Virginia Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Virginia maintains moderate drone restrictions focused on critical infrastructure protection, law enforcement oversight, and privacy safeguards. The state has strong statutory preemption against local regulation but imposes felony-level penalties for unauthorized drone operations near military installations and defense facilities. Commercial Part 107 operations face no state-specific licensing requirements beyond federal rules.
State Drone Laws
Va. Code § 18.2-121.3(A)Trespass with an unmanned aircraft system
Prohibits knowingly and intentionally causing a UAS to enter another's property and come within 50 feet of a dwelling house to coerce, intimidate, or harass; or to take off or land in violation of FAA Special Security Instructions or UAS Security Sensitive Airspace Restrictions; or to drop items or obtain imagery of identifiable inmates at correctional facilities.
Va. Code § 18.2-121.3(B)Unauthorized UAS over critical infrastructure or military bases — felony
Knowingly and intentionally, without authorization, causing a UAS to enter the airspace over public services or utilities, critical infrastructure (including military bases authorized by DoD), or Maritime Transportation Security Act facilities. Carve-outs for consent, authorized federal operators, on-duty employees, and facility employees on official business.
Va. Code § 18.2-121.3(D)Contracted defense facility controlled technical imagery — felony
Knowingly, intentionally, and without authorization causing a UAS to enter the property of a contracted defense facility and obtaining or attempting to obtain videographic or still imagery containing controlled technical information. Operators and employees of contracted defense facilities receive criminal prosecution and civil liability immunity for non-injurious counter-UAS action.
Va. Code § 18.2-130.1Peeping by drone
Prohibits knowingly and intentionally causing a UAS to secretly or furtively peep, spy, or attempt to peep or spy into or through a window, door, or other aperture of any dwelling, where such conduct would violate reasonable expectation of privacy. Amended 2023 to explicitly include unmanned aircraft systems.
Va. Code § 18.2-324.2Drone use by sex offender registrants and protective order respondents
Unlawful for any person required to register as sex offender to use UAS to knowingly and intentionally follow, contact, or capture identifying images of another without permission. Unlawful for protective order respondents to use UAS to follow, contact, or capture images of the petitioner or anyone named in the order.
Va. Code § 19.2-60.1Law-enforcement drone use; search warrant required
Virginia state and local law-enforcement agencies must obtain search warrant before operating UAS for law-enforcement purposes, subject to defined exceptions: Amber/Senior/Blue Alerts, immediate danger, crash-scene reconstruction, consent, training. Evidence obtained in violation is inadmissible. Weaponized UAS prohibited except at Wallops Island Space Port and certain Navy facilities.
Va. Code § 19.2-60.1 (amended by HB 1219/SB 647)Law-enforcement drone use; expedited warrant and warrantless exceptions
Expedites search warrant issuance for UAS upon finding of probable cause. Permits warrantless UAS use by law enforcement when surveying crime scenes or responding to public safety calls on public property, locating persons who fled during initial incident response, or providing real-time aerial observation for on-scene safety and security. Requires Department of Criminal Justice Services to establish model policy by December 1, 2026.
Va. Code § 19.2-60.1 (amended by HB 950)Law-enforcement and environmental enforcement — UAS without warrant
Adds Department of Environmental Quality to list of exceptions allowing UAS use without warrant for implementation and civil enforcement of Virginia Water Resources and Wetlands Protection Program, Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Act, and erosion and sediment control enforcement against permittees.
Va. Code § 15.2-926.3State preemption with narrow local carve-out for take-off and landing
Subsection A preempts all local regulation of privately owned UAS within political subdivisions' boundaries. Subsection B permits political subdivisions to regulate take-off and landing on property owned by the political subdivision, but only under rules promulgated by Virginia Department of Aviation consistent with federal aviation regulations. Subsection C requires political subdivisions to report any such ordinances to DOAV for statewide registry.
Va. Code § 5.1-5Registration of aircraft — UAS exemption
Any owner of an unmanned aircraft, as defined in § 19.2-60.1, shall not be required to register such aircraft with the state of Virginia. Federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years) is required for drones over 250 grams.
