Idaho Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Idaho maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations, with targeted restrictions on hunting, law enforcement use, wildlife management areas, and correctional facilities. The state requires law enforcement to obtain warrants for drone surveillance and prohibits drone use for hunting or harassing wildlife, while generally deferring to federal FAA regulations for commercial and recreational operations. Pending legislation in 2026 would add new restrictions near Department of Correction facilities and amend hunting-related technology restrictions. Local jurisdictions such as Ada County and Canyon County have enacted supplementary ordinances addressing privacy and park access.
State Drone Laws
Idaho Code § 36-1101Prohibition of Drones for Hunting and Wildlife Management
Prohibits the use of drones for hunting, harassing, locating game animals, game birds, or fur-bearing animals. This is enforced by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
Idaho Code § 21-213Law Enforcement Use of Drones and Civil Remedies
Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before using drones for surveillance. Establishes guidelines for drone use by private citizens and provides civil remedies for individuals harmed by improper drone operations.
IDAPA 13.01.03Drone Operations on Idaho Fish and Game Wildlife Management Areas
Prohibits the operation of drones without prior authorization on lands managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (Wildlife Management Areas), except in areas with identified public landing strips. Prior authorization may be granted through a permit issued by the Department.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Ada County
countyAda County Ordinance No. 883
Requires FAA registration for all drones regardless of weight or intended use within Ada County. Prohibits operation of drones in a manner that would cause damage to people or property. Prohibits use of drones for capturing a person's visual image, audio recording, or other physical impression in any place where the person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Restrictions
FAA registration required for all drones operating in Ada County. Drones must not be operated to cause damage to people or property. Drones must not be used to capture visual images, audio recordings, or physical impressions of persons in locations with a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Canyon County
countyCanyon County Parks Drone Restriction Ordinance
Prohibits the operation of drones in any Canyon County Park, including the airspace within 500 feet AGL above any park, except when authorized by the Director of Canyon County Department of Parks.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in all Canyon County Parks and within 500 feet AGL above any park unless authorized by the Director of Canyon County Department of Parks.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting with drones (Idaho Code § 36-1101) | Fish and Game violation | Idaho Department of Fish and Game | Specific penalty amounts are not enumerated in statute text; violations fall under general Fish and Game enforcement authority. | ||
| Improper use of drones causing damage (Idaho Code § 21-213) | Civil violation | Civil damages (amount determined by court) | Idaho State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Civil remedies available to aggrieved individuals for damage caused by improper drone use. |
Hunting with drones (Idaho Code § 36-1101)
Specific penalty amounts are not enumerated in statute text; violations fall under general Fish and Game enforcement authority.
Improper use of drones causing damage (Idaho Code § 21-213)
Civil remedies available to aggrieved individuals for damage caused by improper drone use.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Idaho does not require state-level drone registration. Ada County Ordinance No. 883 independently requires FAA registration for all drones operating within Ada County, regardless of weight or intended use. Federal FAA registration is required for recreational drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) and all commercial drones.
Permits are required for drone operations on Idaho Fish and Game Wildlife Management Areas. Prior authorization through a departmental permit process is required unless the operation occurs in designated public landing strip areas.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
Commercial drone operators in Idaho must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule.
All commercial drone pilots operating for business or compensation purposes in Idaho must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. This is a federal requirement that applies uniformly across all Idaho jurisdictions.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Recreational drone operators must complete TRUST certification before flying.
Hobbyist and recreational drone operators in Idaho must take the FAA's Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying. Recreational drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) must also be registered with the FAA for a $5 fee.
Remote ID Compliance
Federal requirement for drones to broadcast remote identification information.
All drones operated in Idaho must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements (effective September 16, 2023), which mandate that drones broadcast their identity and location information during flight operations unless operating within an FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA).
Airspace Authorization
Drones must comply with FAA airspace rules and use LAANC for controlled airspace.
