s unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) become more common and operations more complex, Remote Identification (Remote ID) has become a cornerstone of modern drone regulation. It is designed to improve airspace safety, accountability and oversight, enabling enforcement authorities to know who is flying what and where, in near-real time.

While the EASA framework has required Remote ID for most drones for some time, the UK’s post-Brexit regulatory regime introduced significant changes from 1 January 2026, including phased Remote ID requirements embedded in a new class-marking system. This article explains the regulatory differences and practical implications between the EU and UK approaches.

What is Remote ID?

Remote ID is essentially a digital aircraft “license plate”. It requires a drone in flight to broadcast identification and location data - typically via a wireless link - so that enforcement authorities (and in some regimes the public) can identify and monitor flights. This information usually includes:

• Operator ID and unique aircraft serial number

• Aircraft position and altitude

• Aircraft direction/ground speed

• Operator or take-off location

• Emergency status indicators 

Remote ID is not new; it reflects a global trend in modernising UAS oversight, similar to the FAAs Remote ID regime in the United States. 

EASA 2021/947: Remote ID in the European Union

Under the EASA framework created by Regulation (EU) 2019/947, and its related delegated rules:

Remote ID requirements

• Remote ID is required for all drones operating in the Specific category and for drones with CE class marks (C1, C2, C3, C5, C6) in the Open category.

• Drones with class mark C0 (under 250 g, low risk) are exempt from Remote ID obligations.

• Certain model aircraft (C4) and special tethered systems may also be exempt under strict conditions.

• The architecture is typically Direct Remote ID, meaning devices broadcast directly locally without depending on an internet connection.

• Compliance has been mandatory in many EASA member states since January 2024, when EASA’s rules became fully applicable. 

How EASA Remote ID works

• Drone manufacturers or module makers provide compliant Remote ID systems.

• Operators upload their operator registration number into the drone’s Remote ID system.

• During flight, data is broadcast continuously and can be received by authorised receivers in the vicinity.

• The system supports operational safety and enforcement - notably within U-Space but independent of network connectivity. 

In practice under EASA, Remote ID is closely tied to the class-marking regime introduced across the EU. Most modern drones on the market already comply with these standards, either built-in or via approved modules.

UK Remote ID: New Rules from 1 January 2026

Post-Brexit, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) overhauled its UAS regulatory framework. The most significant structural change was the introduction of UK class marks (UK0–UK6) for drones sold in the UK from 1 January 2026 onwards - similar in logic to EU class marks but tailored to UK policy. 

Remote ID implementation timeline

The UK Remote ID regime is phased based on drone class:

This phased approach balances safety with a transition period allowing operators to retrofit or prepare legacy platforms. 

Operational requirements in the UK

• Operators must enable Remote ID whenever flying after the applicable date.

• UK class-marked drones must broadcast Remote ID directly (usually via built-in functionality).

• Each operator is issued a Remote ID number when registering with the CAA, which must be entered into the drone’s system.

• Remote ID here functions as a direct broadcast and is primarily intended for enforcement bodies to ensure legal operations, rather than widespread public consumption. 

Key Differences: EASA vs UK

Below are the major regulatory differences between the EU and the UK:

1. Mandatory timelines

• EASA (EU): Remote ID has been mandatory for most drones since January 2024 for C-class marked systems.

• UK: Remote ID became mandatory from 1 January 2026 for most class-marked drones, with full coverage by 2028 for legacy and certain other drones. 

2. Scope of applicability

• EASA: Applies broadly to drones in the Open and Specific categories with class marks, with exemptions for C0 and certain exempt systems.

• UK: Applies first to UK class-marked drones (UK1–UK3, UK5, UK6) and later to other classes/legacy drones after transition. 

3. Relationship to class markings

• EASA: Remote ID is tied directly into the EU’s CE C-class marking regime under 2019/947.

• UK: Remote ID is embedded within the UK’s bespoke UK0–UK6 system. EU C-class drones are accepted in the UK until end-2027, but UK regulation takes precedence post-transition. 

4. Enforcement and public access

• EASA: Due to harmonisation across member states, Remote ID data supports both airspace safety and, in some contexts, public awareness via U-Space services.

• UK: Remote ID is primarily aimed at enforcement safety; personal identifying data is restricted, and the system is designed for authorised bodies. 

Practical Takeaways for Operators

For EU flights:

• Ensure your drone’s Remote ID is compliant with EASA’s Class mark requirements and Direct Remote ID is active.

• Upload your operator registration number and monitor firmware updates for Remote ID compliance.

For UK flights:

• Confirm your drone’s UK class mark and the applicable Remote ID deadline.

• Make sure Remote ID is enabled before flight and that your operator’s Remote ID number is correctly configured in your equipment.

• Prepare for the 2028 extension if you operate legacy or non-class-marked drones.

Conclusion

Remote ID is an essential part of modern drone regulation - enabling safer skies, accountability, and preparedness for more advanced operations. The EASA and UK frameworks share a common goal but differ in implementation timelines, class-mark relationships, and enforcement approaches.

Understanding these differences is vital for any operator intending to fly in both EU and UK airspace under the respective legal regimes.