Fee Notices from the Federal Aviation Office (LBA)

The most important points in brief

• Affected: Registered UAS operators and remote pilots with A1/A3, A2 and/or STS, who were registered or tested from June 18, 2021.
• What happens: The fee notice will be made available in your user account in the next few weeks (expected until the end of 2025); notification via email from "lba-openuav.de".
• Fees: Registration €20, A1/A3 €25, A2/STS €30, renewals €15.
• To-dos: Check email & user account (including spam), retrieve the notice, adhere to deadlines, reset password if necessary.

Who is Affected?

All UAS operators who registered from June 18, 2021, as well as remote pilots who acquired a Proof of Competency A1/A3 or a Remote Pilot Certificate (A2 and/or STS) since this date. Those who qualified before this cut-off date are usually only subject to fees upon renewal (after five years).

How It Works

• You will receive an email from the sender "lba-openuav.de" with the subject: “Gebührenbescheid des Luftfahrt-Bundesamtes – Abrufbar in Ihrem persönlichen Betreiber-/Fernpilotenkonto” (Fee notice from the Federal Aviation Office – Available in your personal operator/remote pilot account).
• The fee notice is exclusively available in your user account and can be retrieved there.
• If no email arrives: Check spam folder and still log into your account regularly.
• The login link and guide for password reset can be found directly on the login page.

Why are the Notices Coming Now?

The fee obligation has been in effect since June 18, 2021 (entry into force of the legal basis) and was openly communicated. Due to the very high number of cases (high six-figure range) and the lack of shop-like administration processes in public aviation administration, there have been delays. The notices are now being created retroactively and sent out successively.

Costs at a Glance

• Registration with the LBA: €20
• Proof of Competency A1/A3 (Issuance): €25
• Remote Pilot Certificate A2 or STS (Issuance): €30
• Renewals (e.g., A2/STS): €15

What You Should Do Now

• Check your user account regularly – even without an email notification (note spam).
• Retrieve the notice and adhere to the payment deadlines stated in the document.
• Forgotten your password? Use the password reset guide on the login page.
• Beware of Phishing: Pay attention to the sender domain "lba-openuav.de" and prefer to log in directly via the known login page.
• Questions/Technical Problems? Contact the functional mailbox of the responsible LBA department.

Short FAQ

I haven't received an email – what now?
Check spam/"junk" and log in directly to your user account. The notices are continuously being made available, expected until the end of 2025.

I acquired my certificate before June 18, 2021.
The fee obligation generally only affects you upon renewal (after five years).

Which deadlines apply?
The deadlines stated in the notice are decisive. Please read the document completely and pay on time.