Can you still buy or fly a DJI drone in the US?

Existing authorized DJI and Autel drones remain legal to own and fly. The October 13 rule blocks new equipment authorizations for covered logic-bearing components.

Yes—there is no new restriction on owning or flying a DJI or Autel drone that was already sold and authorized. The FCC’s Third Report and Order, FCC 26-50, instead blocks new equipment authorizations starting October 13, 2026, for drones that use logic-bearing components from Covered List companies DJI or Autel. Covered parts include flight controllers, radio modules, camera boards, and gimbal controllers; passive items such as housings, batteries, and wiring are excluded.

Equipment already authorized and applications filed before October 13 are grandfathered. That means the immediate effect is on the future U.S. product pipeline, not a grounding order for existing aircraft. If you are buying now, verify that the exact model is authorized for U.S. sale, buy from a reputable seller, keep the receipt and model information, and still follow FAA registration and operating rules.