I obtained my A1/A3 drone license in January 2025 using the steps that I lay out below. My only disclaimer is that while these steps are current at the time of this writing, but they may evolve over time as rules and regulations change. If you notice that things have changed, drop me a comment below and I’ll update the steps accordingly. Danke!

Since I don’t like unnecessary dealings with the authorities or having to pay fines, the first thing I needed to do as I get into flying drones was to obtain my actual license to fly. Easy, right? Well… yes and no. Easy because it actually isn’t too difficult of a process and you can complete it in a couple hours or less. Not so easy because I needed to research what the process is and then translate the steps from Deutsche into English. Luckily for you, I documented my steps. So, if your English is better than your Deutsche, then you are in luck!

What is the A1/A3 License?

According to “Das Rules”, if your drone weighs more than 250 grams OR is equipped with a camera or other recording sensors, you must register as a UAS operator with the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), the German Federal Aviation Office. Upon registration, you’ll receive a personal electronic identification number (eID) that must be visibly displayed on all your drones. My final suggestion before telling you how to get your license is that during the process below to use a browser plugin or other capability for translation, as the LBA website is completely in Deutsche.

To obtain the EASA A1/A3 drone license in Germany, follow these steps:

• Get liability insurance
  • Insurance is mandatory for all drone operators, regardless of weigh or purpose, in order to cover third-party damages. If you have German Liability insurance, you might already be covered, I recommend that you contact your agent or look through your policy. If you are not already covered, you will need to look for either “Drohnen-Haftpflichtversicherung” or you’ll need a liability policy that covers drones. Knowing what you need to get will make it easier when you reach out to an insurance company.
  • While this step technically isn’t required until the end of the process, I’m putting it first as it might be the longest step if you don’t already have an insurance policy.
  • If you need a contact, that speaks English, at a reputable German insurance company please leave a comment below and I will reach back to you with their contact info.
• Complete Online Learning:
  • The LBA provides an online training course covering essential topics such as air law, safety, human performance, operational procedures, and general UAS knowledge. The online materials to help you learn about the safe and practical operation of UAS, as well as the theoretical foundations that are essential for a responsible flight.
  • Link: LBA Online Teaching Materials
• Complete Training Exam:
  • The LBA requires you to take a short training exam before they deem you qualified to take the actual theoretical exam. The training exam is pretty straight forward. It’s 20 multiple choice questions base on the content found in the learning content, linked above. You need to score 75% or better on this test before you are allowed to register for the theoretical exam. You can take this training exam as many times as you want.
  • Link: LBA Online Training Exam
• Register as a UAS Operator:
  • This is where the fun starts to “take off”. That was a bad pun, I’m sorry…
  • Have your insurance policy number ready as you will need it in this step.
  • Once you pass your training exam, the LBA UAS portal will let you register.
    Part of registering, is that you will get an email from the LBA, you will create an account and after that your progress up to this point is saved.
  • In order to finish registering you will need to have the two items below. With out those two items you will not be able to complete your registration on the portal.
    • a picture of an ID to use to verify yourself.
    • your policy number for your insurance.
  • Now, you’ll want to bookmark this link. As, you will be returning to this site to login and download your license (digital copy) or update your contact info later on.
  • Link: LBA UAS Operator Registration
• Pass the Online Theoretical Exam:
  • After completing the training exam, the next step is to pass an online theoretical exam. You will be emailed a link to access the exam. The theoretical exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. You are given 45 minutes to finish and you will need a minimum score of 75% in order to pass. If you don’t pass, you can retake the exam as many times as needed.
  • Link: LBA Online Theoretical Exam
• Obtain the EU Certificate of Competency (A1/A3):
  • Upon successfully passing the exam, you’ll receive [electronically] the Certificate of Competency for subcategories A1 and A3. This certificate is valid for five years and allows you to operate drones in the specified subcategories. There is a fee of €25 for the issuing the EU proof of competence A1/A3.
  • Link: LBA Certificate Information

Additional Considerations to Remember:

• Age Requirement: The minimum age to obtain the A1/A3 certificate is 16 years.
• Insurance: In Germany, it’s mandatory to have liability insurance for your drone operations. Ensure your insurance policy covers UAS activities.
• Mark your drone: You must have your Operator ID (e-ID) present on all of drones.
• Follow local airspace restrictions: Check maps before flying to assure you are following airspace restrictions. There are websites like Dipol MapTool, and apps like Droniq or AirMap, which can assist with checking the airspace.
• Respect privacy laws: When flying near people or private property respect their privacy.
• Operational Limitations:
  • Always maintain a visual line of sight (VLOS) with your drone.
  • Do not fly higher than 120 meters above ground level.
  • Avoid flying over assemblies of people.
  • Respect no-fly zones, such as near airports or sensitive areas.

By following these steps and adhering to the regulations, you’ll be authorized to operate your drone safely and legally within Germany and the rest of the European Union.