4 VAC 5-30-400Prohibition on UAS operations in Virginia State Parks
No person may voluntarily land or operate any airplane, remote-control model aircraft, helicopter, unmanned aerial system, drone, balloon, parachute, or other apparatus for aviation within or upon any Virginia state park. Permits available only for commercial or approved research use; recreational operators have no permit pathway. Permits must be obtained from individual park office, carried on-site, and site managers retain authority to limit or prohibit operations.
4 VAC 15-20-240Prohibition on drone use for hunting and wildlife operations
Unlawful to use a drone to hunt, take, or kill a wild animal, to drive or herd a wild animal for hunting purposes, or to harass a wild animal. Unlawful to hunt or assist another in hunting on the same calendar day after using a drone to locate or surveil a wild animal during an open season. Exemptions for Department of Wildlife Resources-authorized wildlife management, federal fish-and-wildlife employees, and local animal-control officers in their official duties.
SB 873 (2017)Fire chief authority over unmanned aircraft at emergencies
Specifies that the fire chief or other officer in charge of a fire department has authority to maintain order at an emergency incident, including the immediate airspace. Individuals who do not obey orders of the officer in charge are guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Prince William County
countyDrone operations in county parks — night flight prohibition
County Ordinance Sec. 14.5 prohibits the use of drones in Prince William County parks during nighttime hours without advance permission from the park authority.
Restrictions
No night flying in county parks without written authorization from county park authority
York County
countyPermit requirement for drone operations from public areas
County Code Sec. 17-20 prohibits flying or controlling any airborne equipment from a public area without a permit from the appropriate government official.
Restrictions
Public area defined as grounds of county-owned property including parks, beaches, public boat landings, vacant open land, public parking areas, county buildings, and public school grounds. Permit required for any flight.
Richmond
cityTake-off and landing authorization on city property
City of Richmond has not adopted a broad civilian drone ordinance under Va. Code § 15.2-926.3 framework as of 2026. Take-off and landing on city park property, city government buildings, and city-managed historic landmarks (Virginia State Capitol grounds, Canal Walk) require authorization from city agencies.
Restrictions
No registered civilian ordinance in DOAV statewide registry; site-specific authorization required for city property access
Norfolk
cityDrone ordinance pending — permits and operational restrictions
Norfolk City Council was developing a drone ordinance (as of May 2025) that would require permits for take-off and landing on city property and prohibit operations at listed sites including city garages and the Norfolk Zoo.
Restrictions
Proposed ordinance would ban operations at specified facilities; ordinance status remains pending as of publication date
Virginia Beach
cityAirspace constraint around NAS Oceana
Virginia Beach municipal airspace is heavily constrained by NAS Oceana Class D airspace and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Class D approach corridors. No city-specific drone ban ordinance identified, but airspace restrictions are the primary limiting factor.
Restrictions
NAS Oceana Class D covers much of the city; LAANC authorization frequently returns zero or very low altitude ceilings
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone trespass within 50 feet of dwelling or FAA SSI/SSAR violation (§ 18.2-121.3(A)) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 12 months | Virginia State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Civil liability also possible for trespass damages and intrusion upon seclusion |
| Unauthorized drone over military base, critical infrastructure, or MTSA facility (§ 18.2-121.3(B)) | Class 4 Felony | Up to $100,000 | 2 to 10 years | Federal and State Law Enforcement / DoD | Effective July 1, 2025; no first-offense misdemeanor — felony applies immediately |
| Contracted defense facility imagery with controlled technical information (§ 18.2-121.3(D)) | Class 4 Felony | Up to $100,000 | 2 to 10 years | Federal and State Law Enforcement / DoD | Effective July 1, 2025; prompted by Fengyun Shi espionage case at Newport News Shipbuilding (2024) |
| Peeping or spying via drone into dwelling (§ 18.2-130.1) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 12 months | Local Law Enforcement | Applies to unauthorized surveillance of interior of dwelling where reasonable privacy expectation exists |
| Drone use by sex offender registrant or protective order respondent (§ 18.2-324.2) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 12 months | Local Law Enforcement / Probation and Parole | Separate offense for following, contacting, or imaging without permission |
| Drone operation in Virginia state park without permit (4 VAC 5-30-400) | Administrative Violation | Varies by park; typically $50–$500 per incident | None | Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Park Rangers | Recreational operators cannot obtain permits; commercial and research only |
