Download Free Drone Invoice Templates

Download a template, then edit in PDF, Word, Excel, Google Docs or Google Sheets. Print or email when ready.

Sheets, Excel, Word and Doc Templates Coming November 21, 2025.

Custom Drone Invoice Template

Best for:

Logo, FAA and project IDs.

Editable Drone Invoice Template

Best for:

Edit rates, waivers, weather holds.

Printable Drone Invoice Template

Best for:

Totals, approvals, signatures, dates.

Free Drone Invoice Template

Best for:

Flight time, shots, airspace, deliverables.

How to Invoice as a Drone Pilot

A clear path from booking to paid, built for short flights, edits, and concrete deliverables.

Free Online Invoice Generator

☝️ No sign-in. Save as PDF.

In 5 Steps:

Lock the scope, location, deliverables, and rate in writing, then collect a booking deposit.
Do preflight planning: check airspace, get any needed authorization, schedule the window, and note prep time.
Capture the job and log flights, batteries, and on site hours with simple notes.
Edit and package deliverables per scope, record any revision time, and list third-party costs.
Create the invoice with the deposit applied, attach proofs or links, and send with clear payment terms.

Free Online Invoice Generator

☝️ No sign-in. Save as PDF.

What to Include in a Drone Pilot Invoice

Use these fields to make your drone invoices clear, complete, and compliant.

Business name, contact info, and website
Client name, billing contact, and billing address
Invoice number, issue date, and due date
Project name, job location, and GPS/address
Scope summary and deliverables list
Flight date/time window and total flight hours
Compliance: remote pilot license # and drone/UAS registration # (check local rules)
Airspace authorization or permit/waiver #, if required (check local rules)
Insurance policy # or certificate reference
Payment terms: deposit received, balance due date, late fee, and accepted methods

Billing Scenarios for Drone Pilots

How to label charges so every invoice makes sense the moment your clients see it.

Aerial photo capture; 4K video capture

Real estate listing photos and video

Separates the two capture types so the client understands both media charges.

Progress flight; Orthomosaic/3D processing

Construction site mapping and model

Shows the flight work and the data processing as distinct tasks.

Roof inspection flight; Thermal imaging add-on

Roof inspection with thermal imaging

Makes the specialized thermal work visible instead of buried in the base fee.

Preflight planning; Airspace authorization fee

Work in controlled or restricted airspace

Log flight time and reasonable setup and pack-up time. Bill the totals clearly so the effort is transparent.

Travel time; Mileage

Travel beyond your base radius

Separates time spent traveling from on site flight work.

Rush edit fee; Overnight processing

Highlights the premium for accelerated delivery.

Free Online Invoice

No sign-in. Save as PDF.

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What drone pilots usually bill for

Itemize flight time, labor, editing, mileage, and deliverables with professional invoice line items.

Charge or Service

Unit

Taxable

When to use

How to show it

Pre-flight planning & site survey

Time

Before any shoot or mapping

Time × hourly rate. Document risks, check airspace, confirm launch sites, and align deliverables.

Airspace authorization filing

Item

Controlled or restricted airspace

Pass-through as billed + Time × hourly rate for admin. Attach proof of approval to the invoice.

Aerial photo capture session

Time

Stills needed for properties or assets

Time × hourly rate. Includes setup, battery swaps, and pilot in command responsibilities.

Aerial video capture session

Time

Tours, b-roll, or promo video

Time × hourly rate. Plan flight profiles and shot list to reduce reshoots.

Roof or facade inspection

Item

Structure condition or damage check

Qty × fixed price or Time & materials. Provide annotated stills and a short findings note.

Orthomosaic mapping flight

Item

Area mapping or volume calculations

Qty × fixed price or Time & materials. Include ground sampling notes and coverage area.

Post-processing and editing

Time

Color, stitch, stabilize, or export

Time × hourly rate. Deliver agreed file formats and naming for easy client use.

Travel and site mobilization

Time

Drive time or complex load-in

Time × hourly rate. Covers travel, parking, unloading, and site check-in.

Standby or weather delay time

Time

On-site hold due to conditions

Time × hourly rate. Track start and stop times and note the cause.

Raw media transfer drive

Item

Taxable

Client wants files on a physical drive

Unit cost × (1 + markup%). Copy files, verify integrity, and include a contents label.

Save and reuse your drone service rates and fees

Create a free account and save flight time rates, editing fees, mileage, and deliverables once, so nothing gets retyped.

Create a Free Account

☝️ Risk-free 30-day trial. No card.

Common Drone Pilot Invoicing Mistakes

These snags slow payment and trigger disputes. Use these quick fixes to keep cash moving.

Mistake

How to fix it

Mixing capture and editing into one line item causes sticker shock and pushback.

Split capture, post, and deliverables into clear sections. Make each task easy to read and tie each to the agreed scope.

Not stating deliverable specs leads to endless tweaks and re-exports.

Define file format, resolution, frame rate, and asset count in the invoice notes. Match them to the proposal.

Require a deposit to hold the date and show the deposit and remaining balance on the invoice.

Log flight time and reasonable setup and pack-up time. Bill the totals clearly so the effort is transparent.

Leaving out compliance identifiers makes procurement reject the invoice.

Add your pilot license, drone registration, and any authorization or permit numbers, and note “check local rules.”

Forgetting a simple license clause sparks usage disputes later.

State what the client can use, for how long, and where. Note fees for extended use.

Drone Invoice FAQs

Bill flights, edits, and data deliverables with smart line items. Cover LAANC fees, travel, usage rights, and weather terms. Fast, job-ready, clear answers.

How should I price a real estate aerial shoot?

Price per package, not just time. Include flight, editing, and delivery. Example line items: “Residential shoot, 20 photos and 1 two-minute clip: $450,” “Color grading: $75,” “Client revisions, 1 round: $0.”

Can I charge for flight planning, LAANC, and site surveys?

Yes. Planning protects you and the client. Example line items: “Airspace check and LAANC coordination: $35,” “Pre-flight site survey, 30 minutes: $45.”

How do you bill mapping jobs by acre and GCPs?

Quote per acre plus setup. Add GCP placement and processing. Example line items: “Orthomosaic capture, 40 acres @ $8/acre: $320,” “GCP setup, 8 points: $120,” “Pix4D processing: $95.”

What do I do when weather grounds the job?

Set a weather clause. Charge a reduced call-out or reschedule fee. Example line items: “Weather standby, on-site 1 hour: $60,” “Reschedule due to wind over 25 mph: $40.”

Do you add a night operations fee under Part 107?

Yes when you provide anti-collision lighting, extra crew, or risk planning. Example line items: “Night ops surcharge: $85,” “Visual observer, 2 hours: $90.” Rules vary—check local rules.

How should I show post-production editing and file delivery on the invoice?

Separate capture from editing. Price by minute of footage or photo count and include delivery format. Example line items: “Edit, 90-second highlight: $180,” “Caption burn-ins: $25,” “4K MP4 and RAW stills via cloud: $15.”

Can I pass through city filming permits and insurance COIs?

Yes. List permit and COI as pass-through costs with receipts. Example line items: “City filming permit: $120,” “COI naming client as additional insured: $25.” Rules vary—check local rules.

How do I charge for controlled airspace that needs advance authorization?

Add an authorization admin fee and schedule buffer. If denied, bill pre-work only. Example line items: “LAANC or FAA authorization admin: $40,” “Alternate window hold, 48 hours: $30.”