Illinois Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Illinois is generally permissive toward drone operations for recreational and commercial pilots, with no state-level registration or licensing requirements beyond federal FAA rules. The state's primary drone statute, the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act (725 ILCS 167), restricts law enforcement use of drones rather than private operators. However, general privacy, eavesdropping, and trespass statutes apply to private drone flights, and Chicago maintains strict local permit requirements for operations on public property.
State Drone Laws
725 ILCS 167Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act
Restricts Illinois law enforcement agencies from using drones to gather information except with a warrant (limited to 45 days, renewable), reasonable suspicion of imminent harm (48 hours), missing person searches, crime/crash scene documentation, or disaster/public health emergencies. Agencies must destroy collected data within 30 days. Facial recognition and weaponization are prohibited. Amended by Public Act 103-0101 (HB 3902) effective June 16, 2023, which added exceptions for DHS-identified terrorism risk and event-safety monitoring.
720 ILCS 5/26-4Unauthorized Video Recording and Live Video Transmission
Prohibits recording or transmitting live video of another person without consent in private spaces including bedrooms, bathrooms, tanning beds, locker rooms, changing rooms, hotel rooms, and residences. Applies to drone cameras. First offense is a Class 4 felony; subsequent offenses are Class 3 felony.
720 ILCS 5/14Eavesdropping
Illinois is an all-party-consent state for private conversations. Prohibits recording or transmitting conversations without consent of all parties when a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Applies to drones equipped with microphones recording backyard or patio conversations. Rewritten by Public Act 98-1142 after prior statute was struck down.
720 ILCS 5/21-3Criminal Trespass to Real Property
Applies to landing or operating a drone on someone else's property without permission. Transient overflight may support a trespass claim under the 'immediate reaches' doctrine consistent with United States v. Causby.
520 ILCS 5/2.33(i)Hunting Prohibition - Use of Unmanned Aircraft
Unlawful to take, pursue, or intentionally harass or disturb any wild bird or mammal by use or aid of an unmanned aircraft (as defined by the Illinois Aeronautics Act). Narrow exceptions exist for public-utility and mobile-service tower inspections and federal waterfowl-taking exceptions. No drone-recovery exception for harvested animals.
720 ILCS 5/48-3Hunter or Fisherman Interference
Commits crime of 'hunter or fisherman interference' when using a drone to interfere with someone's lawful hunting, fishing, or taking of animals. Does not apply to law enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officers, or IDNR employees acting in official capacity.
620 ILCS 5/42.1State Preemption of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Regulation
Establishes that regulation of unmanned aircraft systems is an exclusive power and function of the state. No unit of local government, including home-rule units, may enact ordinances or resolutions to regulate UAS, except municipalities with population exceeding 1,000,000 inhabitants (Chicago only).
20 ILCS 805 & 17 Ill. Adm. Code Part 110State Park Drone Operations Restrictions
Illinois Department of Natural Resources prohibits launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft from IDNR-administered land without written permission from the Site Superintendent. Applies to all state parks including Starved Rock, Matthiessen, Giant City, Ferne Clyffe, Cache River, Illinois Beach, and Rock Cut. Permission is granted site-by-site.
17 Ill. Adm. Code Part 550Hunting on IDNR-Managed Sites
Reinforces the prohibition on using drones to hunt, harass, or take wildlife on IDNR-owned or managed sites. Incorporates the Wildlife Code restrictions into administrative rules for state property.
Public Act 103-0101 (HB 3902)Drones as First Responders Act
Amendment to 725 ILCS 167 expanding permitted law enforcement drone uses to include PSAP-dispatched emergency response calls and participant-safety monitoring at routed or special events, in addition to prior exceptions (terrorism risk, imminent harm, missing persons, crime scene, disaster).
Public Act 104-0736 (SB 3597/HB 5274)Law Enforcement Various - Freedom from Drone Surveillance Amendment
Minor technical amendment to 725 ILCS 167 allowing the chief executive officer of a law enforcement agency to designate another person to report drone use to the State's Attorney when imminent-harm exceptions are invoked. Effective immediately upon Governor's approval.
