Drone licence in Germany: A1/A3 and A2
Officially there is no “drone licence” – people mean two certificates under the EU drone regulation: the EU proof of competency A1/A3 and the EU remote pilot certificate A2. In Germany, both are issued by the Federal Aviation Office (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt, LBA).
As of October 2026. Not legal advice – the regulation and the LBA are binding.
Do I need one for FPV?
- FPV quads from 250 g take-off mass (battery and camera included): yes, at least the A1/A3 proof of competency. That covers practically every 5-inch quad.
- Below 250 g, such as Tiny Whoops: not required, but worth it – the test is short, and the rules it covers apply to you anyway.
- Registering as an operator is a separate thing: it is required for every drone with a camera, so always for FPV, whatever the weight.
Which subcategory applies to your quad is explained in A1, A2, A3 explained.
A1/A3 proof of competency: step by step
- Create an account with the LBA. You do not have to be registered as an operator to take the test.
- Work through the online training. It is free and prepares you for exactly this exam.
- Online exam: 40 multiple-choice questions from nine subject areas. You pass with at least 75 per cent correct. Failed? You can repeat training and exam.
- The certificate arrives by e-mail and is valid for five years.
Typical subjects: air safety, airspace restrictions, aviation regulation, human performance limitations, operational procedures, privacy and data protection, insurance, security and general knowledge about drones.
A2 remote pilot certificate: the next step
The A2 certificate is for flying a class C2 drone close to people. For self-built FPV quads without a class label it brings no extra rights in the open category – from 250 g they stay limited to A3. For most FPV pilots, A2 is not a must.
The way there:
- A1/A3 proof of competency.
- Practical self-training under A3 conditions – in open country, away from people – and a declaration that you completed it.
- An additional theory exam at a test centre designated by the LBA. Many centres combine it with practical training.
- Application to the LBA. The A2 certificate is valid for five years as well.
What does it cost?
The LBA charges one-off fees for registration and certificates under the German aviation fee ordinance; the exact amount is in the fee notice in your account. Notices sent so far are in the low double digits (the LBA quotes 30 euros for the A2 certificate). For A2, the test centre’s own fee comes on top.
Renewing after five years
The certificates expire automatically after five years. You can renew them once they have less than twelve months left – by taking the exam again or by a refresher course. Renewal costs a fee again. Whoever earns a higher certificate gets one common new expiry date for all categories on it.
How old do I have to be?
Under the EU regulation the minimum age for remote pilots is 16. Exceptions: class C0 toy drones, privately built drones below 250 g – so many Tiny Whoops – and flying under the direct supervision of a remote pilot who meets all requirements. The LBA has a separate application form for minors.
Frequently asked questions
Is the German certificate valid in other EU countries? Yes, it is an EU certificate and valid in all EU states and in countries that have adopted the EU drone rules.
Do I have to carry it when flying? Yes, you must be able to show it if checked.
Does it allow me to fly alone with goggles? No. In the open category you always need an observer next to you when flying with goggles – see Where can I fly FPV in Germany?.
Certificate done? Then all that is missing is the place: the FPV Spot Finder shows quiet spots near you, with distances to residential areas, roads and protected areas.