If a drone weighs 250 grams or more, you may only fly it with a drone pilot certificate (vliegbewijs). Such a pilot certificate is valid in all EU countries. In some cases an additional certificate of competency is also required. You apply for a pilot certificate from the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW), but the pilot must first take a course and pass an exam. This page describes the situation in the Netherlands.
Obtaining a pilot certificate
If a pilot certificate is compulsory, the pilot must complete an (online) training course. This is followed by a knowledge test. The knowledge test can only be taken at one of the examination institutions below. These institutions have been designated by the government to administer the knowledge test.
| Designated examination institution |
|---|
| Aeres Training Centre |
| Drones4 |
| Drone Class |
| Drone Flight Academy |
| Dutch Drone Academy |
| EuroUSC-Benelux |
| Noordzee Drones |
| OmniDrones Academy |
| ROC van Amsterdam |
Reference date: 9 November 2026. Source: Rijksoverheid (Dutch central government); the current overview is available on rijksoverheid.nl.
Practical training: A2 and STS
For flights in subcategory A2, you need a certificate of competency in addition to the pilot certificate. This requires practical self-training and an (online) training course with a knowledge test for A2 at one of the designated examination institutions (Rijksoverheid).
For flights in the specific category under a standard scenario (STS-01 or STS-02), the training consists of theoretical training, a theory exam, practical training and a practical exam. The practical training and the practical exam are taken with the same provider, which has been recognised for this purpose by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT, Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport) (ILT):
| Recognised institution | Location | STS-01 | STS-02 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drone Flight Academy B.V. | Hoofddorp | Yes | No |
| Omni-Drones B.V. | Assen | Yes | No |
| Dutch Drone Academy | The Hague | Yes | Yes |
| Drone Class B.V. | Duiven | Yes | Yes |
More about these flights can be found under rules for high or medium-risk flights.
Subcategory A1+A3
Which rules apply when flying a drone depends on the accident risk of a flight. The rules are most flexible for low-risk flights. Among other things, this means that you fly no higher than 120 metres and that the pilot always has sight of the drone. Low-risk flights fall under subcategory A1+A3. In that case, a simple drone pilot certificate (A1+A3) is sufficient and no additional A2 drone pilot certificate is needed.
Low-risk flightsThese are the steps to obtain a drone pilot certificate
For most drones a European drone pilot certificate is required. In any case, this means the A1+A3 certificate. To get this certificate, the pilot must follow a training course and pass an exam. Only after passing this exam can you apply for the drone pilot certificate.
- Follow a training course
To be able to get a drone pilot certificate, you must first follow an (online) training course. The exam must be taken at one of the examination institutions designated by the government. This training is not free and can be followed online at most flight schools. With most providers, the training costs around €100. Additional courses are often offered as well. These courses can also be very interesting.
- Take the exam
After following the training and self-study, you can take the exam. The exam can usually be taken online. With most providers, the exam is included in the price of the course. If you do not pass the exam, you can usually try again free of charge.
- Register with the RDW
After the exam has been passed, the examination institution passes the relevant details on to the RDW. The pilot then fills in an online form and applies for the drone pilot certificate. This costs €10 (RDW). Once everything is in order, the drone pilot certificate arrives by email and the pilot may fly the drone for five years.
Applying for an operator registration number
The owner or operator of a drone must register with the RDW if the drone has a camera or weighs 250 grams or more. This also applies to a toy drone of 250 grams or more, with or without a camera (RDW). The owner is then assigned an operator registration number (exploitantnummer). By means of this operator registration number, which must be attached to the drone, the owner can be traced in the event of an accident or an infringement, for example. You are allowed to let others fly a drone that carries your own operator registration number. A toy drone of less than 250 grams or a drone of less than 250 grams without a camera does not need an operator registration number. Applying for an operator registration number costs €23. The operator registration number must be renewed every year; renewal costs €13 (RDW).
