USA - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released its registration requirements and program for drones in the U.S., including price and methods to attach names to the growing tech trend.

While the new program does encompass all drone practices, TechCrunch reports that it is more a system of accountability to “hobbyists” who otherwise might not have reason to heed the FAA’s restrictions on drone flying.

“Make no mistake: unmanned aircraft enthusiast are aviators, and with that title comes a great deal of responsibility,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said, TechCrunch reports. “Registration gives us an opportunity to work with these users to operate their unmanned aircraft safely. I’m excited to welcome these new aviators into the culture of safety and responsibility that defines American innovation.”

The FAA is making registration free for the first 30 days, after which there will be a $5 fee. Those who already own drones have until February 19, 2016 to register, which can be done either online or paper-based. Any who purchase their drones after December 21, 2015 have to register before their first flight.

This new system applies to all drones weighing at or under 55 pounds, including everything on board or attached. When flying, the pilot or whoever is using the pilot’s drone has to carry a copy of the registration. Penalties and fines for not complying were not addressed.

According to the FAA, sales for 2015 indicate that “1.6 million small unmanned aircraft intended to be used as model aircraft are expected to be sold this year,” including about 50 percent of that total during the fourth quarter of 2015.

Click here to see the full official FAA document regarding the new registration requirements, which go into effect on December 21st. Once enacted, you can register your drone at www.faa.gov/uas/registration.

FAA