What Transport Canada Requires
Based on current Transport Canada guidance, your registration number must be displayed on the exterior, visible without tools, legible, and durable. Transport Canada allows permanent marker, permanent label, or engraving.
Best Placement Locations
✅ Good placement
- • Top of the main body (fuselage)
- • Flat section of a landing arm
- • Any visible exterior surface during ground inspection
❌ Avoid
- • Near propellers (vibration + heat)
- • On the battery (gets swapped)
- • Under prop guards or covers
- • Inside the battery bay
Colour Contrast
The registration number must be clearly visible against the drone body.
| Drone Colour | Label Background | Text Colour |
|---|---|---|
| Black / Dark Grey | White | Black |
| White / Light Grey | Black | White |
| Red / Orange | White | Black |
| Blue | White | Black |
| Green / Camo | White or Yellow | Black |
Common Mistakes
Placing the label on the battery — batteries get swapped, the label stays with the drone body
Using a marker pen — ink fades within weeks of outdoor exposure
Putting the label inside the battery bay — "visible without tools" means no disassembly
Choosing a label colour that matches the drone — dark on dark is invisible
Applying on a dirty surface — grease weakens adhesive. Clean with alcohol first
Placing under a prop guard — if you fly with guards, the label must be visible with guards on
Step-by-Step: Applying Your Label
Choose your placement
Top of the body or a landing arm — visible without removing anything.
Clean the surface
Wipe with rubbing alcohol and let dry completely (30 seconds).
Peel the backing
Handle by the edges to keep oils off the adhesive.
Position and press
Align straight, press firmly from centre outward to push out air bubbles.
Let it set
Wait 24 hours before flying to let the adhesive fully bond (especially in cold weather).
Inspect
Confirm readable from arm's length and contrasts with the drone body.
Drone Registration Labels
From $14.99 CAD — Ships 1-2 business days
FAQ
Can I print my own label at home?
You could, but standard inkjet paper is not waterproof or UV-resistant. It'll fail quickly outdoors. Use outdoor-rated vinyl.
I have multiple drones — does each need its own label?
Yes. Each registered drone has its own registration number and needs its own label.
What if I re-register or my number changes?
Remove the old label (peels off cleanly), clean the area, and apply a new one.
Does the label need to be on a specific side?
No specific side is required. The number must be visible on the exterior without tools. Top of the body is most practical.
Regulations last verified: April 2026
Sources: Transport Canada — Registering Your Drone
Checked quarterly against latest Transport Canada and MTO updates.
This guide is for general information based on current Transport Canada guidance. Compliance Lettering is not affiliated with Transport Canada. For official rules, visit Transport Canada.