| Drone use for hunting or wildlife harassment (4 VAC 15-20-240) | Administrative Violation | Varies; hunting license suspension common | Possible under § 29.1-521 for hunting law violations | Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Conservation Police | Hunting same calendar day after drone surveillance also prohibited |
| DC Flight Restricted Zone or SFRA violation (49 U.S.C. § 46307) | Federal Misdemeanor | Federal civil penalties; criminal fines vary | Up to 1 year federal | FAA / Federal Law Enforcement | FRZ violations can result in criminal referral; NORAD intercept possible |
| National Park Service unit operation (36 CFR § 1.5, NPS Policy Memo 14-05) | Federal Class B Misdemeanor | $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service Rangers | Applies to Shenandoah, Colonial NHP, Great Falls, Manassas, and all other NPS units in Virginia; aircraft seizure |
| Interference with fire chief orders at emergency scene (SB 873) | Class 4 Misdemeanor | Up to $250 | Up to 30 days | Fire Department / Local Law Enforcement | Fire chief retains authority over immediate airspace at emergencies |
Drone trespass within 50 feet of dwelling or FAA SSI/SSAR violation (§ 18.2-121.3(A))
Civil liability also possible for trespass damages and intrusion upon seclusion
Unauthorized drone over military base, critical infrastructure, or MTSA facility (§ 18.2-121.3(B))
Effective July 1, 2025; no first-offense misdemeanor — felony applies immediately
Contracted defense facility imagery with controlled technical information (§ 18.2-121.3(D))
Effective July 1, 2025; prompted by Fengyun Shi espionage case at Newport News Shipbuilding (2024)
Peeping or spying via drone into dwelling (§ 18.2-130.1)
Applies to unauthorized surveillance of interior of dwelling where reasonable privacy expectation exists
Drone use by sex offender registrant or protective order respondent (§ 18.2-324.2)
Separate offense for following, contacting, or imaging without permission
Drone operation in Virginia state park without permit (4 VAC 5-30-400)
Recreational operators cannot obtain permits; commercial and research only
Drone use for hunting or wildlife harassment (4 VAC 15-20-240)
Hunting same calendar day after drone surveillance also prohibited
DC Flight Restricted Zone or SFRA violation (49 U.S.C. § 46307)
FRZ violations can result in criminal referral; NORAD intercept possible
National Park Service unit operation (36 CFR § 1.5, NPS Policy Memo 14-05)
Applies to Shenandoah, Colonial NHP, Great Falls, Manassas, and all other NPS units in Virginia; aircraft seizure
Interference with fire chief orders at emergency scene (SB 873)
Fire chief retains authority over immediate airspace at emergencies
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Virginia 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
- Virginia Department of Aviation local-ordinance permit fees — Varies by jurisdiction (typically $0–$150 for local city/county take-off/landing authorizations)Some cities and counties (e.g., York County, Prince William County) may charge fees for permits to operate drones on municipal property. Fees are set locally; check Virginia Department of Aviation statewide registry for your jurisdiction.
Virginia state law explicitly exempts unmanned aircraft from state registration under Va. Code § 5.1-5. No separate state drone registration exists. Federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years) is required for drones over 250 grams. Virginia has no state-level commercial drone licensing requirement beyond the federal FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 test fee). No state insurance mandate. No state sales tax on drone purchases identified.
No statewide commercial or recreational permit required. However, political subdivisions may regulate take-off and landing on their own property under Va. Code § 15.2-926.3(B) through local ordinances filed with Virginia Department of Aviation. Check DOAV local-ordinance registry before flying.
No state-mandated insurance requirement for private or commercial drone operations. Insurance is standard industry practice for commercial operations but not legally required.
Applicable Federal Regulations
DC Special Flight Rules Area and Flight Restricted Zone
14 CFR Part 93, Subpart V; 14 CFR § 93.339; FDC NOTAM 4/1783 (reissued periodically)
The DC SFRA is a post-9/11 national-security overlay extending 30 nautical miles from Reagan National Airport. The inner 15-nm Flight Restricted Zone prohibits all UAS operations (recreational, Part 107, and model aircraft). The outer 15–30 nm ring permits recreational flight under 49 U.S.C. § 44809 with LAANC for controlled airspace; Part 107 commercial flight requires SFRA-specific authorization. Enforcement is serious: FAA civil penalties can exceed $32,000 per violation; criminal referral under 49 U.S.C. § 46307 carries up to one year in federal prison. This airspace covers Arlington County entirely, much of Alexandria, Northern Fairfax, parts of Loudoun and Prince William, and the DC metro area. No other state has this concentration of federal-security airspace.
