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FAA Requiring Most Drones To Be Registered And Marked

(CBS / AP) -- Owners of many small drones and model airplanes will have to register them with the government.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced the requirement Monday in response to increasing reports of drones flying near manned aircraft and airports.

Earlier this month, a drone had a close call with a California Highway Patrol helicopter searching for a stolen car near Martinez.

FAA Drone Registry Website

The requirement covers aircraft weighing from a half pound to 55 pounds. Drone owners who are 13 and older will have to register on an FAA website that's available starting Dec. 21. The FAA expects parents to register for younger children.

Registration will cost $5, but the fee will be waived for the first 30 days. Owners will have to mark aircraft with an identification number.

Those who got drones before Dec. 21 must register by Feb. 19. People who buy them later must register before their first outdoor flight.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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