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Short answer: No – you can still legally own, fly and update a DJI drone in the United States. What changed is that new DJI models can no longer get FCC approval, which means DJI drones released after December 2025 cannot legally be sold in the US. Since October 13, 2026, the restriction also covers DJI parts inside other companies’ drones.
Here is what is actually restricted, what is not, and what it means if you fly DJI for fun or for work.
What happened: DJI was added to the FCC Covered List
On December 22, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission added foreign-produced drones and drone components – naming DJI and Autel specifically – to its Covered List. The Covered List is the FCC’s list of communications equipment judged to pose an unacceptable national security risk. The move followed a review required by Section 1709 of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act and a White House-convened interagency finding the day before.
Being on the Covered List has one main effect: the FCC will not grant new equipment authorizations to that company’s products. Every drone sold in the US needs an FCC authorization because it transmits radio signals. No new authorization means no new models on US shelves.
What is still allowed
- Flying the DJI drone you already own. The Covered List does not ground existing drones. The FAA has not banned DJI aircraft from US airspace.
- Buying models that were approved before December 22, 2025. Drones with an existing FCC authorization can still be imported and sold. For example, the DJI Avata 360 received its authorization in November 2025, a month before the cutoff, so it can still be sold legally.
- Firmware and app updates. The FCC issued a waiver allowing software updates for already-authorized DJI drones, and has extended it through January 1, 2029.
- Using DJI under Part 107 for commercial work, unless your client or contract says otherwise (see below).
What is restricted
- New DJI models. Any DJI drone that did not have FCC authorization by December 22, 2025 cannot be legally marketed in the US. Expect US buyers to miss out on new releases, and be careful with gray-market imports that may lack a US warranty.
- DJI parts inside other drones (from October 13, 2026). A new FCC rule bars new authorizations for any device containing a “logic-bearing” component – such as a flight controller, radio module, camera board or gimbal controller – made by a Covered List company. A US-assembled drone that uses a DJI or Autel flight controller can no longer get a new FCC approval. Equipment that was already authorized is not affected.
- Federal purchasing. Separate from the FCC, the NDAA has for years restricted federal agencies from buying or using DJI and other Chinese-made drones. Many states have similar rules for state agencies. Our guide to what the NDAA drone ban actually restricts explains how these overlap.
DJI ban timeline
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| Dec 22, 2025 | FCC adds foreign drones and components, naming DJI and Autel, to the Covered List. No new FCC authorizations. |
| Jan 2026 | FCC allows firmware updates for existing DJI drones; DJI asks the FCC to reconsider. |
| Feb 20, 2026 | DJI sues the FCC in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. |
| May 2026 | Court declines the government’s first request to dismiss and pauses the case until November. Firmware waiver extended to January 1, 2029. |
| Jul–Sep 2026 | FCC adopts the component rule and proposes further limits on “military-grade” foreign drones; the proposal draws thousands of public comments, overwhelmingly opposed. |
| Oct 13, 2026 | Component rule takes effect: no new authorizations for devices containing DJI or Autel logic-bearing parts. |
| Oct 14–16, 2026 | FCC adds Pentagon letters to the record (saying it did not rely on them for the listing) and files a renewed motion to dismiss DJI’s lawsuit. |
What could change next
Three things to watch:
- DJI’s lawsuit. DJI’s challenge in the Ninth Circuit is still at an early stage, with briefs due in November and December 2026. The FCC argues the case is premature because it has not ruled on DJI’s reconsideration request. A court ruling in DJI’s favour is possible but not likely to come quickly.
- The FCC’s reconsideration decision. The FCC says it is analysing DJI’s request. It could keep, narrow or, in theory, reverse the listing.
- The “military-grade” proposal. A separate FCC proposal would go further and restrict continued imports and marketing of some already-approved foreign drones based on their capabilities. No decision has been made. If adopted, it is the change most likely to affect drones currently on sale.
What this means for you
If you fly DJI for fun
Nothing changes for the drone you own. Keep flying, keep updating, and follow the usual recreational rules. If you plan to buy, a model that is already sold in the US through official channels is the safe choice; you will likely not get access to DJI’s newest releases.
If you fly DJI for work
You can keep using your DJI fleet for Part 107 work. The bigger risk is your customers: government agencies, utilities, critical-infrastructure owners and many large companies already require non-Chinese drones, and that list is growing. If you bid on that kind of work – or want room to grow your fleet in a few years – start planning a mixed or non-Chinese fleet now. Our guide to real DJI alternatives compares the options.
B&H stocks drones and payloads from several brands, which makes it easy to compare current prices and availability on non-DJI options in one place.
If you are buying a fleet for an agency or enterprise
Check three things before you buy: the FCC Covered List status of the aircraft and its key components, whether it is on the Department of Defense Blue UAS list, and any state or contract rules that apply to you. For the bigger picture on supply, read how much of the drone supply chain the US actually controls.
FAQ
Is DJI banned in the US?
Not for owners. You can still own, fly and update DJI drones. What is banned is FCC approval for new DJI models, so DJI drones released after December 22, 2025 cannot be sold in the US.
Can I still fly my DJI drone?
Yes. The FCC listing does not ground existing drones, and the FAA has not banned DJI aircraft.
Will my DJI drone stop working or stop getting updates?
No. The FCC has allowed firmware and software updates for already-approved DJI drones through at least January 1, 2029.
Can I still buy a DJI drone in the US?
Yes, if the model received FCC authorization before December 22, 2025 and is sold through legitimate US channels. Newer models are not authorized for US sale.
Is Autel banned too?
Autel was added to the Covered List at the same time as DJI and is under the same restrictions.
Can I use a DJI drone for government work?
Usually not. Federal agencies are restricted from buying or using DJI drones under the NDAA, and many states have similar rules. Check your contract.
Related reading
- What the NDAA drone ban actually restricts (and what it doesn’t)
- Real DJI alternatives for buyers who can’t use Chinese hardware
- Why does China dominate the global drone market?
- Part 107 certification cost and study guide
Last updated October 25, 2026. This is a fast-moving story; we update this page as the FCC and the courts act. This article is general information, not legal advice.