New Hampshire Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
New Hampshire maintains a highly permissive stance toward drone operations, deferring almost entirely to federal FAA requirements. The state has only one narrow drone-specific statute protecting hunters and fishers from aerial surveillance, and repeated attempts to pass broader regulations have failed in the legislature. General privacy statutes apply to drones, and state parks ban drone operations, but no state-level permit system exists.
State Drone Laws
RSA 207:57Prohibition of Drone Surveillance of Hunters, Fishers, and Trappers
Prohibits the use of drones to conduct video surveillance of private citizens who are lawfully hunting, fishing, or trapping without obtaining prior written consent. Law enforcement and NH Fish and Game personnel are exempt when acting in official duties.
RSA 644:9Invasion of Privacy; Recording Device
General privacy statute prohibiting unauthorized recording via any device, including drones, for voyeuristic purposes or invasion of privacy. If the recording is distributed without consent or used for blackmail, charges escalate to a Class B felony.
NH Code of Administrative Rules 312.02Prohibition of Drones for Hunting and Fishing
Prohibits the use of drones for hunting and fishing activities, including locating and surveilling wildlife, communicating with people on the ground to locate wildlife, and using drones to harass wildlife.
SB 49, Chapter 6 (2026)Establishing the Crime of and Penalties for Unlawful Operation or Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Establishes criminal penalties for unlawful operation or use of unmanned aircraft systems.
NHDOT Directive No. Aero D2UAS Operation from NHDOT-Controlled Properties
Prohibits drone operations landing or launching from NHDOT-controlled properties unless approved by NHDOT or Bureau of Aeronautics. Applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis after submission of the operator's contact information and operation plan.
DNCR Administrative PolicyNew Hampshire State Parks - Drone Operations Ban
The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources prohibits the launching or landing of drones within the boundaries of all New Hampshire State Parks. This is an administrative policy, not a codified statute. No permit system exists; no exceptions or permits are available.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
No local ordinances on record. Check with your local city or county government for any drone-specific regulations.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone surveillance of hunters, fishers, or trappers without written consent (RSA 207:57) | Violation-level offense | As determined by enforcement | None | NH Fish and Game, Local Law Enforcement | Narrow statute targeting specific conflict between drone operators and outdoor recreationists |
| Invasion of privacy via unauthorized recording device, including drones (RSA 644:9) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $2,000 | Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement | General privacy statute applies to drones used for voyeurism or unauthorized recording |
| Distribution of illegally recorded material for blackmail or extortion (RSA 644:9) | Class B Felony | As determined by statute | As determined by statute | Local Law Enforcement, State Police | Escalated charge if drone-recorded material distributed without consent or used for extortion |
Drone surveillance of hunters, fishers, or trappers without written consent (RSA 207:57)
Narrow statute targeting specific conflict between drone operators and outdoor recreationists
Invasion of privacy via unauthorized recording device, including drones (RSA 644:9)
General privacy statute applies to drones used for voyeurism or unauthorized recording
Distribution of illegally recorded material for blackmail or extortion (RSA 644:9)
Escalated charge if drone-recorded material distributed without consent or used for extortion
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
New Hampshire does not have separate state-level drone registration. All drones over 250 grams must be registered with the FAA for $5 (valid for 3 years). Drones under 250 grams are exempt from FAA registration but must still comply with all flight rules.
No state-level drone permit system exists. State parks prohibit launches and landings with no permit option. NHDOT properties require case-by-case approval, not a standard permit.
New Hampshire does not require drone insurance, though it is recommended for liability protection.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Drone Registration
All drones over 250 grams must be registered with the FAA
New Hampshire drone operators must register drones over 0.55 pounds (250 grams) with the FAA at faa.gov/drones for $5, valid for 3 years. Drones under 250 grams are exempt from registration but must comply with all other FAA rules.
Remote ID Requirement
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information
As of March 2024, Remote ID is required on all registered drones for identification and safety purposes. This applies in New Hampshire as part of nationwide federal enforcement.
Part 107 Commercial License
Commercial drone operations require FAA Part 107 certification
Commercial operators in New Hampshire must obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. The test costs $175 and covers 60 questions on airspace, weather, and regulations. Testing centers available in Manchester, Concord, and other locations. Certificate valid for 24 months.
Recreational Flyer Rules
Recreational pilots must pass the free TRUST test
All recreational drone operators must pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying. The test is free, online, and one-time only. Proof of passage is required upon request by law enforcement or FAA personnel.
Altitude and Visual Line of Sight
Drones must remain at or below 400 feet and within visual line of sight
Both recreational and commercial pilots must maintain visual line of sight of their drone at all times (or use a qualified visual observer). Maximum altitude is 400 feet above ground level in uncontrolled airspace. New Hampshire does not impose additional restrictions.
Night Flying Rules
Night flights allowed with anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles
Both recreational and Part 107 pilots may fly at night if the drone has anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles. New Hampshire does not add additional night-flying restrictions beyond the federal requirement.
LAANC and Controlled Airspace
Authorization required to fly in controlled airspace below 400 feet
Drone operators planning flights in Class B, C, D, or surface Class E airspace must obtain authorization through LAANC or submit requests via DroneZone. Authorizations can be obtained up to 90 days in advance.
US Forest Service Restrictions
Special restrictions in White Mountain National Forest and other public lands
US Forest Service Order R9-22-19-01 prohibits drone operations within Alpine Zones and within 0.25 miles of forest roads, trails, or protection areas. Drones are banned in Wilderness Areas (Pemigewasset Wilderness, Great Gulf Wilderness, etc.) as motorized equipment.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
New Hampshire 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) is available at 726 airports nationwide, including major New Hampshire airports. Drone operators must obtain authorization through LAANC or DroneZone before flying in controlled airspace.
Major Airports
MHT — Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (Class C)CON — Concord Municipal Airport (Class D)Nashua area airports (Class D)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions may apply around major events, government facilities, and airports. Check B4UFLY app for current restrictions before any flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
DHART Helicopter Delayed by Unauthorized Drone
enforcementA DHART (Dartmouth-Hitchcock Advanced Response Team) medical helicopter was delayed 10-15 minutes while attempting to take off with a patient from Mascenic High School in Mason, NH. A drone appeared flying above the landing zone, forcing the pilot to refuse takeoff until the drone was cleared. New Ipswich Police located and interviewed the drone operator. This incident prompted renewed legislative efforts to regulate drone operations.
Pending Legislation
HB 1444Passed House, In Senate JudiciaryRelative to the purchase or acquisition of certain unmanned aircraft systems
Addresses state procurement or acquisition of unmanned aircraft systems. Bill passed House with amendment as of April 2026 and is now under Senate Judiciary consideration.
Last action: April 10, 2026
SB 519Referred for Interim StudyRelative to the use of unmanned aerial systems
Addresses regulation of unmanned aerial systems. Referred for interim study as of April 2026, indicating further legislative development needed before final passage.
Last action: April 23, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire | UNH requires all drone operations on campus to be coordinated with the Environmental Health & Safety department and campus police. Restrictions: EHS coordination required. No flights over campus events. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety |
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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