Drone Licence Cost in Canada: Every Fee Explained (2026)

A Basic drone licence in Canada costs very little in government fees: $10 to register each drone and a small online exam fee, typically $10, that also covers your certificate. Going Advanced adds another $10 exam, a flight review priced by the reviewer, and a $25 certificate fee. Level 1 Complex operations cost more, with a $50 exam, a $125 certificate and mandatory ground school.

This guide lists every Transport Canada drone fee pilots are likely to meet in 2026, plus the non-government costs, such as training and flight reviews, that make up the real total.

What “Drone Licence” Means in Canada

Canada does not issue a single “drone licence”. Instead, Transport Canada issues pilot certificates for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), and each drone between 250 g and 150 kg must be registered. Most recreational and commercial pilots need one of these certificates:

• Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations: for flying away from people and outside controlled airspace.
• Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations: for controlled airspace, closer to bystanders, and medium drones within visual line of sight.
• Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations: for lower-risk beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights, introduced with the rule changes that took effect on November 4, 2025.

Our overview of Canada’s drone rules for 2026 explains which operations fall into each category.

Transport Canada Drone Fees at a Glance (2026)

The table below summarizes the government fees published by Transport Canada as of 2026. Fees can change, so always confirm on the official Transport Canada drone safety pages before you pay.

Source: Transport Canada’s 2025 summary of changes to Canada’s drone regulations and its Advanced operations page. You can read the official details at tc.canada.ca.

Cost of a Basic Drone Certificate

For most hobby pilots, the Basic certificate is the cheapest path. You create an account in Transport Canada’s Drone Management Portal, register your drone for $10, then pay the Basic online exam fee, typically $10, which includes your certificate. There is no flight review for Basic operations, and you must be at least 14 years old to get a Basic certificate.

The real cost is your time to study. Transport Canada publishes the knowledge requirements, and many pilots also buy an online course or practice tests, which are optional and priced by private providers. Our guide on getting the Basic drone pilot certificate walks through the full process step by step.

Example: first-time hobby pilot

A pilot with one drone between 250 g and 25 kg who passes the Basic exam on the first attempt typically pays about $20 in government fees: $10 registration plus the exam fee. A second attempt adds another $10. Owners of a sub-250 g microdrone do not need to register it or hold a certificate for most recreational flying, as explained in our page on sub-250 g drone rules.

Cost of an Advanced Drone Certificate

The Advanced certificate costs more because it includes a practical flight review with a flight reviewer authorized by Transport Canada, often working through a flight school.

1. Register your drone: $10 per drone.
2. Pass the Advanced online exam: $10 per attempt (50 questions, 60 minutes, 80% to pass).
3. Book and complete a flight review: price set by the reviewer or school.
4. Apply for the Advanced certificate in the Drone Management Portal: $25.

Flight review prices are not set by the government. They vary by region, school and whether you rent a drone, so ask several providers for quotes. Many schools sell packages that combine ground school, practice flights and the review itself. For what to expect on the day, see our guide to the drone flight review in Canada.

Level 1 Complex Operations and BVLOS Costs

Since November 4, 2025, pilots can fly lower-risk BVLOS operations without an SFOC if they meet the new Level 1 Complex requirements. This is the most expensive certificate tier, both in fees and in training time.

• Minimum age of 18.
• Pass the online exam for Advanced and Level 1 Complex operations ($50 for the Level 1 Complex exam).
• Complete at least 20 hours of ground school with a training provider.
• Pass a flight review.
• Pay $125 for the Level 1 Complex pilot certificate.
• Operators running BVLOS also need an RPAS Operator Certificate ($125).

Ground school is the largest variable cost here and is priced by private schools. Our guide to Level 1 Complex operations covers the operating limits in more detail.

SFOC-RPAS Fees

A Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC-RPAS) is still required for operations outside the standard rules, such as drones over 150 kg or some higher-risk flights. Since November 4, 2025, Transport Canada charges a fee based on complexity, with government emergency response organizations exempt.

Read our page on when you need an SFOC before applying, since many operations that once required one are now covered by standard certificates.

Hidden Costs Beyond Government Fees

Government fees are only part of the budget. Plan for these other costs, which are set by private providers and vary widely:

• Training courses: optional for Basic, very helpful for Advanced, mandatory ground school for Level 1 Complex.
• Flight review: priced by the reviewer, sometimes with drone rental or travel fees.
• Insurance: strongly recommended for commercial work and often required by clients.
• Recency activities: you must stay current every 24 months, through a seminar, self-paced training or another qualifying activity.
• Equipment: a drone that meets the safety assurance declaration for the operations you plan.

Commercial pilots should also read our checklist for starting a drone business in Canada.

FAQ: Drone Licence Costs in Canada

How much does it cost to get a drone licence in Canada?

For a Basic certificate, expect about $20 in government fees for one drone: $10 registration and an exam fee that is typically $10. An Advanced certificate adds a $10 exam, a $25 certificate fee and the cost of a flight review.

Do I need to pay to register every drone?

Yes. Each drone between 250 g and 150 kg must be registered, and the fee has been $10 per drone since April 1, 2025.

Does the drone pilot certificate expire?

Certificates do not expire, but you must meet recency requirements within the previous 24 months to use the privileges of your certificate.

Is the flight review fee set by Transport Canada?

No. Flight reviewers and schools set their own prices. Compare several providers and ask what is included.

Can I take the drone exam again if I fail?

Yes. You can retake the online exam, paying the exam fee again for each attempt.

Plan Your Certification Budget

For most Canadians, a Basic certificate costs less than a tank of gas, while Advanced and Level 1 Complex certificates are investments in training. Confirm current fees with Transport Canada, compare training providers, and browse our complete guide to drone laws in Canada before you book your exam. Questions? Reach us through our contact page.