How to Register Your DJI Avata 2 with the FAA: The Complete Guide
Trying to register your DJI Avata 2 and can't figure out which Remote ID to use? You're not alone. The goggles have a serial number, the drone has one, and it's confusing as hell. I just went through this myself, so let me walk you through exactly how to find the RIGHT serial number and get your Avata 2 legally registered with the FAA in under 15 minutes.
The Quick Answer
You need the AIRCRAFT serial number, NOT the goggles serial number.
It's a 20-digit code that starts with 1581F and is located inside your drone's battery compartment. This is your Remote ID that the FAA requires.
Cost: $5 for 3 years | Time: 15 minutes | Required for: All drones 250g+ (Avata 2 is 377g)
Why the Goggles Serial Number Won't Work
Here's the confusion: when you look at your DJI system, you'll find serial numbers on EVERYTHING - the goggles, the remote controller, the batteries, and the aircraft itself. The FAA only cares about one of these: the drone that's actually flying.
Common Mistake
The DJI Goggles 3 has its own serial number, but this is for internal system purposes only. Remote ID regulations require the AIRCRAFT to broadcast its identity during flight, not the viewing device on your head.
The goggles DO contribute GPS data for pilot location (which is part of Remote ID), but you're not registering the goggles - you're registering the flying drone.
Where to Find Your Avata 2 Remote ID (Serial Number)
There are three places you can find this 20-digit code. I'll show you all three, from easiest to most reliable.
Inside the Battery Compartment (Most Reliable)
Step-by-Step:
- 1 Power OFF your Avata 2 completely
- 2 Press the textured battery buckles on both sides of the battery
- 3 Remove the Intelligent Flight Battery
- 4 Look inside the battery bay for a white or silver sticker with a QR code
- 5 Find the 20-character code labeled "S/N:", "Serial Number:", or "SNID:"
What you're looking for: A code like 1581F4QW000000000000 (may be split across two lines due to length)
Through DJI Fly App
Step-by-Step:
- 1 Power ON your Avata 2, Goggles 3, and remote controller
- 2 Ensure all devices are linked and communicating
- 3 Connect your goggles to your mobile device via USB-C
- 4 Launch the DJI Fly app on your phone
- 5 Tap the three dots icon (⋯) in the top-right corner
- 6 Select "About"
- 7 Scroll down to find "Flight Controller SN" or "Serial Number"
Pro Tip: You may see multiple serial numbers in the app (battery, controller, goggles). Make sure you're recording the "Flight Controller SN" specifically - that's your aircraft serial number.
Directly Through Goggles Menu
Step-by-Step:
- 1 Put on your DJI Goggles 3
- 2 Press the 5D button to open the menu
- 3 Navigate to Settings → About
- 4 Look for "Flight Controller SN" or "Aircraft Serial Number"
Complete FAA Registration Process
Once you have your 20-digit serial number (starting with 1581F), you're ready to register with the FAA. Here's the complete walkthrough.
What You'll Need
Personal Info
- Email address
- Physical address
- Phone number
- Be 13+ years old
Equipment Info
- Aircraft serial number (1581F...)
- Credit/debit card ($5 fee)
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
Step-by-Step Registration at FAA DroneZone
Go to FAA DroneZone
Visit faadronezone.faa.gov and create an account if you don't have one.
Choose Registration Type
Recreational
For hobby/personal flying only. $5 covers ALL your drones for 3 years.
Requires passing free TRUST test first
Part 107 Commercial
For ANY work/business use. $5 per drone for 3 years.
Requires passing Part 107 exam ($175)
Fill Out Drone Information
Critical Fields:
- Does your drone broadcast Remote ID? → Select YES
- Device Type: → Select Standard Remote ID
- Manufacturer: → Enter DJI
- Model: → Enter DJI Avata 2 (exact match required)
- Serial Number: → Enter your complete 20-digit code starting with 1581F
Pay and Receive Certificate
Pay the $5 registration fee with a credit or debit card. You'll immediately receive your registration certificate via email.
Your certificate will include your FAA registration number starting with "FA" followed by additional characters.
Mark Your Drone
REQUIRED BY LAW: Display your FAA registration number on an external surface of your drone visible without tools.