Submitting an application and attaching the sticker
You apply for an operator registration number from the RDW. This number must be displayed visibly on the drone, for example in the form of a sticker. Sometimes it is also possible to enter the operator registration number digitally in the drone's software. If the drone is owned by a company, the company applies to the RDW for an operator registration number.
Toy drones
For toy drones weighing up to 250 grams, the rules are extra flexible. However, the general flight rules still apply. For example, you may not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is also not permitted to fly near emergency services. What is different: registration with the RDW, a knowledge test and an operator registration number are not required. In addition, the minimum age of sixteen does not apply.
Drones for which a pilot certificate or operator registration number is compulsory
A pilot certificate is compulsory for all drones of 250 grams or more. Only for drones that weigh less than 250 grams at take-off is a pilot certificate not compulsory. In other words, the weight is decisive. Bear in mind that the owner of a light drone is also required to register with the RDW in some cases. The obligations are shown schematically below.
Read also: Mini drone and Drone certificate of competency.
| Drone weight | Drone with a camera | Toy drone | Pilot certificate from the RDW | Registering as a drone owner with the RDW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| < 250 grams | No | Yes | Not required | Not required |
| < 250 grams | Yes | Yes | Not required | Not required |
| < 250 grams | No | No | Not required | Not required |
| < 250 grams | Yes | No | Not required | Compulsory + attach operator registration number to the drone |
| 250 grams or more | No | No | Compulsory (knowledge test + pilot certificate) | Compulsory + attach operator registration number to the drone |
| 250 grams or more | Yes | No | Compulsory (knowledge test + pilot certificate) | Compulsory + attach operator registration number to the drone |
| 250 grams or more | Yes or no | Yes | Compulsory (knowledge test + pilot certificate) | Compulsory + attach operator registration number to the drone |
Frequently asked questions about obtaining the pilot certificate for a drone
It is a good thing that there are European rules on flying a drone and on the pilot certificate for a drone. In the past, everything was very complex and the rules were different in each country, if there were any ready-made national rules at all. In practice, however, the European rules are quite technical, including where the pilot certificate is concerned. With these FAQs about obtaining the pilot certificate for a drone, we answer a number of pressing questions.
How long is the pilot certificate valid?
The certificate is valid for a period of five years. So you can fly the drone for five years. After this five-year period, you can take a new exam and obtain the pilot certificate again.
Am I insured if I have not yet obtained my drone pilot certificate?
Many personal liability insurance (AVP) insurers cover the damage the insured person causes when flying a drone. Bear in mind, however, that insurers can set requirements for this. For example, they may stipulate that they only cover the damage if the insured person complies with the law and therefore has a pilot certificate. Weight restrictions are also possible. So check the policy conditions to see how this is arranged in your own liability insurance. Most Dutch insurers offer their website and policy documents in Dutch only.
What is a drone pilot certificate?
The drone pilot certificate is a pilot certificate issued by the RDW. This licence is compulsory for anyone who wants to fly a drone weighing 250 grams or more. You can apply for the drone pilot certificate after completing a drone course. For the open category there are two certificates: the certificate for subcategories A1 and A3 (A1/A3) and the A2 certificate of competency, which is also needed for flights in subcategory A2 (RDW).
How do I apply for a drone pilot certificate?
After completing the drone course, you apply for the drone pilot certificate from the RDW. The examination institution sends an email containing the link to apply for the drone pilot certificate. The application is made online. You need a DigiD for this. Applying for a drone pilot certificate is not free. Payment is made via iDEAL and, once the payment has gone through, the drone pilot certificate arrives by email. Keep this licence very safe and always take it with you when flying.
In which countries is the drone pilot certificate valid?
The drone pilot certificate is valid (and compulsory) in all countries of the European Union. So it can be used not only in the Netherlands, but also in Germany, Belgium and Poland, for example. Apart from the EU countries, the drone pilot certificate is also valid in Norway, Iceland and Switzerland.