Kansas Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Kansas maintains a moderate regulatory approach to drones, with no separate state registration requirement but targeted restrictions through the stalking law framework (K.S.A. 60-31a02) and a comprehensive ban on drone operations on all Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks property. Commercial operations follow FAA Part 107 rules with no additional state licensing.
State Drone Laws
K.S.A. 60-31a02Harassment via Drone Surveillance
Expands the definition of harassment under the Protection from Stalking Act to include drone operations over or near any dwelling, occupied vehicle, or other place where a person may have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Applies to any course of conduct using an unmanned aerial system that harasses, alarms, or threatens another person.
K.A.R. 115-8-13Drone Ban on KDWP Land
Prohibits drones on all Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks property, including all state parks, wildlife areas, and KDWP-managed parcels statewide. A limited number of designated UAS operating areas may be approved by the KDWPT Secretary on a case-by-case basis.
K.S.A. 32-1003Aircraft Prohibition for Wildlife Operations
Prohibits using aircraft, including drones, to take wildlife. Covers hunting, scouting game, and locating wounded or harvested animals. On private (non-KDWP) land, drone filming of hunts is permitted as long as the drone is not used to locate or pursue game.
SB 271Foreign Adversary Drone Ban for Government Agencies
Prohibits Kansas state and local government agencies from purchasing or using drones with components from countries of concern (China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Venezuela). Does not apply to recreational or commercial pilots. Existing drones acquired before July 1, 2024 may remain in service until replacement is needed. Created the Kansas Drone Rehabilitation Fund to assist agencies in transitioning to compliant equipment.
SB 9Critical Infrastructure and Foreign Drone Restrictions
Prohibits state agencies and local government from purchasing drones or critical components of drones from foreign principals or manufactured in countries of concern. Restricts foreign principals from acquiring interests in real estate in proximity to military installations. Addresses procurement of goods and services from countries of concern.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Wichita
cityDrone Operations Near Airports
Prohibits all UAS (including drones) from or near airport property or property that borders or is adjacent to airports without prior written consent.
Restrictions
No UAS within airport vicinity. Exception: UAS pilots granted prior written consent from airport director (contact: 316-946-4710) may operate.
City of Prairie Village
cityUnmanned Aircraft System Regulations
Restricts UAS operations within proximity to people, over private property without consent, and over large gatherings.
Restrictions
Prohibits flying drones within close proximity to any person in a manner that creates a reasonable expectation of harm. Prohibits flying over private property without consent of owner or lawful occupant (exception: recreational use in city-owned parks is permitted). Prohibits flying over open-air events with 100+ people without consent of venue owner or event organizer.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harassment/surveillance via drone (K.S.A. 60-31a02) — first offense | Class A Person Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement / Kansas Attorney General | Criminal prosecution through justice system. Civil liability for damages also possible. Must prove course of conduct, not isolated incident. |
| Stalking via drone (K.S.A. 21-5427) — repeat offense | Severity Level 7 Person Felony | Up to $300,000 | 31-136 months | Kansas Attorney General / District Attorney | Second or subsequent drone harassment offense escalates to felony with significant prison time |
| Operating drone on KDWP land (K.A.R. 115-8-13) | Class C Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 1 month | Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks / Local Law Enforcement | Complete ban on all KDWP property including all state parks and wildlife areas |
| Flying drone near Wichita airport without consent (Wichita Code Sec. 9.35.210) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 6 months | Wichita Police Department | City ordinance violation. Contact airport director for authorization before flying near airport. |
| Flying drone in violation of Prairie Village ordinance (Code Sec. 11-1601) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 1 month | Prairie Village Police Department | City ordinance violations include proximity to people, over private property, or over large events |
Harassment/surveillance via drone (K.S.A. 60-31a02) — first offense
Criminal prosecution through justice system. Civil liability for damages also possible. Must prove course of conduct, not isolated incident.
Stalking via drone (K.S.A. 21-5427) — repeat offense
Second or subsequent drone harassment offense escalates to felony with significant prison time
Operating drone on KDWP land (K.A.R. 115-8-13)
Complete ban on all KDWP property including all state parks and wildlife areas
Flying drone near Wichita airport without consent (Wichita Code Sec. 9.35.210)
City ordinance violation. Contact airport director for authorization before flying near airport.
