DJI Remote ID & Serial Numbers: What They Are & Why They Matter

Finding your DJI drone's Remote ID serial number is essential for FAA compliance and troubleshooting. You'll need this information when registering your drone or if you encounter technical issues.

The number isn't always in plain sight, and many drone pilots struggle to locate it during their initial setup.

Whether you're a new drone owner or preparing for a flight in regulated airspace, knowing where to find this critical identifier will save you time and potential legal headaches.

Quick Reference: Where to Find Your Remote ID

Three Primary Ways to Find Your Remote ID Serial Number

In the DJI Fly App

The DJI Fly app serves as your gateway to accessing the Remote ID serial number on your drone. When you open the app, connect to your drone and tap the three dots in the upper right corner to enter the menu.

From there, select "Aircraft Status" and navigate to the "About" section.

You'll find the Remote ID serial number listed clearly among the device information details. This unique identifier is essential for FAA compliance and helps authorities identify your drone during flight. The serial number typically consists of alphanumeric characters specific to your drone model.

I always make it a habit to double-check this in the app before I even leave the house for a flight, especially after a firmware update. It only takes a second and saves a lot of hassle in the field.

If you've recently updated your firmware, you might need to reconnect your drone to refresh the information display.

Remember to note this number down somewhere accessible for quick reference when registering your drone or filing flight plans.

On the Drone's Airframe Label

For physical access to your Remote ID serial number, check the airframe label on your DJI drone. This label is typically located on the bottom of the drone or inside the battery compartment, depending on your specific model.

On most DJI drones, you'll find a small sticker containing several identification numbers. Look for a 16-character alphanumeric code labeled as "Serial Number" or "S/N."

Honestly, this is the method I trust most. The app is great, but a physical label doesn't change. The very first thing I do with a new drone is take a crystal-clear photo of this label and save it to my cloud storage. It's my ultimate backup.

Tips for Reading the Label

If you're having trouble locating or reading the label, the print may be quite small. Try these tips:

• Use your phone's camera: Take a picture of the label and zoom in to read the small print clearly.

• Use a bright light: Shine a flashlight at an angle across the label to make the characters more visible.

• Clean the surface: If the area is dirty, gently wipe it with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.

On the Original Packaging or User Manual

The user manual that came with your drone is another reliable source. Check the first few pages where product information is listed, or look for a dedicated "Device Information" section.

Some DJI manuals include a specific area where the serial number is pre-printed or where you're instructed to record it.

Keep your packaging and documentation in a safe place after purchase, as they contain valuable information you'll need for registration, warranty claims, and compliance requirements.

I know it feels like clutter, but I strongly recommend holding onto the original box for at least the first year. It’s not just for the serial number; if you ever need to send the drone for repair or decide to sell it, having the original packaging is a huge plus.

Different DJI drone models display the Remote ID number in slightly different menu locations

While the methods above are the most reliable, accessing the number through your drone's specific menu system gives you immediate verification. Menu locations can vary slightly between DJI models.

If the Remote ID serial number cannot be found, DJI support can assist in retrieving it.

In rare instances where you can't locate your Remote ID serial number through either the drone's menus or documentation, DJI's customer support team provides several ways to retrieve this critical information.

You can contact DJI support via their live chat feature on the official website, which typically offers the fastest response.

When contacting support, have your drone's other identifying information ready, such as its standard serial number (different from the Remote ID) and your DJI account details.

Before you even start a chat with support, I'd suggest having your proof of purchase (like a digital receipt) handy as it just speeds up the whole verification process.

What to Do With Your Remote ID Number

Once you have located your Remote ID serial number, here are the essential next steps to ensure you are compliant and prepared.

Registering with the FAA

The primary reason to find this number is for FAA registration. You will need to enter this specific Remote ID serial number into the FAA DroneZone website when you register your drone or update your existing registration.

This links your drone's broadcast signal directly to your drone pilot information.

When you're on the DroneZone site, be very careful with this number. It's a long string of characters, and it's easy to make a typo. I always find the number in the app, copy it, and then paste it directly to avoid any mistakes.

Keeping a Personal Record

It's wise to keep a permanent record of your Remote ID serial number separate from the drone itself.

Take a clear photo of the label on the airframe and save it in a secure digital location. Additionally, write it down with your drone's purchase receipt and other important documents.

This will be invaluable if you ever need it for insurance claims, support tickets, or if the label on the drone becomes unreadable.

My personal system is to have a dedicated 'drone' folder in my cloud drive. It contains a photo of the serial number label, a PDF of the receipt, and a text file with the Remote ID number typed out. It's saved me more than once when I needed the info and wasn't near my drone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Now that you have your Remote ID serial number, you're one step closer to flying safely and in full compliance with regulations. Keep it safe, register it correctly with the FAA, and enjoy your flights with peace of mind.