Chicago Municipal Code 10-36-400Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Chicago
City of Chicago regulates drone operations in municipal limits. Incorporates FAA compliance requirements and city-specific restrictions. Requires compliance with federal altitude (400 feet AGL) and airspace rules. Prohibits flying over crowds, near airports, and over certain city infrastructure. Authorizes police seizure of drones operated unlawfully.
Chicago Park District Code Chapter VIIPark District Drone Operations Permit Requirement
Chicago Park District prohibits operation of drones on, over, or from Park District property (including Millennium Park, Grant Park, all beaches, Lakefront Trail, 600+ parks) without a permit issued by the Department of Revenue. Commercial permits require Part 107 certification, proof of liability insurance ($1 million general liability minimum), and site plan. Recreational drone permits rarely granted in downtown parks. Tiered fees by permit type and location.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Chicago
cityChicago Municipal Code 10-36-400 & Chicago Park District Code Chapter VII
Comprehensive drone regulation for city of Chicago and Park District property. Requires federal and state compliance. Park District permits required for any operations on 600+ parks, beaches, and trails covering 8,800+ acres.
Restrictions
No operations on Park District property without permit. Commercial permits require $1M liability insurance and Part 107 cert. Recreational permits rarely granted downtown. No flight over crowds, near airports, or above 400 feet without authorization.
Village of Schaumburg
villageOrdinance No. 15-070 (2016)
Restricts drone operations within 100 feet of village property during special events (public gatherings or outdoor events with village permit).
Restrictions
No drones within 100 feet of village property perimeter during special events, except operations by or on behalf of the Village for monitoring/documentation.
City of Evanston
cityResolution 27-R-13 (2016)
Establishes moratorium on drone operations pending reasonable state and federal regulations.
Restrictions
Moratorium on all drone use within city limits until state and federal regulatory framework deemed adequate.
Crystal Lake Park District
park_districtPark Ordinance 11.27 (2015)
Prohibits drone operations within Park District properties except in designated areas or during official Park District programs with special permit.
Restrictions
No drone launch or landing on Park District property except in designated areas and official Park District programs.
McHenry County Conservation District
countyGeneral Use Rules and Regulations Ordinance No. 14-888
Prohibits drone operations on district property without prior written permission from Executive Director.
Restrictions
No electric-powered model aircraft or drones on district property except in designated areas with Executive Director written permission.
Naperville Park District
park_districtPark Ordinance (2024)
Prohibits drone operations in any Naperville Park except where expressly allowed in designated areas.
Restrictions
No drone operations in Naperville Parks except in Brush Hill Park (designated area).
DuPage County Forest Preserve District
countyGeneral Use Regulation Ordinance (2024)
Restricts drone operations on Forest Preserve property to designated flying areas only. Permit required.
Restrictions
No drone operations on Forest Preserve property except in designated flying areas with properly obtained permit.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warrantless law enforcement drone surveillance (725 ILCS 167) | Administrative/Civil | N/A - evidence suppressed | N/A | Courts; Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority audit | Information presumed inadmissible; agencies lose drone authority 6-12 months on pattern of violations; civil remedy available |
| Unauthorized video recording in private spaces (720 ILCS 5/26-4) | Class 4 Felony (1st); Class 3 Felony (subsequent) | Up to $2,500 | 1-3 years (Class 4); 2-5 years (Class 3) | State's Attorney (county); Illinois State Police | Applies to drone cameras recording into bedrooms, bathrooms, changing rooms |
| Eavesdropping - recording private conversation (720 ILCS 5/14) | Class 4 Felony; Class 3 if law enforcement officer involved | Up to $2,500 | 1-3 years (Class 4); 2-5 years (Class 3) | State's Attorney; Illinois State Police | Illinois all-party-consent state; applies to drone microphones capturing backyard conversations |
| Criminal trespass - landing/operating on property without permission (720 ILCS 5/21-3) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $1,500 | Up to 6 months | Local police; State's Attorney | Persistent low-altitude overflight over fenced property may support trespass theory |
| Hunting with drone (520 ILCS 5/2.33(i)) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $1,500 | Up to 6 months | IDNR; Illinois State Police | License revocation common; call Target Illinois Poachers line 1-877-236-7529 to report |
| Interfering with hunting/fishing using drone (720 ILCS 5/48-3) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | IDNR; State's Attorney; Illinois State Police | Exception for law enforcement and federal wildlife officers acting in official capacity |