Flying drone in violation of Prairie Village ordinance (Code Sec. 11-1601)
City ordinance violations include proximity to people, over private property, or over large events
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Kansas does not require separate state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration is required for all drones over 250g ($5 for 3 years). Drones under 250g used recreationally are exempt from FAA registration.
No state-specific permit required beyond FAA requirements. KDWP land requires special permission (generally not granted). Some city ordinances require prior consent (e.g., Wichita airport flights require airport director authorization).
Drone insurance is not legally required but is recommended for commercial operations and provides liability protection.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
All registered drones must have Remote ID capability
Remote ID has been required on all FAA-registered drones since March 2024. Kansas applies federal Remote ID rules to all drones. Recreational drones under 250g must still comply if registered.
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone operations require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Kansas enforces standard FAA Part 107 rules. No additional state-level commercial licensing required. Remote pilot must pass Knowledge Test ($175 fee). Certificate valid for 24 months. Kansas has PSI testing centers in Wichita, Topeka, Kansas City, and other cities.
Recreational Flying Exception
Recreational pilots must pass TRUST test
Free online Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) required for recreational flyers. Drones over 250g must be FAA-registered ($5 for 3 years). Recreational exemption covers personal enjoyment only, not work or volunteer activities.
Altitude and Visual Line of Sight
400 feet AGL maximum; must maintain VLOS
Kansas has less controlled airspace than coastal states but military bases and KDWP restrictions create significant limitations. VLOS requirement applies to both recreational and Part 107 pilots. Night flying allowed with anti-collision light visible for 3 statute miles.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Kansas 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
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) available through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers at numerous Kansas airports. Required for controlled airspace operations under 400 feet.
Major Airports
ICT — Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National AirportMCI — Kansas City International Airport (serves Kansas City area, extends into Kansas airspace)FOE — Forbes Field (Topeka area)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions around military installations (Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth, McConnell Air Force Base — no LAANC available). Stadium TFRs during athletic events (David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium at KU, Bill Snyder Family Stadium at K-State). FAA NOTAM system monitors ICE (immigration/enforcement) operations and establishes nationwide drone restrictions. Major event TFRs around Super Bowl and other high-profile gatherings.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
HB 2423House Referred to Committee on Federal and State AffairsAllowing hunters who are federally licensed drone operators to use drones to locate wounded or recently deceased deer
Would create an exception to K.S.A. 32-1003 allowing federally licensed drone operators to use drones specifically to locate wounded or recently deceased deer, under controlled circumstances.
Last action: January 27, 2026
HB 2293House Referred to Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic DevelopmentCritical Components of Drone Technology Restrictions
Would prohibit the acquisition of critical components of drone technology from countries of concern and restrict procurement of final or finished goods or services from countries of concern.
Last action: February 26, 2026
SB 453Senate Referred to Committee on Federal and State AffairsKansas Critical Infrastructure Protection Act
Would enact the Kansas Critical Infrastructure Protection Act to prohibit access to state critical infrastructure by countries of concern and restrict acquisition of critical software and technology used in state infrastructure from countries of concern.
Last action: February 4, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas | KU requires approval from the Office of Environment, Health, Safety & Risk Management for all drone operations on campus. David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium has an active TFR during Razorback football games and athletic events. Restrictions: Prior approval required for all flights on campus. Stadium TFR during all athletic events. No flights over buildings, crowds, parking areas, or other sensitive locations without explicit written authorization. | Yes | Office of Environment, Health, Safety & Risk Management — ehs@ku.edu |
| Kansas State University | K-State requires coordination with the Division of Public Safety and campus Environmental Health & Safety for drone flights. The university operates a UAS research program through the Applied Aviation Research Center. Restrictions: Prior coordination with Division of Public Safety required before any flight on campus. Bill Snyder Family Stadium has an active TFR during athletic events. No flights over residential areas or sensitive campus locations without specific authorization. | Yes | Division of Public Safety — k-state.edu/police/ |
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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