the program are answered here. Toys that weigh less than 250 grams and paper planes, wood gliders without controls, and the like are not covered. There is a sampling of units in a PDF available here.
What you will get is a unique registration number, not an N-number. You must mark the registration number on your UAS by some means that is legible and allows the number to be readily seen. It is similar to, but not completely analogous to a driver’s license.
One registration is good for all of your drones. Own two? Just use one number for all of your aircraft.
Right now this is just for recreational UAS. Web-based business registration is coming March 31, 2016. Got a drone that you want to use now for a commercial business under a Rule 333 exemption? You will still need to use the more complicated paper route. Start here, here, and here, but you can’t download AC Form 8050-1; it must be picked up in person. Your Rule 333 Exemption letter probably states something like:
"All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification (N−Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable.”
Be sure to follow your exemption letter restrictions.
The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has asked its members to hold off on registering their model aircraft. Frankly, this has the feel of election year politics. Registration will go a long way toward calming public fears about drones. It should be embraced, and not criticized.