How to register drones in the Philippines and get the RPA Registration Certificate
Why should you register your drone or UAV?
In the Philippines, registering your drone means getting the RPA Registration Certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. You get several benefits when you officially get your drone listed with the CAAP:
- Gives you a solid and non-transferrable proof of ownership of your drone or any other remotely piloted aircraft
- Increases your legitimacy as a drone pilot and operator
- You become eligible to apply for special permits if you need to operate in restricted flight areas
- You get drone insurance for loss and damage
- You can start a business as a drone operator (ex: aerial photography or drone surveying and mapping)
Is drone registration required in the Philippines?
If you are only flying casually as a hobby or for your personal vlogs (ex: you have a Youtube channel), then you are NOT required to get the RPA Registration Certificate.
But registration is REQUIRED for the following:
- Operating drones commercially (ex: you want to start a business)
- Flying in restricted zones or controlled airspace (you must get a special permit first and one of the requirements for permits is the registration certificate)
- You want to use a large drone that weighs 7kg or more
- You are in a region where the local government unit requires registration
Read more: How to apply for a drone pilot license and How to start your drone business in the Philippines
How do I get the RPA Registration Certificate for my drone?
The drone registration process is straightforward – you simply submit the required documents then wait.
But it has several steps and you also need to visit the CAAP office in Pasay City in Metro Manila at least twice. It takes around 15 days to complete the application process.
Philippine Drone Network Step-by-Step Guide to Drone Registration
1. Write a Letter of Intent and submit it to the CAAP office in Pasay City
The CAAP office is located at OLD MIA Road in Pasay City, NCR.
- Address your letter to the Officer in Charge of the Flight Standards Inspector Service (FSIS) of the CAAP
- Talk about why you want to register your drone
- Include technical specifications of your remotely piloted aircraft, the model, and its serial number
You need to wait a few days after submitting your letter, which gives you time to do the next step while waiting.
2. Gather all the required documents and paperwork so you can submit them immediately after the CAAP responds to your letter
Some of the requirements are easy to get and you might even already have them, but there are a few that you need to talk to other organizations to get or create for yourself:
- Notarized and completed registration form (call CAAP for the latest version)
- Technical specifications of your drone (you can find this in your manual or on the website of the manufacturer)
- Proof of ownership (ex: invoice or affidavit of ownership)
- History of ownership (only if you are not the original owner, or you use leased aircraft)
- Insurance Policy for Third party liability (you need to purchase this from an insurance provider)
- Original DTI Certificate or SEC corporation documents (if applicable for you as a business owner)
- Secretary’s Certificate (if you are a corporation)
- Import document (customs release certificate if you bought your drone abroad and was held by customs)
- RPAS Operator Certificate (if you have one already)
3. After at least 3 days, call the CAAP to get your registration number
You can contact them through phone at +63 2 7944-2142 or 7944-2143.
All registered drones are given unique identifying numbers to show they have been listed and inspected by the CAAP. Do the following after you get your registration marking number:
- Print several waterproof stickers with the number and place it on your drone and the control pad. This sticker needs to be big, permanent, and super visible at all times.
- Take photos of your drone and controller from multiple angles and print them out in color (not black and white)
4. Bring your drone to the CAAP office along with all the documents from step #2
When you are given your registration number, they will also give you a reservation approval letter.
- Submit the approval letter together with all other paperwork requirements
- Pay the registration fee of P1,500 + 12% tax
- Surrender your drone for inspection
5. Call the CAAP and pickup your certificate after 15 days
Ask if your registration certificate has been approved and is ready to be picked up.
Congratulations, your drone is now officially registered!
Have questions about certification?
We’re happy to help if you need extra clarifications or guidance. Leave a comment on this page or send us an email at [email protected].
Comments (22)
paano po kung bumili ako ng bagong drone kasi nasira. kailangan register uli sa caap?
Hi Rodrick. Tama kailangan magregister uli. Hindi pwede ilipat ang RPA Registration Certificate.
I am in Cebu. Can I register my drone here ?
Hi Jaffer. Unfortunately, the CAAP doesn’t have satellite offices. But you can call them to ask if you can do some of the steps online, and if they have a representative in Cebu.
Is the brand of drone important when registering?
Hi KF. The certification and registration process is the same for all brands (DJI, Parrot, even custom made drones).
ano po minimum requirements ng DRONE para iregister? madam Kasi classification ng drone?
Hi Eric. Kahit anong klaseng drone po ay pwede iregister.
Hello,
I am visiting the Philippines for a couple of weeks (holiday). I have a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone (249 grams) that I use for personal and recreation purposes. I am not passing through Manila and the whole registration process will last for almost all my holidays. I was wondering where I can find a list of local governments that require registration? So at least I won’t fly there. Thanks!!
Hi Pippo. Unfortunately, there’s no list because each government unit are free to enforce and change their own rules at any time. Best to call the tourism office your destination before you fly your drone.
Hi. Do u know where i can find info whether a corporation is allowed or not allowed to register a drone based on the % ownership of the company? Thank you in advance.
Hi Jaguirre. There is no % ownership requirement to register a drone as long as the business is fully registered in the Philippines and has the necessary documents above.
Good day,
There seems to be a lot of misinformation on the net concerning this – I’m hoping you can advise on the current regulations regarding permits to fly in Boracay for recreational purposes. Also if required, how the permits can be obtained. Thank you
Hi Cam. You can call the Boracay tourism office to get a permit for casual (non-commercial) drone operation.
I bought a drone from abroad and asked the company to ship it straight to my door step, expecting that they will handle all custom duties and taxes. I asked them to produce the import docs but they can only provide a bill of lading for the whole container of goods where the drone was shipped. Will the bill of lading be sufficient as import documentation to get my drone registered?
hi.. after I read this. It says there “Surrender your drone for inspection”. Do I need to wait for inspection to be done on the same day? or kailangan iwanan ung drone sa knila kasama na yung cert. for after 15 days? Tia.
ask ko lng requirements forms, if ipa register ang drone?
Hi Jhazz. Basahin niyo po muna ang guide dahil nandun na lahat ng kailangan malaman.
Hi. I have Cpl caap license. Howxan I apply for deone license as well. Thanks
I’m not sure what you mean, but there are 3 certificates you can get from the CAAP: Controller Cert, Registration Cert, and Operator Cert. Which one do you have?
I have a DJI Avata and a DJI Mavic 3 Pro which i owned and am the first owner. I bought them from Singapore. I am from Singapore and intending to visit parts of PH for holidays (Mainly Manila). Do i need to register for RPA certificate? And how about obtaining a “Carnet” or Merchandise Passport for my drone before entering the Philippines – where can i get this?
Thank you
Hi Ben. You can bring your drone on your flight (hand carry), no need for an RPA certificate.