| State park violation (17 Ill. Adm. Code Part 110) | Petty Offense or Class C Misdemeanor | Up to $150 | Up to 30 days | IDNR site staff; IDNR conservation police | Site removal; must obtain written permission from Site Superintendent before flying |
| Chicago Park District unpermitted drone operation | Municipal Citation | $200-$500+ (tiered by permit type/location) | N/A | Chicago Park District; Chicago Police Department | Permit required; commercial permits require $1M liability insurance; recreational permits rarely granted downtown |
| Federal stadium TFR violation (14 CFR 99.7) | Federal Civil/Criminal | Up to $75,000 civil | Potential criminal referral to U.S. Attorney | FAA; U.S. Attorney (Illinois districts) | Applies to Wrigley Field, Rate Field, Soldier Field when game scheduled; 3-mile radius, 1 hour before to 1 hour after |
Warrantless law enforcement drone surveillance (725 ILCS 167)
Information presumed inadmissible; agencies lose drone authority 6-12 months on pattern of violations; civil remedy available
Unauthorized video recording in private spaces (720 ILCS 5/26-4)
Applies to drone cameras recording into bedrooms, bathrooms, changing rooms
Eavesdropping - recording private conversation (720 ILCS 5/14)
Illinois all-party-consent state; applies to drone microphones capturing backyard conversations
Criminal trespass - landing/operating on property without permission (720 ILCS 5/21-3)
Persistent low-altitude overflight over fenced property may support trespass theory
Hunting with drone (520 ILCS 5/2.33(i))
License revocation common; call Target Illinois Poachers line 1-877-236-7529 to report
Interfering with hunting/fishing using drone (720 ILCS 5/48-3)
Exception for law enforcement and federal wildlife officers acting in official capacity
State park violation (17 Ill. Adm. Code Part 110)
Site removal; must obtain written permission from Site Superintendent before flying
Chicago Park District unpermitted drone operation
Permit required; commercial permits require $1M liability insurance; recreational permits rarely granted downtown
Federal stadium TFR violation (14 CFR 99.7)
Applies to Wrigley Field, Rate Field, Soldier Field when game scheduled; 3-mile radius, 1 hour before to 1 hour after
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Illinois imposes state-level registration, licensing, insurance, or fee requirements
Commercial operators: budget for the state fees below before operating here. Federal FAA registration is still required separately.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Other Fees
- Chicago Park District Commercial Drone Permit — Tiered by location and permit type (varies; consult current fee schedule)Required for any commercial drone operation on Chicago Park District property (600+ parks, beaches, Lakefront Trail, Millennium Park, Grant Park). Requires proof of Part 107 certification, liability insurance, and site plan.
- Chicago Park District Recreational Drone Permit — Tiered fee (rarely granted downtown)Recreational drone permits on Chicago Park District property are rarely granted, particularly in Millennium Park and Grant Park due to dense airspace and event restrictions.
Illinois imposes no state-level drone registration requirement beyond federal FAA registration. Commercial operators need FAA Part 107 certification and must register each drone with the FAA ($5 per drone, valid 3 years). Recreational operators need FAA registration and TRUST certification. Illinois does not issue a separate state drone license or registration.
State-level: No permit required for flights on private property with owner permission. Chicago Park District and other municipal park districts require permits for operations on their property. IDNR requires written site-specific permits for state park flights.
Not required by state law. Chicago Park District requires $1 million general liability insurance (with Park District as additional insured) for commercial operations on park property; some clients may require insurance.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Part 107 Commercial Operations
FAA Small UAS Rule governing commercial drone flights
Illinois commercial drone operators must hold FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (requires passing knowledge test and practical exam). Part 107 is the only federal commercial authorization; Illinois does not require separate state commercial license. Standard FAA restrictions apply: 400 feet AGL, visual line of sight, no flights over people without waiver, no night flights without waiver (exception for anti-collision lights), Remote ID required since March 16, 2024.
TRUST Recreational Certification
Recreational UAS Safety Test for hobby pilots
Illinois recreational pilots must pass the free TRUST test before flying. Certificate must be carried during flights. Recreational operations must comply with FAA guidelines: below 400 feet AGL, visual line of sight, no commercial benefit, avoid manned aircraft. Remote ID required since March 2024 (exception for FAA-Recognized Identification Areas/FRIAs).
