Drone Legal India: Simple Guide to Rules, Permits and Safe Flying

If you own a drone or want to rent one for a shoot, the first question is: can I fly it legally in India? The answer is yes—but only if you follow the rules set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Below we break down the basics, so you don’t waste time or money on a flight that gets stopped.

Key Rules for Flying Drones in India

All drones above 250 grams need a Unique Identification Number (UIN) from the DGCA. You can get a UIN by registering online and paying a small fee. If your drone weighs less than 250 grams, you still need to follow the no‑fly zones and keep it under 50 meters above ground.

Never fly within 5 km of an airport, helipad, or military base. The DGCA also bans drones in restricted areas like national parks, historical monuments and certain city zones. Check the official “No‑Fly Zone” map before you launch.

Commercial use—anything that earns money, such as real‑estate photography or event coverage—requires an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP). For personal hobby flights, a simple registration and UIN is enough.

Make sure the drone is always within visual line of sight (VLOS) and never exceed 120 meters altitude. If you want to go higher, you need special permission and a flight plan approved by the DGCA.

How to Get a Drone Permit Quickly

Step 1: Create an account on the Digital Sky portal (digitalsky.dgca.gov.in). Fill out your details, upload the drone’s purchase invoice and a copy of your ID.

Step 2: Choose the type of permit—UIN for hobbyists or UAOP for commercial work. The portal guides you through the fee payment.

Step 3: After payment, the system generates a UIN within 24‑48 hours. For a UAOP, you’ll need to submit a flight plan, insurance proof and a risk assessment. Expect a 7‑day review period, but most approvals come back in under two weeks.

While you wait, practice with a dummy drone or a flight simulator. This helps you understand the controls and the rules, so the day you get the green light you’re ready to fly safely.

Remember to carry the digital permit on your phone when you’re on site. If a police officer asks, you can show the QR code and the DGCA reference number instantly.

In short, flying drones in India isn’t hard—just follow the registration steps, respect the no‑fly zones and keep the drone in sight. Once you have the permit, you can capture stunning aerial shots for weddings, real‑estate listings or just for fun.

Got more questions? Look at our related posts: “Drone Show Laws in India”, “Can I Take My DJI Drone to India?” and “Are DJI Drones Illegal in India?”. They dive deeper into special cases like large light‑shows and brand‑specific bans.

Now you’re ready to plan your next flight. Register, respect the skies, and enjoy the view.