Citizens can now become drone pilots with any government issued identity and address proof

Exercising the power bestowed upon it by section 5, sub-section 2 of section 10 and sections 10A, 10B, and 12A of the Aircraft Act, 1934 (22 of 1934), the Ministry of Civil Aviation has notified the new Drone (Amendment) Rules 2023 for drone pilots.

After the amendment, it has now been made clear that a government issued proof of identity and a government issued proof of address i.e. Voter ID, Ration Card or Driving License can now be accepted to apply for a Remote Pilot Certificate if the drone pilot does not have a passport.

The prerequisite of having a passport was becoming a hurdle for aspiring drone pilots especially in the agricultural sector across rural India. This effort is to further liberalise, promote and facilitate drone operations across the country and make India a global drone hub by 2030. The rule is effective from the 27th of September 2023.