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University of Wisconsin–Madison

Research Knowledge Base

Guidance for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Registration and Insurance

The page provides guidance unmanned aircraft systems registration and insurance including FAA registration, insurance for operations by UW personnel, insurance for operations by non UW personnel.

FAA registration

All UAS owned by the University, operated on UW premises or in connection with UW activities must be registered with the FAA. UAS owned by the UW, whether purchased by, constructed by or donated to the UW, shall be registered under "The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System" as a "Non-Model Aircraft" at the following website https://registermyuas.faa.gov/. UW units that purchase or otherwise own UAS shall maintain a copy of the registration certificate. Applicants will include the registration number in the application for UAS operations.

Insurance for Operations by UW Personnel

All UAS operated in connection with UW-related activities must be insured for liability and property damage coverage. UW-owned UAS will be covered by the State of Wisconsin's Property and Liability Program, and the UW unit that owns the UAS is responsible for the costs of such insurance as determined the UW Office of Risk Management and the State Department of Administration.

Insurance for Operations by Non-UW Personnel

Contract UAS operators are required to add "The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System" as an additional insured on their UAS insurance policy and provide proof of liability insurance to the UW Office of Risk Management prior to engaging in UAS operations on UW premises or in connection with UW activities. The specific insurance requirements, including the amounts of insurance, are determined by the Office of Risk Management, and may vary depending on the nature of the proposed UAS operation.


Keywords: guidance for unmanned aircraft systems registration and insurance FAA registration insurance for operations by UW personnel insurance for operations non-uw personnel