New Mexico Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
New Mexico maintains a permissive regulatory environment for drone operations, with limited state-level legislation primarily addressing surveillance concerns. The state largely defers to federal FAA requirements for both commercial and recreational drone operations without imposing broad additional restrictions. SB 556 (2013) remains the primary state statute, prohibiting unwanted drone surveillance of persons or private property. Operators should monitor pending and recently introduced legislation, as additional drone-related bills have been introduced in recent sessions but have not advanced.
State Drone Laws
SB 556 (2013)Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft for Surveillance
Prohibits the use of drones for unwanted surveillance of persons or private property without consent. Creates a civil cause of action for persons whose privacy is violated by drone surveillance.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful use of unmanned aircraft for surveillance (SB 556, 2013) | Civil / potentially criminal — classification not fully specified in available source material | Not specified in available source material | Not specified in available source material | State and local law enforcement; civil courts | Specific penalty amounts and criminal classification not confirmed from available legislative text. Human verification of enrolled bill text recommended to confirm exact penalty provisions. |
Unlawful use of unmanned aircraft for surveillance (SB 556, 2013)
Specific penalty amounts and criminal classification not confirmed from available legislative text. Human verification of enrolled bill text recommended to confirm exact penalty provisions.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
New Mexico does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration is required for recreational drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) at a cost of $5. Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 requirements, including obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate.
No state-level permit is required. Commercial operators must obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Government agencies and public entities may operate under FAA Part 107 or obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA) for specific operations.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone operators in New Mexico must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule.
All commercial drone pilots operating in New Mexico are required to pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate and comply with Part 107 operational requirements, including visual line of sight, altitude limits, and airspace authorizations.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Recreational drone operators must complete FAA safety training.
Hobbyist drone operators in New Mexico must complete the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and comply with FAA recreational model aircraft rules under 49 U.S.C. § 44809, including registration for drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) and adherence to community-based safety guidelines.
Federal Certificate of Authorization (COA)
Government entities have additional certification options for public UAS operations.
New Mexico government agencies (police, fire departments, emergency management, etc.) operating drones for official purposes may operate under FAA Part 107 or obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA) for operations that do not fit within Part 107 parameters.
Military Airspace and Special Use Airspace
New Mexico contains extensive military and restricted airspace that significantly affects drone operations.
New Mexico hosts Kirtland Air Force Base, Holloman Air Force Base, Cannon Air Force Base, and White Sands Missile Range, all of which generate substantial restricted and prohibited airspace. Drone operators must carefully review FAA sectional charts and SkyVector or similar tools before flight, as violations can result in federal enforcement action.
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 introduced new provisions affecting drone operations nationally.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (P.L. 118-63) extended and updated provisions relevant to UAS operations, including remote ID enforcement timelines and BEYOND visual line of sight (BVLOS) rulemaking direction. New Mexico operators should monitor FAA rulemaking for operational impacts.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at select airports in New Mexico managed by the FAA. Operators should check the FAA UAS Facility Maps for current LAANC-enabled airports and authorized altitude grids.
Major Airports
ABQ — Albuquerque International SunportSAF — Santa Fe Regional AirportCVN — Clovis Municipal Airport (not to be confused with Cannon Air Force Base, KCVS)ROW — Roswell International Air CenterHOB — Lea County Regional Airport (Hobbs)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) may be issued around major events, government facilities, military installations (including Kirtland AFB, Holloman AFB, Cannon AFB, and White Sands Missile Range), and other sensitive areas. Special Use Airspace (SUA) is prevalent in New Mexico due to military testing ranges. Pilots must check current TFRs and NOTAMs before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
SB 136Action Postponed IndefinitelyUnlawful Use Of Unmanned Aircraft
Proposed legislation regarding unlawful use of unmanned aircraft that did not advance in the 2026 Regular Session. Bill was postponed indefinitely on January 29, 2026.
Last action: January 29, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Mexico (UNM) | UNM requires drone operators to coordinate with Campus Police and Safety & Risk Services prior to conducting any drone flights on university property. Operations must comply with FAA regulations and university safety protocols. Restrictions: Prior coordination with Safety & Risk Services required for all flights on campus. University Stadium (Lobo Stadium / University Stadium) is subject to a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) during home athletic events. Flights over crowded areas, research facilities, and university housing require special consideration. | Yes | UNM Safety & Risk Services / UNM Campus Police |
| New Mexico State University (NMSU) | NMSU has established UAS policies requiring prior authorization for drone operations on campus. Operators must comply with FAA regulations and obtain university approval before flying on NMSU property in Las Cruces and other NMSU campuses. Restrictions: Prior written authorization required. Flights over people, university events, and sensitive research areas are restricted. Commercial filming requires additional approvals. Proximity to NMSU's agricultural research facilities may require special coordination. | Yes | NMSU Environmental Health & Safety / Campus Police |
| New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech) | New Mexico Tech, located in Socorro, has UAS-related policies given its proximity to research and testing activities. Operators on campus must comply with FAA regulations and coordinate with university administration for drone operations. Restrictions: Coordination with university administration required. Campus proximity to scientific research instrumentation may impose additional operational constraints. Operators should verify current policy directly with the institution. | Yes | New Mexico Tech Administration / Physical Plant |
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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