EU drone Remote ID rules explained
In the EU, Remote ID is called Direct Remote Identification and is governed by EASA regulations, not the US FAA rule. The idea is the same — drones broadcast who and where they are — but the details, drone classes and terminology differ. Here's the plain-English version.
What is EU Direct Remote Identification?
It's the EU's Remote ID scheme: certain drones must continuously broadcast their identity and position directly over radio (Bluetooth or WiFi) so anyone nearby can receive it. It's part of the EASA "Open" and "Specific" category framework and ties into the drone class marks (C0–C6).
Which drones need it?
Broadly, drones in the higher class marks — C1, C2, C3 and C5/C6 — must carry Direct Remote Identification, while the smallest toys (C0 and most sub-250 g drones) generally don't. Operators in the Specific category typically need it too. Exact thresholds are set by EASA and evolve, so check current rules for your class.
What does it broadcast?
A drone operator registration number, a unique serial, the drone's live position and altitude, the route/time, and the operator's position — conceptually the same message content as elsewhere, carried over the same ASD-STAN / ASTM-aligned broadcast so standard receivers can read it.
How does it differ from the US rule?
| EU (EASA) | US (FAA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Direct Remote Identification | Remote ID |
| Framework | Open / Specific + class marks C0–C6 | Standard vs Broadcast Module |
| Operator ID | Operator registration number | Registration / serial |
| Transport | Bluetooth / WiFi broadcast | Bluetooth / WiFi broadcast |
| Receiving it | Same radios — a dual-transport receiver reads both | |
The frameworks and paperwork differ, but the broadcast is technically aligned. A receiver that reads WiFi and Bluetooth Remote ID works on both sides of the Atlantic — the regulations differ, the radio does not. See the US FAA rules for the other side.
How do you receive EU Remote ID?
With any receiver that scans Bluetooth (Legacy + Long Range) and WiFi Remote ID. Because EU Direct Remote Identification uses the same broadcast transports, a standard dual-transport receiver picks it up with no special configuration beyond covering both radios.
D.A.R.S. receives Direct Remote Identification exactly as it receives Remote ID anywhere else: WiFi in monitor mode plus dual-PHY Bluetooth, decoded to a live map on your phone. It doesn't care which regulator mandated the broadcast — if a drone is transmitting, D.A.R.S. reads it.
This is not legal advice. EASA rules and national implementations change and vary by country. Confirm the current requirements for your drone class and operation with your national aviation authority before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
Is EU Remote ID the same as US Remote ID?
The regulations differ — the EU calls it Direct Remote Identification under EASA class marks, the US calls it Remote ID under the FAA — but the broadcast is technically aligned, so the same WiFi and Bluetooth receiver reads both.
Which EU drones must broadcast Remote ID?
Broadly the higher class marks (C1, C2, C3, C5/C6) and most Specific-category operations, while the smallest C0 and many sub-250 g drones generally don't. Thresholds are set by EASA and change, so check the current rule for your class.
Can I receive EU Direct Remote Identification with a normal receiver?
Yes. It uses the same Bluetooth and WiFi broadcast transports as elsewhere, so any receiver that covers both — like D.A.R.S. — reads it without special configuration.
Receive Remote ID anywhere in the EU
D.A.R.S. reads Direct Remote Identification over WiFi and Bluetooth and plots it on your phone — same radio, any regulator. One-time €34, per device.
See D.A.R.S. →