The new rule was part of federal legislation to increase the regulatory safety and operating framework around Australia's booming unmanned aircraft sector.

While farmers who operate drones up to 25 kilograms over their own land (including leased country) won't need a remote pilot licence, they must register their aircraft and obtain operator accreditation by January 28 next year. No fees will apply until next June.

Drone registration and operator accreditation applications can be made through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) online portal.

Any drone (remotely piloted aircraft) flown for work or on behalf of an employer must be registered with CASA no matter how much it weighs.

So far more than 12,500 drones have been registered with CASA and more than 1300 organisations nationally have taken advantage of the initial free registration period.

Drone registration is valid for 12 months and can be done online by visiting the the CASA website and signing into myCASA to begin.

As well as being registered, all drones used for business purposes will need to be flown by a pilot with accreditation or a remote pilot's licence.

Operator accreditation is free, valid for three years and can also be completed online via myCASA.

Drones flown for recreation or sport don't need to be registered.

You must be 16 or older to register a drone.