Flying Drone Permit: Simple Steps to Get Legal Clearance in India

If you want to fly a drone for hobby or work, you need a permit that the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) approves. Without it, you risk fines, seizure of equipment, or even legal trouble. The good news is the process is mostly online and can be done in a few days if you have the right paperwork.

When Do You Need a Permit?

Any drone weighing more than 250 grams or used for commercial purposes requires a permit. That includes photography gigs, real‑estate shoots, and mapping projects. Even if you stay under the weight limit, flying in restricted zones—airports, military bases, or crowded events—still needs special clearance. If you’re just chasing fun with a toy drone under 250 g, you can usually fly without a permit, but still follow local no‑fly rules.

Step‑by‑Step Application Process

1. Create an account on the Digital Sky Platform. This is the DGCA’s official portal for all drone services. 2. Choose the right permit type: UAV Permit for hobbyists, RPAS Permit for commercial operators. 3. Fill in the application form with your details, drone make, model, and intended flight area.

4. Upload required documents: a copy of your government‑issued ID, proof of address, insurance certificate (mandatory for commercial flights), and a recent passport‑size photo. 5. Pay the processing fee—₹2,000 for hobbyists, ₹5,000‑₹10,000 for commercial permits, depending on the drone’s weight and flight radius.

6. Submit the form. The DGCA reviews it within 7‑10 working days. You’ll receive an electronic Permit (e‑permit) that you can download and keep on your phone while flying.

7. Before each flight, check the NO‑Fly Zone Map on the portal. If your area is marked, you’ll need an additional “Area Clearance” which costs another ₹1,000.

All these steps can be done from Mumbai or anywhere in India. The key is to double‑check your drone’s weight class and the exact location you plan to fly.

Common mistakes to avoid: uploading blurry scans, forgetting the insurance copy, or entering the wrong GPS coordinates. The DGCA rejects applications with missing info, which adds extra days to the timeline.

For Mumbai specifically, you must stay at least 5 km away from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport unless you have an airport‑specific clearance. The city also has a temporary no‑fly zone around major events like the Mumbai Film Festival—always verify event‑based restrictions.

Once your permit expires (usually after one year), you’ll need to renew it by repeating the same steps. Renewal fees are lower, around ₹500 for hobbyists and ₹2,000 for commercial users. Keep your insurance active throughout the permit’s validity; lapses can lead to immediate suspension.

Quick checklist before you launch:

• Permit uploaded on your phone
• Insurance certificate valid
• Battery fully charged
• Flight area cleared of no‑fly zones
• Pre‑flight safety briefing done

Follow these steps, respect local rules, and you’ll enjoy worry‑free drone flights over Mumbai’s skyline or any other Indian location. Happy flying!