Register your drone in Canada (step-by-step)

If your drone weighs between 250 g and 25 kg, you must register it with Transport Canada before you fly, and you must mark the drone with its registration number. The process takes a few minutes and costs $10.
Official overview → https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/registering-your-drone

For recreational flights, **sub-250 g drones do not need registration or a pilot certificate**. You still must fly safely and follow local restrictions. See: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/flying-your-drone-safely-legally

What you need #

An account for the Drone Management Portal
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/drone-management-portal
Make/model and serial number (if available)
A payment method for the $10 non-refundable fee (per drone)

Open the Drone Management Portal, sign in (Sign-In Partner or GCKey), and go to Register a drone.
Portal → https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/drone-management-portal

Step 2 — Enter drone details #

Provide: make, model, serial (if your build has one, otherwise follow the form guidance), and confirm the maximum take-off weight (MTOW).
Helpful overview → https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/registering-your-drone

Step 3 — Pay the fee #

Pay the $10 registration fee and submit. You’ll receive a registration number immediately in the portal (and by email).

Transferring ownership later? Do not remove the marking from the airframe—registration numbers stay with the drone. The new owner will register it to their account using the same number and pay the fee.
More details → https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/registering-your-drone/registering-your-drone-manage-registration

Step 4 — Mark your drone #

Mark the airframe so the number is clearly visible. You can use a permanent marker, durable label, or engraving.
Infographic → https://tc.canada.ca/sites/default/files/migrated/infographic_how_mark_your_drone.pdf

Do I also need a pilot certificate?#

Basic operations (most recreational flights in uncontrolled airspace near people at safe distances): take the Small Basic Exam online.
Advanced operations (closer to people, controlled airspace with NAV Drone authorizations, etc.): pass the Advanced Exam and a flight review.
Start here → https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/find-your-category-drone-operation
Exams overview → https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/drone-pilot-licensing/take-drone-pilot-online-exam

For controlled airspace or some advanced ops, plan & request in **NAV Drone** (by NAV CANADA). Add your **Transport Canada registration number** to the aircraft profile. https://www.navcanada.ca/en/nav-drone-getting-started.aspx

Quick FAQ #

How long does registration last?
You don’t “renew” a number—it stays with the aircraft. If you sell it, the new owner registers it to their account (using the same number) and pays the fee.

Can I register a sub-250 g drone anyway?
Transport Canada does not require it for recreational flights. Focus on flying safely and respecting local rules.

Where can I find all the rules in one place?
Transport Canada’s hub: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/flying-your-drone-safely-legally

TL;DR #

If your drone is 250 g–25 kg, register it in the Drone Management Portal (costs $10).
Mark the aircraft with the issued number.
Get the right pilot certificate (Basic/Advanced) for the ops you fly.
Plan airspace & authorizations in NAV Drone when required.