The short answer for a DJI Mini isn't obvious: you don't need to pass an exam, but you do need to register. That's because weight and camera decide two different things. Let's take them in order.
Why the Mini needs no exam
The pilot exam in the Open category is mandatory if a drone weighs 250 g or more or carries a C1–C4 class mark. A DJI Mini weighs under 250 g and usually has no class mark, so to fly it in the A1 subcategory you don't need to sit the online exam or hold a certificate.
That does not mean "fly however you like" — the baseline rules always apply (more on that below). But the theory exam itself isn't needed for a Mini.
Why registration is still required
UAS operator registration doesn't depend on weight — it depends on what the drone can do. It's mandatory if the drone is heavier than 250 g OR fitted with a camera (a sensor that captures personal data). A DJI Mini has a camera, so registration is mandatory despite the light weight.
What to do:
- Register as a UAS operator at
https://e.caa.gov.lv/. - Pay the €5 (registration is valid for one year).
- Mark the drone with the operator number you receive.
You can check whether your drone falls under registration with the weight-check calculator.
The rules that always apply
Even with a light Mini, keep to the Open-category baseline: a height of up to 120 m, flight within visual line of sight (VLOS), and never over assemblies of people. Before take-off, check the airspace — the only official source is the airspace.lv/drones map.
When you will need the certificate
The certificate (after the free A1/A3 exam) is needed the moment you step past a Mini: a drone of 250 g or more or with a C1–C4 class, or flying closer to people in the A2 subcategory. If you're unsure which category your case is, run the category chooser.
A general explainer on who needs a licence at all is in do I need a drone licence in Latvia, and the registration of light drones is covered in more depth in do I need to register a drone under 250 g.
What next
If you plan to grow — from a Mini to something more serious — it's easier to learn the theory once. Online prep for the A1/A3 exam lives on the course page, and the whole beginner path from buying a drone to a prepared first flight is in the step-by-step guide. How to get the certificate itself is described in how to get an A1/A3 licence.
