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Drone Authority

FCC status checker

Is my drone banned in the US?

Pick the aircraft. The result separates what is final from what is only proposed, and says what it means for owning one, buying one, or procuring one. Checked September 2, 2026.

Aerial view used for the FCC status checker

Check an aircraft

Choose a model or type a brand. The result lists what is final, what is only proposed, and what is not established for that aircraft, with the document behind each line.

The short version

On December 21, 2025, a White House-convened interagency body issued an affirmative national-security determination under Section 1709 of the FY2025 NDAA, and the FCC implemented it the next day by adding DJI to the Covered List. The action was categorical, covering all foreign-produced drones rather than DJI alone.

A Covered List entry blocks new FCC equipment authorizations. New models cannot receive the authorization required to be imported and sold in the U.S. Drones already in the country stay legal to own and operate.

On July 17, 2026 the FCC opened PS Docket 26-184 and proposed, under Section 2.939(e), limiting the existing FCC authorizations of specified equipment from nine company groups so it could no longer be imported or marketed. Marketing includes advertising, distribution, and sale. It is a proposal, not a final rule, and the notice says a final restriction would not affect continued use of equipment already purchased.

What is final and what is proposed

  1. December 22, 2025

    Final

    DJI added to the FCC Covered List after a Section 1709 determination. New foreign-produced drones cannot receive new equipment authorizations.

    FCC Covered List

  2. June 2026

    Final

    A narrow import lane opens for low-capability toy drones. The DJI Neo does not qualify.

    FCC Public Notice DA 26-588, toy drone import lane

  3. July 17, 2026

    Proposed

    PS Docket 26-184 proposes ending import and marketing of specified equipment from nine company groups. Already-purchased equipment would not be affected.

    FCC Public Notice DA 26-742, PS Docket 26-184

  4. July 2026

    Final

    FCC IDs must appear on marketplace listings, which is how a buyer checks a specific model.

    FCC 26-50, FCC IDs on marketplace listings

  5. August 13, 2026

    Final

    A proclamation sets a 25 percent tariff on covered nonthermal drones at or below 25 kilograms and 100 percent on thermal aircraft, effective September 3.

    Presidential proclamation adjusting imports of unmanned aircraft systems

  6. Through January 1, 2029

    Final

    Firmware-update waiver for already-authorized foreign drones, so existing fleets keep software support.

    FCC Public Notice DA 26-454, firmware update waiver

Common questions

Is DJI banned in the US?

Not in the sense that you cannot own or fly one. DJI is on the FCC Covered List as of December 22, 2025, which blocks new DJI models from receiving the FCC authorization required to be imported and sold. Drones already in the country stay legal to own and operate, and already-authorized stock can be sold while it lasts.

Is SkyRover, Specta, or Xtra banned?

Not yet. A July 17, 2026 FCC proposal in PS Docket 26-184 would limit the existing authorizations of specified equipment from nine company groups, including the makers of SkyRover, Specta, and Xtra, so it could no longer be imported or marketed. It is a proposal, and the notice says a final restriction would not affect equipment already purchased.

Will my existing drone stop working?

No. The Covered List affects new equipment authorizations and imports, not aircraft already in service. The FCC also extended the firmware-update waiver for already-authorized foreign drones through at least January 1, 2029, so existing units keep receiving software support.

Does the drone tariff apply to me?

It applies at import. From September 3, 2026, covered nonthermal drones at or below 25 kilograms carry a 25 percent tariff and thermal aircraft carry 100 percent. A buyer sees it as price, not as a restriction on owning or flying.

How do I check a specific model?

Look up its FCC ID. Whether a new model can be imported and sold turns on its FCC equipment authorization, and FCC 26-50 requires FCC IDs on marketplace listings. Search the ID at the FCC's equipment authorization database.

Related

Educational, not legal advice. Regulations change; verify the current record with the FCC and the FAA before you buy, import, or bid.