As of October 2026, the DJI drones still available in the US are the models the FCC approved before 22 December 2025. These include the Mavic 4 Pro, Mini 5 Pro and Air 3S. Stock is shrinking and comes mostly from third-party sellers, and no new DJI model can be legally sold. Last checked: October 2026. Stock changes daily, so confirm the seller before you buy.
DJI Drones Still Available in the US
There is no official list of US stock, because DJI says it is not officially importing many of its drones. The table shows what is legal to sell and what reports say about each model. We could not confirm live stock for every model today.
| Model | Legal to sell? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Mavic 4 Pro | Yes, approved before the listing | DJI said in early 2026 that it had not officially launched this model in the US. Units come from third-party sellers. |
| Mini 5 Pro | Yes | Same situation as the Mavic 4 Pro. |
| Air 3S | Yes | Reported in stock at third-party sellers in 2025 and 2026. Availability varies. |
| Mini 4 Pro, Mavic 3 Pro, Avata 2 | Yes | Limited stock. Listings appear and sell out. |
| Neo 2, Neo, Flip | Yes | Entry-level models that have been reported on sale at times. |
| Any new 2026 DJI model | No | Cannot get FCC approval, so it cannot be legally sold. |
The approved models stay legal to own, fly and resell. Always match the model to its FCC ID before you pay. For the full rules, read Is DJI banned in the US?
DJI Drones Blocked in the US
New DJI products that had no FCC approval by 22 December 2025 are blocked. DJI told the Ninth Circuit court that about 25 products planned for 2026 are stuck. DJI gear that has skipped the US includes the Osmo Pocket 4 camera and the SDR Transmission 2 video link, according to DroneXL.
| Item | Status in the US |
|---|---|
| New DJI drones | Blocked |
| New DJI cameras and accessories with radios | Blocked |
| Drones approved before 22 December 2025 | Legal to own, fly and sell |
| Batteries, propellers and other parts without radios | No FCC approval needed |
Blocked does not mean banned from use. Nobody has to stop flying a drone they already own.
Why New DJI Models Are Blocked
New DJI models are blocked because the FCC will not grant them equipment authorization. Here is how that came about.
FCC Covered List Trigger
A 2024 law, the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act, set a deadline of 23 December 2025 for a US security agency to review DJI. No agency completed a review, so DJI was added to the FCC’s Covered List. On 22 December 2025 the FCC also added all foreign-made drones and critical drone parts, after a national security finding by the executive branch. Autel was covered by the same 2024 law.
New Model Authorization Halt
Without FCC authorization, a radio device cannot be legally marketed in the US. That is why DJI’s new drones cannot launch here. DJI says about 25 unreleased 2026 products are stuck and that the FCC never named a specific threat from its products.
DJI is fighting the decision in two places:
- It asked the FCC to reconsider on 21 January 2026. That request is still pending with the full Commission.
- It filed a petition in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in February 2026 (No. 26-1029). On 28 May 2026 the court denied the FCC’s motion to dismiss and paused the case until the FCC acts. DJI’s opening brief is due 2 November 2026.
There is no ruling on the merits yet.
Import And Certification Limits
Importing a drone that has no FCC approval is not legal, and customs can seize it. Already-approved models can still be imported and sold.
Two more FCC actions are worth knowing:
- From 13 October 2026, the FCC will reject new applications for any drone that contains DJI or Autel circuit boards, even if the drone is built in the US. Equipment that is already approved is not affected.
- In PS Docket 26-189, the FCC has proposed to bar the import and sale of some already-approved foreign “military-grade” drones (with features such as thermal imaging, LiDAR, docking stations or swarming) after a 180-day wind-down. We found no final rule as of 1 October 2026.
What Current DJI Owners Can Do
You can keep flying. Nothing in the Covered List stops you from using a drone you already own. Here is what to do:
- Keep your firmware current. The FCC allows updates for already-approved drones until at least 1 January 2029.
- Follow FAA rules. Register drones of 250 g or more, use Remote ID, and pass the TRUST test if you fly for fun.
- Buy a spare battery or two, not a stockpile. Batteries and propellers are the parts you are most likely to need. Lithium batteries age even in storage, so keep them cool at around half charge.
- Keep your receipt and serial number. You will need them for any warranty or repair claim.
Our guide to DJI firmware updates after the Covered List explains the update waiver in more detail.
Where to Buy DJI Drones Legally
There is no single official path for new stock. DJI’s own US store has often shown its drones as out of stock, so buyers rely on third-party sellers. We could not confirm today’s stock on DJI’s US store.
