FAA mandates drone registration

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - When it comes to drones the grace period is over; the FAA says all drones must be registered, or you could pay the consequences.

The FAA now treats over 350,000 recreational enthusiasts as pilots. Predictions are there are over 1 million drones purchased by the end of last year. That means hundreds still need to be registered before as one attorney says, things could get expensive.

"You could be fined up to $10,000, and if you hurt or damage somebody you could have criminal penalties as well," said James Arrowood.

The process to register is simple, log onto FAA.gov, click register, and enter your information, so the government knows whose drone is whose. That means you're making your name and home address open to the public. For many that makes them nervous.

"There was a lawsuit last night that challenges the FAA's registration process. A lot of hobbyists are concerned about their personal information being put on the internet," said Arrowood.

For now that doesn't matter, you have to register your drone unless you only fly it indoors. Once it goes outside the government says they need to know it is yours.

Registration costs $5, for more information visit www.faa.gov