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CERTIFICATE CURRENCY

Does a Part 107 certificate expire?

Learn how Part 107 certificate currency works, whether the Remote Pilot Certificate expires, and how FAA recurrent training keeps aeronautical knowledge current.

Quick answer

The FAA Remote Pilot Certificate itself does not expire unless revoked. To exercise Part 107 privileges, however, you must keep your aeronautical knowledge current by completing the appropriate FAA online recurrent training within the previous 24 calendar months.

The certificate is permanent

The FAA states that the Remote Pilot Certificate does not have an expiration date and remains valid unless revoked by the Administrator.

Currency must be renewed every 24 calendar months

Certificate holders must maintain aeronautical knowledge recency. The FAA requires completion of the appropriate online recurrent training within the previous 24 calendar months before operating under Part 107.

Recurrent training is online and free

The FAA provides recurrent Part 107 training online at no cost. After completing it, retain the completion record as proof of current aeronautical knowledge.

Frequently asked questions

Does my Part 107 certificate expire?

No. The FAA says the certificate itself is permanent unless revoked.

How often do I need recurrent training?

You must have completed the appropriate FAA recurrent training within the previous 24 calendar months to operate under Part 107.

Do I have to retake the original knowledge test every two years?

No. The FAA replaced the recurrent in-person test requirement with online recurrent training.

Official FAA sources