Your remote pilot certificate doesn’t expire, but you can’t use it unless you’re current. Under § 107.65 you must have passed the initial knowledge test, or completed recurrent training, within the previous 24 calendar months. Here’s how it works.

How to stay current

• Complete the FAA’s free online recurrent training before your 24 calendar months run out.
• The training is taken online, not at a testing center, and there’s no fee.
• When you finish, keep your completion certificate: you must be able to show proof of currency along with your remote pilot certificate.

Holders of a manned pilot certificate (other than a student pilot certificate) who meet the flight review requirements may complete a separate FAA online training course instead.

How “24 calendar months” works

Calendar months run to the end of the month. If you passed your test on March 10, 2025, you stay current through March 31, 2027.

What happens if you let it lapse

You can’t fly under Part 107 until you complete the recurrent training. You don’t have to retake the knowledge test at a testing center; just complete the online training.

What to carry when you fly

• Your remote pilot certificate
• Proof of current recurrent training (if your initial test was more than 24 calendar months ago)
• The drone’s registration
• Any waivers or authorizations you’re flying under

Night operations

Pilots whose initial test was before April 6, 2021 must complete the updated recurrent training before flying at night, because it covers night operations. See Part 107 night operations.

Related: Part 107 test guide and Part 107 rules summary.