Drone operators in Idaho must respect all airspace restrictions, maintain visual line-of-sight with their aircraft, and use the FAA's LAANC system or DroneZone to request authorization for flights in controlled airspace near airports and heliports.
FAA Preemption of Airspace Regulation
Federal law generally preempts state and local regulation of navigable airspace.
Under 49 U.S.C. § 40103, the FAA has exclusive authority over navigable airspace. State and local drone laws that attempt to regulate the manner of flight (altitude, speed, flight paths) may be preempted. Idaho's state laws focus on use-based restrictions (hunting, law enforcement surveillance) rather than airspace management, which reduces direct conflict with federal authority.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available in Idaho airspace. Pilots should use the FAA's B4UFly app and LAANC systems to check airspace restrictions before flying.
Major Airports
BOI — Boise Air Terminal/Gowen FieldIDA — Idaho Falls Regional AirportSUN — Friedman Memorial Airport (Sun Valley/Hailey)COE — Coeur d'Alene Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are frequently issued around major events, government facilities, and airports. Check NOTAMs and the FAA's B4UFly app for current TFRs before any flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
H0522Enrolled; Signed by Speaker; Transmitted to Senate (as of 2026-03-27)Unmanned Aircraft Systems Near Department of Correction Facilities
Establishes provisions restricting unmanned aircraft systems operations near Idaho Department of Correction facilities. The bill has completed House passage with Senate amendments and is in final enrollment. If signed into law, this would add a new category of restricted airspace near correctional facilities.
Last action: March 27, 2026
H0499In Committee (Judiciary, Rules & Administration) — likely superseded by H0522Unmanned Aircraft Systems Near Department of Correction Facilities
Earlier version of legislation adding to existing law to establish provisions regarding unmanned aircraft systems near Department of Correction facilities. This bill appears to be the precursor to H0522 and may be dormant.
Last action: January 21, 2026
H0939Reported out of Senate Resources & Environment Committee with Do Pass recommendation; awaiting Third Reading (as of 2026-03-27)Hunting — Amendments to Technology Use Restrictions
Amends existing Idaho hunting law regarding the use of certain technologies, potentially including drones, in hunting activities. The bill passed the House and is advancing through the Senate. If enacted, it could modify or expand upon the existing restrictions in Idaho Code § 36-1101.
Last action: March 27, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Idaho | University of Idaho requires drone operators to coordinate with the Office of Risk Management and campus security before conducting any drone flights on university property. All operations must comply with FAA regulations including Part 107 or TRUST certification as applicable. Restrictions: Prior coordination with the Office of Risk Management required before any campus flight. Kibbie Dome area and athletic facilities may be restricted during events. Flights over crowds and university events are prohibited without specific authorization. | Yes | Office of Risk Management |
| Boise State University | Boise State University requires advance approval from the Office of Environmental Health, Safety & Security (EHSS) for all drone flights on or over campus property. Operators must demonstrate FAA compliance and carry appropriate documentation. Restrictions: Pre-approval required from the Office of EHSS before any campus drone operation. Albertsons Stadium is subject to FAA TFR during home football games and major athletic events. Flights over populated areas of campus require additional review. | Yes | Environmental Health, Safety & Security (EHSS) |
| Idaho State University | Idaho State University requires drone operators to obtain prior authorization from campus administration before flying on university property. All operators must comply with federal FAA regulations applicable to their type of operation. Restrictions: Prior authorization from campus administration required. FAA compliance mandatory. Restrictions apply near Holt Arena and other campus facilities during events. | Yes | Campus Safety and Security |
| Lewis-Clark State College | Lewis-Clark State College requires drone operators to comply with FAA regulations and obtain campus authorization before any unmanned aircraft operations on or over college property. Restrictions: Campus authorization required prior to flight. FAA compliance required. Operations near athletic facilities and populated campus areas subject to additional restrictions. | Yes | Campus Administration |
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.0). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
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