FAA Registration
Federal drone registration requirement
All drones over 0.55 lbs must be registered with FAA ($5 per drone, valid 3 years). Registration number must be marked on drone exterior. Registration must be valid before flight.
Remote ID
Mandatory broadcasting of drone location and identification
Effective March 16, 2024, all registered drones flying outdoors must broadcast Remote ID information (device ID, operator location, altitude) via radio signal. Exceptions exist for operations inside FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). Illinois has several active FRIAs.
Altitude Restrictions
Federal 400-foot floor for uncontrolled airspace
Standard federal limit is 400 feet AGL in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace. Altitude restrictions apply in controlled airspace around airports (must get LAANC approval). Waivers required for higher altitudes.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Pilot or visual observer must maintain line of sight to drone
VLOS required for most flights. Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) operations require a Part 107 waiver. Visual observer must be in direct communication with pilot.
Stadium Flight Restrictions
14 CFR Section 99.7 automatic TFRs at stadiums seating 30,000+
Automatic 3-nautical-mile radius TFR exists from 1 hour before to 1 hour after scheduled games at stadiums with 30,000+ seats. In Illinois: Wrigley Field (Cubs, 41,649), Rate Field (White Sox, 40,615), Soldier Field (Bears, 61,500). United Center (23,500) does not trigger automatic TFR but is restricted by local rules.
Nuclear Facilities Protection
Sensitive airspace exclusions around nuclear power plants
Illinois has six operating nuclear reactors: Dresden (Morris), Braidwood (Braidwood), Byron (Byron), LaSalle (LaSalle), Clinton (Clinton), and Quad Cities (east of Illinois border). All are listed on B4UFLY as sensitive-facility exclusions with drone flight prohibitions.
Chicago Airspace Complexity
Dense airspace with Class B ceilings from two major airports
O'Hare Class B covers much of Chicago north side, western suburbs, and northern suburbs (roughly 30-mile radius). Midway Class B covers southwest Chicago. Both create near-continuous blanket of controlled airspace over metro area. Most LAANC requests in downtown Chicago return zero-altitude approvals. Downstate Illinois has much simpler airspace.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Illinois has not enacted a drone-specific critical infrastructure statute as of this writing. Pilots remain subject to general state laws on trespass, voyeurism, privacy, and reckless endangerment, and to all federal regulations including FAA Part 107.
Read the federal preemption guide →Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC is available at 726 U.S. airports. Illinois airspace includes Class B shelves from O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) covering most of Chicago metro and northern suburbs. LAANC authorization required for Class B, C, D, and surface-E airspace. Many grid squares near O'Hare return zero-altitude approvals.
Major Airports
ORD — O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) — busiest airport by aircraft movements; massive Class B bubble covering north/northwest Chicago and suburbsMDW — Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago) — Class B airspace covering southwest sideSPI — Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (Springfield) — Class D airspace (part-time surface Class C); covers most of SpringfieldDuPage County Airports (Aurora) — Class D airspace
TFR Notice
Illinois hosts more operating nuclear reactors than any other state: Dresden, Braidwood, Byron, LaSalle, Clinton, and Quad Cities each sit inside FAA sensitive-facility exclusions published on B4UFLY. Stadium TFRs (14 CFR 99.7) cover Wrigley Field, Rate Field (White Sox), and Soldier Field (Bears) during scheduled games (3-mile radius, 1 hour before to 1 hour after). United Center (23,500 seats) does not automatically trigger section 99.7 but is restricted by Park District rules and event-specific NOTAMs. Chicago Air and Water Show (August, North Avenue Beach) and NASCAR Chicago Street Race (July, Grant Park area) generate major recurring TFRs. Check tfr.faa.gov and B4UFLY before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
SB 2364Referred to AssignmentsUnmanned Aerial Systems Security Act
Creates three-tier classification system for government drones based on data collection capabilities. Prohibits government agencies from purchasing/using drones from manufacturers in 'countries of concern' or believed to be owned/controlled by such countries (targeting DJI). Requires Department of Transportation to identify sensitive installation coordinates for geofencing. Requires drone software providers to geofence Illinois sensitive locations. Makes it Class A misdemeanor for software providers to allow flights over sensitive locations without law enforcement authorization or for users to fly without permission. Effective January 1, 2026.
