Transport Canada recently became aware of sales of wallet-sized “Transport Canada Drone Pilot Certificate” and “Transport Canada Certificate of Registration” via eBay through a seller located in the United States. There were listings where the Drone Pilot Certificate and Certificate of Registration were sold separately and individually.

The seller claims to be able to reduce the Transport Canada’s RPAS pilot certificate and drone registration documentation into wallet-sized cards and uses the Transport Canada logo and symbols to convey authenticity. Although the sellers also note that the cards are only replicas of the official Transport Canada documentation and they are for convenience, where you can show compliance efficiently, the cards will not be accepted as a valid form of documentation.

The listing has since been taken down by the seller.

TC does not accept these altered cards as valid RPAS pilot certificates or drone registration documentation.

Transport Canada reminds all drone pilots that they must carry a valid drone pilot certificate at all times while operating their drone and no other form of certification will be accepted under s. 901.57 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations. Drone pilots are required to have access to their Basic or Advanced Operations Certificate, either printed or electronic version, as issued by Transport Canada. Failure to properly comply with CAR 901.57 could result in a fine of up to $1,000 for an individual or up to $5,000 for a corporation.