{
"title": "How can a foreigner register a drone in China?",
"tagName": "Visa & Legal",
"post": "Registering a drone as a foreigner in China is mandatory for any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) weighing over 250 grams, and it’s done entirely online through the official CAAC portal. While the system is designed for Chinese citizens, foreigners can successfully register by using their passport and a mainland China mobile number. The most critical step is understanding the specific format required for your name and identification, as the system is unforgiving with errors. This process generates a QR code that you must physically attach to your drone before flying.\n\n## The CAAC's UOM Registration System\n\nThe Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) manages all drone registrations through its online portal, called the 无人机实名登记系统 (wúrénjī shímíng dēngjì xìtǒng), or UOM for Unmanned Aircraft Owner Management. This is the only official channel for real-name registration. Any drone, whether purchased in China or brought from abroad, must be registered here if its takeoff weight exceeds 250g. The registration links your identity to the drone's unique serial number, which is a key part of China's drone regulations for ensuring accountability.\n\n## What You Need Before You Start\n\nPreparation is key to a smooth registration. Before you visit the UOM website, have the following ready:\n\n* Your Passport: You will need your full name and passport number. The system does not have a field for middle names.\n* A Mainland China Mobile Number: The portal sends a verification code via SMS to a +86 number. A foreign phone number will not work.\n* Your Drone's Details: You’ll need the manufacturer, model, and serial number. The serial number is usually found in the battery compartment or on the drone's body.\n* Clear Photos of Your Drone: The system requires at least two photos—one showing the entire drone from the top and another showing a close-up of the serial number.\n\n## A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners\n\nThe UOM portal is entirely in Chinese, so using your browser’s built-in translation feature is highly recommended. However, be cautious as translations can sometimes interfere with form submissions.\n\n1. Create an Account: On the UOM homepage, select "Individual User" (个人用户) registration. You will be prompted to enter your Chinese mobile number to receive an SMS verification code.\n2. Enter Personal Information: This is the most common point of failure. When asked for your ID type, select 护照 (hùzhào) for Passport. For your name (姓名), enter it as LASTNAME FIRSTNAME with a space in between and no middle name. For example, if your name is John Michael Smith, you should enter “SMITH JOHN”.\n3. Input Drone Details: Add your drone by selecting "Add Aircraft" (新增航空器). Enter the manufacturer, model, and serial number in the corresponding fields. Upload the required photos of your drone. The photos must be clear and under the specified file size limit.\n4. Generate and Attach the QR Code: Once submitted, the system will process your application and generate a unique QR code. You must print this code on a durable sticker and affix it to a prominent part of your drone’s fuselage. Flying without this QR code attached is a violation of regulations, even if you are registered online.\n\n## Common Errors and How to Fix Them\n\n* “Invalid Name” Error: This almost always happens because you’ve included a middle name or used the wrong format. Stick strictly to LASTNAME FIRSTNAME.\n* SMS Code Not Arriving: Ensure you are using a valid +86 mainland China number with active service. Some virtual numbers or temporary SIM cards may not receive the verification texts.\n* Flying in Restricted Zones: Registration does not grant you the right to fly anywhere. Major cities like Shanghai and Beijing have extensive no-fly zones (禁飞区 - jìnfēiqū). Always use an app like DJI Fly or a local equivalent to check the geofencing map before you fly.\n\nSuccessfully registering your drone is the first critical step to flying legally in China, but local rules always take precedence.\n\nHave you encountered different registration or flight permission requirements in smaller cities versus major hubs like Shanghai?\n\n---\n\nQuick Takeaways:\n- All drones over 250g must be registered on the official CAAC UOM portal.\n- You must use a mainland China (+86) mobile number for SMS verification.\n- When registering, enter your name in the format: LASTNAME FIRSTNAME (no middle name).\n- The generated QR code must be printed and physically attached to your drone.\n\n---\n\n#dronelaws #chinatravel #caac"
}