Authorized Retailers
Third-party listings on Amazon, camera stores such as B&H and Adorama, and local drone shops have carried approved DJI models, according to DroneDJ and UAV Coach. These sellers are not DJI itself, and DJI has said that some of these sales are not authorized by DJI.
Use this checklist:
- Confirm the model was approved before 22 December 2025. DJI FCC IDs start with SS3.
- Prefer a known camera store or local shop over an unknown marketplace seller. Scam listings are a real risk.
- Ask in writing whether the warranty is valid in the US. DJI warranties can be region-locked.
- Keep the invoice.
Legal Purchase Paths
Buying a used drone is legal, because a resale is not a new import. Buying an approved model from a seller abroad is also legal, but the warranty may not cover you in the US, and a model without FCC approval can be seized at customs.
Should You Buy a DJI Drone in 2026?
Buy now if you want a DJI and you are happy with a model from the table above. Stock will only shrink, and no new DJI models are coming. Be ready for these trade-offs:
- A limited or unclear warranty, depending on the seller.
- Possible repair delays when parts are short.
- No new DJI models in the US this year.
Skip DJI if you need a drone for government work, public safety, or a business that must use US-made or NDAA-compliant gear. Look at the alternatives below instead.
How the Ban Affects Repairs and Parts
The bigger question for owners is whether a drone can be kept flying. The ban does not stop repairs, but supply is tight.
| Item | Today | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Firmware updates | Allowed until at least 1 January 2029 | Could end after that date |
| Parts with radios (controllers, flight units) | Legal if approved before the listing | Supply may run short |
| Batteries and propellers | Widely sold | Stock may thin out |
| Repairs and Care Refresh claims | Reported delays | Slower service |
Owners on forums report that DJI support asked some customers to wait on Care Refresh claims because of parts shortages, and one owner got a replacement shipped from Canada after about a month. We could not find an official DJI statement about a change in repair policy as of October 2026. If you have a claim, contact DJI support directly.
DJI Alternatives Worth Considering
Other foreign-made drones face the same block on new models. That includes Autel, which is Chinese-owned and also on the Covered List, so it is not a safe DJI replacement. Drones made in the US are not affected.
Examples for work, public safety and inspection:
- Skydio X10: US-made, with Blue UAS status, built for inspection and public safety.
- Parrot ANAFI USA: built in Massachusetts, with a 32x zoom camera.
- Freefly Astro: a US-made drone for mapping and inspection.
- Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat and IF1200A: US-made drones for professional work.
Few US-made drones target hobby and creator use, so there is no easy swap for a DJI Mini. Compare payload, flight time, software and service support before you switch.
How the DJI Ban Changes Drone Buying in 2026
Buying a drone in the US now starts with one question: is this model already FCC-approved? Use this order:
- Pick a model that was approved before 22 December 2025.
- Check its FCC ID and the seller.
- Confirm the warranty and return rules.
- If you need US-made or NDAA-compliant gear, choose a US-made drone instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Drone to Buy if DJI Is Banned?
It depends on what you need. For hobby or photography, a DJI model approved before 22 December 2025 (such as the Mini 5 Pro, Air 3S or Mavic 4 Pro) is still the easiest choice while stock lasts. For public safety, inspection or government work, choose a US-made drone such as the Skydio X10 or Parrot ANAFI USA. Avoid new Autel models, because Autel is also on the Covered List.
Can I Still Fly My DJI Drone in the US After a Ban?
Yes. The Covered List affects new sales, not drones people already own. Follow the FAA rules: register drones of 250 g or more, use Remote ID, and check the airspace before each flight. A Mavic 4 Pro owner, for example, can keep flying it as before.
Can DJI Drones Still Be Purchased in the USA?
Yes, but only models the FCC approved before 22 December 2025. Stock is limited and mostly from third-party sellers, so check the seller, the FCC ID and the warranty first.
Which DJI Drones Are Banned in the US?
No existing DJI model is banned. What is blocked is every new DJI model that lacked FCC approval by 22 December 2025. DJI says about 25 products planned for 2026 are affected.
Conclusion
As of October 2026, you can still buy DJI drones that the FCC approved before 22 December 2025, including the Mavic 4 Pro, Mini 5 Pro and Air 3S. Stock is limited and mostly comes from third-party sellers. New DJI models are blocked, and the court case could take months. If you want one, check the FCC ID, the seller and the warranty, then buy while stock lasts. Last checked: October 2026.