Best Location: Inside the battery door (technically external when battery is removed)
Use a permanent marker or weatherproof label with your "FA" registration number
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Goggles Serial Number
The most common error. The goggles, remote controller, and batteries all have their own serial numbers, but you need the AIRCRAFT serial number only.
Selecting Wrong Remote ID Options
The FAA form has specific dropdown options. Using the wrong ones will cause rejection.
You MUST select:
- ✓ "YES" for broadcasts Remote ID
- ✓ "Standard Remote ID" for device type
- ✓ "DJI Avata 2" exact model name
Forgetting to Mark the Drone
Registration isn't complete until you physically mark your drone with the registration number. This is a federal requirement.
Why the Avata 2 Has Better Remote ID Than Original Avata
Major Improvement: No Phone Required
If you flew the original Avata with Goggles 2, you'll appreciate this: the Avata 2 + Goggles 3 combo doesn't require a phone connection during flight for Remote ID compliance.
Original Avata Problem
Goggles 2 lacked GPS, requiring a phone connected via USB-C throughout entire flight to provide pilot location data for Remote ID.
Avata 2 Solution
Goggles 3 has built-in GPS. After initial activation, fly completely cable-free while remaining Remote ID compliant.
After Registration: What's Next?
Post-Registration Checklist
Carry Your Certificate
Keep your registration certificate (paper or digital) with you when flying. Law enforcement can request to see it.
Verify Remote ID is Broadcasting
Before your first flight, confirm Remote ID is working. Start the motors and use another device to scan for WiFi networks - you should see "RID-" followed by your serial number.
Update Firmware
Keep your Avata 2, goggles, and controller firmware updated. Updates may include Remote ID improvements or required compliance features.
Set Renewal Reminder
Your registration expires after 3 years. Set a calendar reminder for renewal ($5 fee again) to avoid flying with expired registration.
Ready to Take Your Flying to the Next Level?
Now that you're registered, consider becoming a certified commercial drone pilot with our comprehensive Part 107 training series.
Why Get Part 107 Certified?
- Earn Money: Fly commercially for real estate, events, inspections, and more
- Night Operations: Get waivers to fly after dark with proper lighting
- Advanced Airspace: Request authorization for controlled airspace operations
- Career Growth: Stand out in Arizona's growing drone industry
What's Included in the Series
- 8 Comprehensive Parts covering every exam topic in detail
- 300+ Minutes of focused, exam-oriented training
- Airspace & Charts: Master the most challenging topics
- Exam Strategies: Proven techniques for test day success
Complete Training Path
Troubleshooting Common Issues
"Invalid Remote ID Number" Error
Early Avata 2 adopters (April 2024) faced this when the FAA database hadn't updated yet. This is now resolved.
If you still see this error:
- • Verify you entered all 20 digits correctly with no spaces
- • Confirm it starts with 1581F
- • Wait a few hours and try again (database may be updating)
- • Call FAA UAS Support: 844-FLY-MY-UA (844-359-6982)
Can't Find Serial Number Sticker
If the battery compartment sticker is damaged or missing, use the DJI Fly app or goggles menu method instead. The serial number is stored electronically.
Already Registered Without Remote ID Info
The FAA system doesn't allow updating existing registrations to add Remote ID. You must create a NEW device registration with all Remote ID information, then delete the old one.
Quick Reference: Key Numbers
Bottom Line
You've Got This
Registering your DJI Avata 2 is straightforward once you know where to find the aircraft serial number. The whole process takes about 15 minutes and costs just $5.
Remember the key points:
- Use the AIRCRAFT serial number (1581F...), not goggles
- Find it inside the battery compartment or via DJI Fly app
- Select "YES" for Remote ID and "Standard Remote ID" device type
- Mark your drone with the FAA registration number
- Carry your certificate when flying
Ready to Fly Arizona
Now that you're legally registered, it's time to explore Arizona's incredible flying locations. Whether you're hitting the Salt River, navigating Phoenix regulations, or planning desert adventures, I've got guides to help you fly smart and capture amazing footage.
More Arizona Drone Guides
Subscribe for more detailed guides on Arizona drone flying, Part 107 training, equipment reviews, and desert photography techniques.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about FAA drone registration. Regulations may change. Always verify current requirements at faadronezone.faa.gov before flying.
Last updated: October 3, 2025 | Based on current FAA Remote ID regulations and DJI Avata 2 specifications