How To Get Licensed To Spray Crops With A Drone In 2027

Last updated: November 15, 2026

To spray crops with a drone in the US you need four things: an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate, an FAA Part 137 agricultural aircraft operator certificate, an FAA exemption under Section 44807 if your drone weighs 55 pounds or more with its load, and a state pesticide applicator license for the products you apply. Most operators also carry liability insurance and register every drone with the FAA.

This guide walks through each step in order. For equipment choices, see our list of top agricultural drone companies, and for budgeting, see how much a spray drone costs.

The Licenses And Approvals You Need

Requirement	Who issues it	What it covers
Part 107 remote pilot certificate	FAA	Basic commercial drone operations
Part 137 agricultural aircraft operator certificate	FAA	Dispensing chemicals or agricultural products from aircraft, including drones
Section 44807 exemption	FAA	Operating drones of 55 pounds or more, and other limits Part 107 does not allow
Pesticide applicator license	Your state department of agriculture	Applying pesticides commercially, usually in an aerial category
Drone registration and Remote ID	FAA	Every drone flown commercially

Step By Step

1. Pass the Part 107 knowledge test

Study with a course, then pass the FAA knowledge test at an approved testing center to earn your remote pilot certificate. See our drone pilot training schools.

2. Apply for a Section 44807 exemption if needed

Large spray drones such as the DJI Agras T100, at about 175 kilograms takeoff weight, need an exemption. The FAA has streamlined these requests for spray drones, but plan for processing time.

3. Get your Part 137 certificate

Apply to your local FAA Flight Standards District Office. You will need operating procedures, a chief supervisor, a knowledge and skill test covering safe dispensing, and details of the drones you will fly.

4. Get your state pesticide applicator license

Each state sets its own rules. Most require passing core and aerial or category-specific exams, and some require extra drone-specific training. Contact your state department of agriculture.

5. Register drones and set up insurance

Register each drone with the FAA, make sure it meets Remote ID rules, and buy liability insurance. Many customers require proof of coverage before you fly. See our list of drone insurance companies.

6. Keep records

Part 137 and state rules require detailed application records, including products, rates, locations, dates and weather.

How Long It Takes

Plan on a few months from start to first paid job. Part 107 can be done in a few weeks. Exemptions, Part 137 certification and state licensing are the slow steps, so start them well before spraying season.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Flying commercially before your Part 137 certificate is issued
• Assuming a Part 107 certificate alone allows spraying
• Applying in a state where you are not licensed
• Skipping drift management and buffer zones near sensitive crops, homes and water
• Keeping incomplete application records

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to spray crops with a drone?

Yes. In the US you need FAA Part 107 and Part 137 certificates, usually a Section 44807 exemption, and a state pesticide applicator license.

What is a Part 137 certificate?

Part 137 is the FAA certificate for agricultural aircraft operations, which covers dispensing pesticides, fertilizer and seed from aircraft, including drones.

Can I spray my own farm without Part 137?

Generally no. Part 137 applies to dispensing agricultural products from aircraft, though rules for private applicators differ, so confirm with the FAA.

How long does it take to get licensed to spray with a drone?

Most operators need a few months to complete Part 107, Part 137, any exemption and state licensing.

Do spray drones need Remote ID?

Yes. Drones flown commercially must be registered and meet Remote ID requirements.

Conclusion

Get your Part 107 certificate first, start your exemption and Part 137 applications early, line up your state pesticide license and insurance, and keep detailed records. With the paperwork done, compare equipment in our agricultural drone companies list.

For more on farming technology, visit our AgTech hub.