Last action: February 7, 2025
SB 3990Referred to AssignmentsUnmanned Aerial Systems Security Act
Similar to SB 2364. Creates three-tier drone classification for government use. Prohibits government acquisition of drones from manufacturers in countries of concern. Requires Department of Transportation geographic identification of sensitive locations and mandates geofencing by software providers. Class A misdemeanor for unauthorized flights over sensitive locations. Effective January 1, 2027.
Last action: February 6, 2026
HB 5275In Committee/Amendments PendingDrone Safety and Interference Prevention Act
Creates offenses of: (1) unlawful imaging of emergency response activity; (2) unlawful operation over critical infrastructure facilities; (3) unlawful operation over correctional institutions. Prohibits equipping drones with firearms, weaponized lasers, kinetic impact projectiles, chemical agents, or other lethal/non-lethal weapons. Allows law enforcement to seize drones and equipment with probable cause. Seized drones subject to forfeiture; state may use for law enforcement training. Provides civil immunity for law enforcement acting in good faith. Effective January 1, 2027.
Last action: April 17, 2026
SB 3930Re-referred to AssignmentsDrone Safety and Interference Prevention Act
Senate companion to HB 5275. Creates offenses for unlawful imaging of emergency response, operation over critical infrastructure, and operation over correctional facilities. Prohibits weaponized drones. Allows seizure and forfeiture. Provides civil immunity for law enforcement. Effective January 1, 2027.
Last action: March 27, 2026
HB 4332Re-referred to Rules CommitteeSex Offender Registration - Drones
Requires registered sex offenders to register their drone ownership with Illinois State Police. Status as of March 2026 still pending committee action.
Last action: April 17, 2026
HB 4003Referred to Rules CommitteeAerial Drone - Prison Facility Offense
Addresses criminal liability for drone operations over correctional institutions/facilities. Details of specific penalties and prohibitions to be clarified through committee process.
Last action: March 4, 2025
HB 3190Re-referred to AssignmentsAeronautics - Unmanned Aircraft
Addresses aeronautics regulations for unmanned aircraft. Specific provisions pending review; appears to relate to general UAS regulatory framework.
Last action: May 15, 2026
SB 1840Referred to AssignmentsDrone No-Fly Zone Act
Proposes establishing specific no-fly zones for drones in Illinois. Details of proposed zones and enforcement mechanisms to be determined through legislative process.
Last action: February 6, 2025
SB 3281In CommitteeCriminal Code - Drone Privacy
Proposed enhancement to criminal code provisions addressing private drone use and privacy violations. Likely supplements existing privacy statutes (720 ILCS 5/26-4).
Last action: March 24, 2026
HB 2740Re-referred to Rules CommitteeWildlife - Drones Allowed
Proposes creating exception(s) to hunting prohibition for drone use in specific wildlife management contexts. May relate to drone use for wildlife surveys or management activities.
Last action: March 21, 2025
HB 1462Re-referred to Rules CommitteeWildlife Code - UAV Tracking
Addresses use of UAVs for wildlife tracking purposes. May create exceptions to hunting prohibitions for non-lethal wildlife management or research applications.
Last action: March 21, 2025
HB 4291Re-referred to Rules CommitteeWildlife Code - UAV Tracking
Companion bill addressing wildlife UAV tracking. Similar provisions to HB 1462 regarding use of drones in wildlife management/research contexts.
Last action: March 27, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | UIUC requires all drone operations on campus to be approved by the Division of Research Safety (DRS). Memorial Stadium has automatic TFR during football games. Restrictions: Division of Research Safety approval required before any flight. No operations during athletic events. No flights over occupied buildings, crowds, or parking areas. | Yes | Division of Research Safety (drs@illinois.edu) |
| Northwestern University | Northwestern requires prior approval from the Office of Risk Management for all drone operations on Evanston and Chicago campuses. Ryan Field TFR applies during scheduled events. Restrictions: Prior approval required on all campus properties. Stadium TFR during events. No flights over buildings or crowds. | Yes | Office of Risk Management |
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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