Every drone owner in India must complete DigiSky registration before flying. The DGCA’s DigiSky platform is the official portal for drone registration, pilot licensing, and flight permissions. This step-by-step walkthrough covers the complete process from account creation to receiving your UIN, updated for 2026 rules.
Table of Contents
- DigiSky Platform Overview
- Who Needs to Register
- Documents Required
- Step 1: Create Your Account
- Step 2: Register Your Drone
- Step 3: Getting Your UIN
- Step 4: Filing a Flight Plan
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
DigiSky Platform Overview
DigiSky (digitalsky.dgca.gov.in) is the DGCA’s digital platform for managing the entire drone ecosystem in India. It handles drone registration, pilot registration, flight permissions, and airspace management. Think of it as the RTO (Regional Transport Office) for drones.
The platform categorises drones by weight: Nano (under 250g), Micro (250g-2kg), Small (2-25kg), Medium (25-150kg), and Large (over 150kg). Each category has different registration and operational requirements.
Who Needs to Register
Registration requirements depend on your drone’s weight category:
- Nano (under 250g): No registration required for recreational flying in uncontrolled airspace
- Micro (250g-2kg): Mandatory registration and UIN required
- Small (2-25kg): Registration, UIN, Remote Pilot Certificate, and insurance required
- Medium and Large: Full certification, type certificate, and UAOP required
Most hobby and commercial drones in India fall in the Micro and Small categories, making registration mandatory for nearly all builders.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before starting the registration process:
- Aadhaar card (for Indian citizens) or passport (for foreign nationals)
- PAN card or GST registration (for commercial operations)
- Drone specifications: weight, dimensions, motor type, battery specifications
- Manufacturer details or self-declaration for DIY builds
- Passport-size photograph
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar for OTP verification
Step 1: Create Your Account
Visit digitalsky.dgca.gov.in and click on “Register” to create your account:
- Enter your full name as it appears on your Aadhaar card
- Provide your email address and mobile number
- Complete Aadhaar e-KYC verification via OTP
- Set a strong password and complete the registration
- Verify your email through the confirmation link sent to your inbox
For organisations, you will need to register as an entity with your company’s GST number and authorised signatory details.
Step 2: Register Your Drone
Once your account is active, navigate to “Register Drone” and fill in the details:
- Drone category: Select Micro or Small based on your drone’s all-up weight (AUW)
- Manufacturer: For DIY builds, select “Self-built” and provide your own details
- Specifications: Enter maximum take-off weight, number of motors, battery type and capacity, maximum range, and endurance
- Serial number: Enter the flight controller’s serial number or create a unique identifier for custom builds
- Photos: Upload clear photographs of your drone from top, front, and side angles
- Pay the registration fee: ₹100 for Micro category, ₹500 for Small category (approximate)
Step 3: Getting Your UIN
After submitting your registration, the DGCA reviews your application. Here is what to expect:
- Processing time: Typically 7-15 working days for Micro category, longer for Small and above
- UIN format: Your Unique Identification Number will be in the format UA-XXXXXXX
- Physical marking: You must display the UIN on your drone in a legible manner. Use a sticker or engraving on the frame
- Validity: The UIN is valid for the life of the drone unless ownership is transferred
If your application is rejected, the portal will display the reason. Common rejection causes include blurry photos, incorrect weight declaration, or missing specifications.
Step 4: Filing a Flight Plan
For flying in yellow zones or for commercial operations, you need to file a flight plan on DigiSky:
- Log in and navigate to “Flight Permissions”
- Select your registered drone from the dropdown
- Mark the flight area on the integrated map
- Specify the date, time window, altitude, and purpose of flight
- Submit the plan at least 24 hours before the intended flight
- Wait for automated or manual approval depending on the zone
Green zone flights below 400 feet altitude do not require flight plan filing, but you must still carry your UIN certificate and maintain visual line of sight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DigiSky registration free?
No, there is a nominal fee. Micro category drones cost approximately ₹100 and Small category drones cost approximately ₹500 for registration. Fees may be updated periodically by the DGCA.
Can I register a DIY-built drone?
Yes, DigiSky allows registration of self-built drones. You need to declare the specifications accurately and provide photographs. The DGCA may request additional documentation for heavier categories.
How long does the registration process take?
Most Micro category registrations are processed within 7-15 working days. Small category may take up to 30 days depending on the verification required.
Do I need insurance for my drone?
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for Small category drones and above. Micro category drones do not require insurance for recreational flying but it is recommended for commercial use.
What happens if I fly without registration?
Flying an unregistered drone (above 250g) is a punishable offence. Penalties can include fines up to ₹1 lakh and confiscation of the drone. Always ensure your registration is complete before flying.
Conclusion
DigiSky registration is a straightforward process that legitimises your drone operations in India. Complete it before your first flight to avoid legal issues and support the growth of India’s drone ecosystem. The process has been simplified considerably since its launch, and most hobby builders can complete registration within a few minutes of form filling.
Need components for your registered drone? Browse our drone parts collection for frames, motors, ESCs, and flight controllers.
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