27 Free Compliance Guides — Every province, every regulation, cited to official sources
Regulation Compliant
🛸 CARs 900.14 · Transport Canada · RPAS Registration

Drone Registration Labels

Transport Canada says your registration number must be clearly visible. They do not tell you WHERE to put it, what material survives a crash landing, or why permanent marker fades after one season.

Drone Labels — 8-Pack From $9.99

What The Law Says

CARs 900.06

Registration Required

ALL drones 250g to 25kg

CARs 900.14

Clearly Visible Marking

Registration number must be clearly visible on the aircraft

CARs 900.14

Acceptable Methods

Permanent marker, permanent label, or engraving

CARs 901.29

Recreational Penalty

$5,000 maximum fine for recreational pilots

CARs 903

Commercial Penalty

$25,000 maximum fine for commercial/advanced operations

Number format: C-XXXX

Registration Portal

Register via Transport Canada Drone Management Portal (RPAS)

What They Don't Tell You

Where exactly do I put the label on my drone?

Transport Canada says clearly visible but gives no specific placement guide. Based on inspection practice and common sense: place it on the TOP of the drone body (fuselage), between the battery compartment and the front camera. This location is visible when the drone is on the ground, does not interfere with sensors, and survives most crash scenarios. Avoid the battery (it gets swapped), the arms (too narrow), and the bottom (not visible when landed).

My DJI Mini 4 Pro is tiny — where does the label fit?

The Mini 4 Pro has very limited surface area. Best placement: on the flat area of the top shell, behind the forward obstacle sensors and in front of the battery release. Our labels are sized specifically for compact drones — 25mm × 10mm fits the Mini series perfectly. We include multiple sizes in every pack so you can choose the right fit.

Permanent marker fades — what is better?

Permanent marker (Sharpie) fades after 1-2 seasons of UV exposure, especially if your drone sits in a car or flies in direct sunlight. Engraving works but risks voiding your warranty and damaging waterproofing. Weatherproof vinyl labels are the practical middle ground — our drone labels use the same outdoor vinyl rated for 7+ years on vehicles. They survive UV, rain, cold, and the occasional rough landing.

I fly commercially — is the label different?

Same registration number, same label. The difference is the penalty: $25,000 maximum for advanced/commercial operations vs $5,000 for basic/recreational. If you hold a pilot certificate for advanced operations, the enforcement risk is HIGHER because Transport Canada audits commercial operators more actively. Having proper, durable registration markings is basic professionalism.

I lost my drone — does the registration help?

Yes. If someone finds your drone, the registration number can be traced back to you through Transport Canada. Without a visible registration number, your $2,000 drone is just electronic waste. Think of it as a return address label. We include EXTRA labels in every pack specifically for this reason — put one on the drone, one on the controller, one on the case.

Do I need to register my DJI Mini (under 250g)?

No. Drones under 250g are exempt from registration AND pilot certification for basic operations. However, if you add accessories that push the weight over 250g (prop guards, lights, extended battery), you must register. The DJI Mini 3 with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus is 249g — right at the line. Weigh your drone with all accessories attached.

What about FPV racing drones?

Same rules apply. If your FPV quad weighs over 250g (nearly all of them do), it must be registered and the number displayed. FPV pilots often crash — hard. Permanent marker on a carbon fibre frame gets scraped off in one bad landing. A vinyl label on a protected area of the frame lasts much longer.

Where to Put Your Label — By Drone Model

Practical placement advice for the most common drones in Canada

🛸

DJI Mini 4 Pro / Mini 3

Top shell, behind front sensors, 25×10mm label

✈️

DJI Air 3 / Air 2S

Top of body, between arms, 30×12mm label

🚁

DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Flat top surface, rear of body, 35×15mm label

🎮

DJI Avata 2

Top shell, centre body, 25×10mm label

📷

Autel EVO Lite+

Top body panel, between rear arms, 30×12mm label

Custom/FPV Build

Top plate, protected area near stack, smallest label that fits

💡

Pro Tip: Test Before Flying

Apply your label, then place your drone on the ground and stand 2 metres back. Can you read the registration number without crouching? If yes, Transport Canada will consider it clearly visible. If no, move it to a more prominent location.