North Dakota Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
North Dakota maintains one of the most permissive drone regulatory environments in the United States. The state has no local drone ordinances and minimal state-level restrictions beyond federal FAA requirements. Primary regulation centers on law enforcement drone use and private surveillance protections. North Dakota is unique as the only state explicitly permitting law enforcement to arm drones with less-than-lethal weapons. The state also operates the Vantis statewide BVLOS network, the most advanced UAS operating environment in the nation.
State Drone Laws
NDCC 29-29.4-02Law Enforcement Drone Weapons Prohibition
Prohibits law enforcement from authorizing or issuing permits for arming unmanned aerial vehicles with lethal weapons. However, law enforcement may arm drones with less-than-lethal weapons such as rubber bullets, Tasers, tear gas, and pepper spray.
NDCC 29-29.4-03Law Enforcement Drone Surveillance Warrant Requirement
Requires law enforcement to obtain a search warrant before conducting drone surveillance. Exceptions: patrol within 25 miles of Canadian border, exigent circumstances, weather or environmental catastrophes, and educational or research purposes. Evidence collected without a warrant is inadmissible in prosecution.
NDCC 29-29.4-04Law Enforcement Border Patrol Exception
Allows law enforcement to conduct drone surveillance without a warrant within 25 miles of the Canadian international border for the purpose of preventing illegal activity. This is the only state-level warrantless LE exception in the nation.
NDCC 29-29.4-05Private Surveillance Prohibition
Prohibits using drones to track or conduct surveillance of private persons, property, or property owners without their consent. Applies to civilian drone operators and prohibits private surveillance of domestic situations.
ND Aeronautics Commission RegulationsAgricultural Aerial Application License Requirement
Requires agricultural aerial applicators to obtain a North Dakota Unmanned Aerial Applicator License ($200 fee) from the ND Aeronautics Commission. Operators must also obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate, NDSU Pesticide Certificate, and attend one agricultural safety meeting annually.
HB 1613 (2025)Law Enforcement Use of Robots and Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Amended NDCC 29-29.4-01 through 29-29.4-06 to expand and clarify law enforcement use of robots and unmanned aircraft systems, establishing additional oversight and authorization requirements.
SB 2018 (2025)Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Program and BVLOS Network Funding
Provided appropriations for the uncrewed aircraft systems program fund and established the beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) uncrewed aircraft system program, enabling statewide BVLOS operations through the Vantis network.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private surveillance of persons or property without consent (NDCC 29-29.4-05) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $3,000 | Up to 360 days | North Dakota State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Evidence obtained through warrantless civilian surveillance may be inadmissible; civil liability also possible |
| Arming any drone with lethal weapons (NDCC 29-29.4-02) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $3,000 | Up to 360 days | North Dakota State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Prohibition applies to all drone operators, including law enforcement. Law enforcement may use less-than-lethal weapons. |
Private surveillance of persons or property without consent (NDCC 29-29.4-05)
Evidence obtained through warrantless civilian surveillance may be inadmissible; civil liability also possible
Arming any drone with lethal weapons (NDCC 29-29.4-02)
Prohibition applies to all drone operators, including law enforcement. Law enforcement may use less-than-lethal weapons.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Not Required
North Dakota does not require state-level drone registration except for agricultural aerial applicators. All drones over 250g must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years). Remote ID is required on all registered drones as of March 2024.
Agricultural aerial applicators must obtain a North Dakota Unmanned Aerial Applicator License ($200 fee) from the ND Aeronautics Commission, plus FAA Part 107, FAA Part 137, NDSU Pesticide Certificate.
Insurance is not legally required but is recommended for all commercial drone operations.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Licensing
Commercial drone pilots in North Dakota must comply with FAA Part 107 regulations.
Operators must obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 test fee, valid 24 months). North Dakota does not impose additional state commercial licensing except for agricultural operations. PSI testing centers available in Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks.
Recreational Flying Exception (49 USC 44809)
Recreational drone operations are permitted under the federal recreational exception.
Recreational pilots must pass the free TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test) before flying and maintain visual line of sight. Drones over 0.55 lbs must be FAA-registered ($5 for 3 years).
Remote ID Compliance
All registered drones must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements established in March 2024.
Remote ID allows the FAA to identify and track drones remotely. Registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information continuously during operation.
Vantis Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight Network
North Dakota operates the most advanced statewide BVLOS infrastructure in the United States, activated in 2026.
Qualifying commercial operators can conduct BVLOS flights at up to 400 feet without chase aircraft across nearly all of North Dakota, including nighttime operations using detect-and-avoid technology. This unique capability is supported by the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) in Grand Forks, one of seven FAA-designated UAS test sites.
Part 137 Agricultural Operations
Agricultural aerial applicators must comply with FAA Part 137 in addition to state requirements.
Part 137 certification covers agricultural aircraft operation standards. North Dakota adds state licensing (Part 107, Part 137, NDSU pesticide certification, ND aerial applicator license) making it the most demanding agricultural UAS licensing stack in the country.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
North Dakota 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 (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at 726 airports nationwide. Bismarck Municipal Airport (Class D) provides real-time LAANC authorization for flights under 400 feet. Further coordination requests available up to 90 days in advance for operations above designated altitude ceilings.
Major Airports
BIS — Bismarck Municipal Airport (Class D, LAANC available)FAR — Fargo Hector International AirportGFK — Grand Forks International AirportMIB — Minot International Airport
TFR Notice
No-fly zones include: Theodore Roosevelt National Park (all three units - South Unit, North Unit, Elkhorn Ranch), Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, Fort Union Trading Post NHS, Grand Forks AFB, Minot AFB. National Grasslands (Little Missouri, Sheyenne, Cedar River) generally allow drones outside wilderness areas. North Dakota State Parks have no formal statewide drone policy. Wildlife Refuges require Special Use Permits.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
FAA Launches DETER Drone Enforcement Program Nationwide
regulatory changeThe FAA announced the DETER (Detect, Evaluate, Track, Enforce, Report) program to expedite enforcement of drone regulations with fast-track penalties for first-time offenders who waive appeal rights, resulting in reduced fines.
FAA Tightens Drone Enforcement and Steps Up Compliance Monitoring
regulatory changeThe FAA announced increased enforcement of drone regulations ahead of high-profile events, with enhanced monitoring for unauthorized drone operations in restricted airspace.
FAA and FBI Establish Comprehensive Drone Restrictions for Super Bowl LX
enforcementFederal agencies established strict drone no-fly zones for major events with enhanced enforcement during Super Bowl week and related high-profile activities.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota | UND is a leading UAS education institution operating the UAS Center of Excellence. Campus drone operations for non-academic purposes require coordination with the UAS program and campus safety. Academic and research flights managed through the Center. Restrictions: Non-academic flights require campus safety coordination. Academic research flights managed through the UAS Center of Excellence. Specific flight corridors and approval procedures apply. | Yes | UAS Center of Excellence / Campus 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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