Valid Across 27+ Countries

EU Drone License in Your Wallet

Everything you need to know about the EU drone license — and how to carry it digitally on your phone. Convert your certificate PDF into an Apple Wallet pass.

LogoEU-bewijs bevoegdheid afstandspiloot
PILOOTNAAM
Jan de Vries
REGISTRATIENUMMER
NLD-RP-m3q8r5tw
CATEGORIEËN
A1/A3, A2
UITGEGEVEN DOOR
RDW (Nederland)
GELDIG TOT
08.03.2031

EU Drone Regulations Overview

Since January 2021, all drone operations in the European Union are governed by EU Regulation 2019/947, also known as the EU Drone Regulation. This regulation replaces the patchwork of national rules with a single, harmonized framework across all EU member states.

The regulation divides drone operations into three main categories based on risk level: Open (low risk), Specific (medium risk), and Certified (high risk). Most recreational and commercial drone pilots operate in the Open Category.

Open, Specific, and Certified Categories

Open Category

Low Risk — Most Pilots

For drones under 25kg, flying below 120m altitude, within visual line of sight. Subdivided into A1 (fly near people), A2 (fly close to people with A2 cert), and A3 (fly far from people). Requires online exam and operator registration. No operational authorization needed.

Specific Category

Medium Risk — Authorization Required

For operations that go beyond Open Category limits — such as flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), flying over assemblies of people, or operating heavier drones. Requires a risk assessment and operational authorization from the national aviation authority, or operating under a Standard Scenario (STS).

Certified Category

High Risk — Full Certification

For operations comparable to manned aviation — large drones, transporting people or dangerous goods, flying over assemblies of people with large drones. Requires drone type certification, operator certification, and pilot licensing similar to manned aircraft.

National Aviation Authorities by Country

While the EU regulation is harmonized, each country's national aviation authority handles registration, exams, and certificate issuance.

CountryAuthorityWebsite
GermanyLBA (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt)lba-openuav.de
NetherlandsRDW / ILTrijksoverheid.nl
FranceDGACecologie.gouv.fr
ItalyENACenac.gov.it
SpainAESAseguridadaerea.gob.es
AustriaAustro Controlaustrocontrol.at
BelgiumBCAA / DGLVmobilit.belgium.be
PolandCAA Poland (ULC)ulc.gov.pl
SwedenTransportstyrelsentransportstyrelsen.se
PortugalANACanac.pt

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my EU drone license valid in all EU countries?
Yes. Under EU Regulation 2019/947, the remote pilot certificate is valid across all EU member states and EFTA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland). A certificate issued by any national aviation authority is recognized throughout Europe. You do not need separate licenses for different countries.
What is the difference between Open, Specific, and Certified categories?
The Open Category covers low-risk operations with drones under 25kg, flying below 120m, within visual line of sight. Most hobbyists and commercial pilots fly here. The Specific Category is for higher-risk operations that require an operational authorization. The Certified Category applies to operations comparable to manned aviation (large drones, flying over crowds, transporting people).
How do I get an EU drone license?
Register as a drone operator on your national aviation authority's website. Then complete the online training and pass the A1/A3 exam (usually 40 multiple-choice questions). You'll receive your certificate as a PDF. For the A2 certificate, you need the A1/A3 first, then complete practical self-training and pass a proctored theory exam.
How can I verify an EU drone license?
EU drone pilot certificates include a QR code that links to the issuing authority's verification page. For example, Dutch certificates link to the RDW verification portal. This QR code is preserved in the digital wallet pass created by drone-pass.com, allowing instant verification by authorities.
Can I convert my EU drone license to a digital wallet pass?
Yes! drone-pass.com converts your EU drone pilot certificate PDF into an Apple Wallet pass. Simply upload your certificate, pay €2.99, and receive a digital pass with all your license details and a verification QR code. The pass is always accessible on your iPhone — no need to carry the paper document.

Carry Your EU Drone License Digitally

Upload your EU drone pilot certificate PDF and get your Apple Wallet pass in seconds. Valid across all EU member states, always on your phone.

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