Drone Registration in Malaysia: A 2026 Step-by-Step Guide for CAAM’s UAS-TMS

If you are trying to navigate the drone registration Malaysia process, know this: operating a commercial drone without CAAM approval means you are flying illegally. Historically, enforcement was inconsistent in Malaysia. However, that reality is changing fast. CAAM is aggressively rolling out the new UAS-TMS (UAS Traffic Management System). Therefore, getting away with unregistered flights is about to become nearly impossible.

You need to get your paperwork sorted immediately. Waiting for an enforcement crackdown is a terrible business strategy. Here is exactly how the drone registration Malaysia process actually works in 2026.

What Actually Needs to Be Registered?

First, you must register every single drone used for commercial purposes. What exactly counts as “commercial”? Basically, if a client pays you for the flight, it is commercial. For instance, this includes 3D mapping, agricultural spraying, facade inspections, and paid photography.

Furthermore, the company owner must register the drone. The pilot does not register the hardware. If your company owns five drones, the company registers all five. Meanwhile, your pilots hold their own individual certifications.

Step-by-Step: The Drone Registration Malaysia Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Before you even open the online portal, gather your paperwork. You will need proof of ownership, such as a purchase invoice. Additionally, you need your drone’s exact specifications, including the serial number and radio frequency. You must also provide your company’s SSM registration.

Most importantly, you need SIRIM approval documentation. Fortunately, if you bought a major brand like DJI Enterprise locally, the authorized distributor usually includes this paperwork in the box.

Step 2: Register on the CAAM e-Portal

Next, log into the official [Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM)] portal under the UAS section. You will create an account and submit the registration form.

Watch out for common errors. For example, mismatched serial numbers or missing SIRIM references will instantly freeze your application. Consequently, you will have to resubmit everything and restart the 14-day waiting period. Check every single field twice.

Step 3: Pay the Registration Fee

After that, you must pay the official registration fee. CAAM charges this fee per drone, not per company. Simply process the payment directly through the e-portal.

Step 4: Mark Your Drone

Once approved, CAAM issues a unique registration number for your specific aircraft. You must physically and permanently mark this number on your drone. Specifically, if an inspector visits your job site, this sticker is the very first thing they will look for.

Remember: RCoC-B is Completely Separate

Drone registration and pilot certification are two entirely different things. Registering your hardware does not legally give you permission to fly it.

Every commercial pilot must still hold a valid RCoC-B (Remote Pilot Certificate of Competency – Basic) license. Thus, you need a registered drone and a certified pilot to operate legally. You cannot skip either one.

The UAS-TMS: Prepare for What is Coming

Finally, you must prepare for the fully integrated UAS-TMS. Once this system goes completely live, it will require real-time digital tracking. Your drone will need remote identification hardware to broadcast its location.

As a result, CAAM will track active operations instantly. Therefore, operators who register now will find the transition incredibly easy. Conversely, unregistered operators will face massive roadblocks and fines.

Have questions about the drone registration Malaysia process or the upcoming UAS-TMS transition?We deal with this compliance every single day. Reach out to the LangiTech Aerial team, and we will happily point you in the right direction.