Foreign Aircraft Permit Application Lead Time

Verified from official sources
Information for International UAS Operators in the United States | Obtain Economic AuthorityVersion 1Effective -Verified 22 August 2026

In plain language

Apply for your DOT foreign aircraft permit at least 15 days (and ideally 30 days, as processing can take that long) before your planned start date if your drone is registered in your home country.

Requirement as structured

If your UAS is registered in your home country, you must submit an application for a foreign aircraft permit at least 15 days before the proposed start date of the operation.

Original regulatory text

If your UAS or drone is registered in your home country, submit an application to obtain a foreign aircraft permit at least 15 days in advance of the proposed start date of the operation.

Applies when

country
United States
operation
commercial
operator type
foreign
regulatory category
General
uas registered home country
true