Remote ID Compliance
Mandatory since March 16, 2024; 14 CFR Part 107.19-21; 14 CFR Part 89
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information via Standard Remote ID, broadcast module, or operation within a FRIA. Virginia has no state exemption; federal mandate applies uniformly. Commercial Part 107 pilots and recreational flyers operating beyond 400 feet AGL must be compliant.
Part 107 Commercial Operations
14 CFR Part 107; $175 knowledge test; 24-month certificate renewal
Virginia has no additional state licensing, permitting, or insurance requirements beyond federal Part 107. The certificate is nationally recognized and applies to all commercial operations in the state.
Recreational Flyer Exception
49 U.S.C. § 44809; TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test)
Virginia recreational pilots must pass the free TRUST test and maintain visual line of sight under daylight/civil twilight conditions. No state-level additional requirements. Drones over 250 grams require FAA registration ($5/3 years).
Part 108 Advanced Operations (Future)
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) rulemaking still in progress
Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) is one of seven original FAA UAS test sites. Defense contracting, utility inspection, and public safety pilots anticipating Part 108 operations should consult with FAA specialists to map waiver strategies.
National Park Service Drone Ban
36 CFR § 1.5; NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05
All National Park Service units nationwide prohibit drone launch, landing, and operation. Virginia units affected: Shenandoah National Park, Colonial National Historical Park (Jamestown, Yorktown, Colonial Parkway), George Washington Memorial Parkway, Great Falls Park, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Prince William Forest Park, Wolf Trap, Assateague Island National Seashore, and Civil War battlefield parks (Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Petersburg, Richmond, Cedar Creek, Appomattox). Violations are federal Class B misdemeanors (up to 6 months/$ 5,000; drone seizure). NPS rangers actively enforce.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Va. Code § 18.2-121.3 — Trespass with an unmanned aircraft system; penalty
Penalty: Class 4 felony for knowing/intentional unauthorized UAS entry over critical infrastructure, military bases, or MTSA-covered facilities
FAA authorization carve-out: Yes
Covered categories
Virginia's CI definition is incorporated by reference to 42 U.S.C. § 5195c rather than an enumerated list, sweeping in a broader range of facilities than typical state CI statutes.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC available at 726 airports nationwide, including major Virginia airports (Richmond International RIC, Newport News PHF, Roanoke ROA, etc.). However, airspace around DC (Reagan National DCA, Dulles IAD) is heavily restricted by the DC Special Flight Rules Area and Flight Restricted Zone, frequently returning zero-altitude or very-low authorizations in Northern Virginia.
Major Airports
DCA — Ronald Reagan Washington National AirportIAD — Washington Dulles InternationalRIC — Richmond InternationalORF — Norfolk InternationalPHF — Newport News/Williamsburg InternationalROA — Roanoke-Blacksburg RegionalLYH — Lynchburg RegionalNTU — Shenandoah Valley Regional
TFR Notice
Persistent TFRs: DC Flight Restricted Zone (15-nm ring around Reagan National, essentially no-fly), DC Special Flight Rules Area (15–30 nm, recreational only under conditions), stadium TFRs during major sporting events (Scott Stadium UVA, Lane Stadium VT, etc.), military base TFRs (Quantico, Langley, Wallops), and seasonal TFRs during presidential movements and major events.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Fengyun Shi espionage conviction — first Espionage Act drone prosecution
enforcementChinese national Fengyun Shi pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts under the Espionage Act for flying a drone over Newport News Shipbuilding and photographing Navy ships in dry dock. Sentenced to 6 months concurrent; subsequently deported to China by ICE. Case directly prompted Virginia's HB 1726 (Class 4 felony for DOD contract facility imagery, effective 7/1/2025).
Joint Base Langley-Eustis drone swarm incident — 17 consecutive nights
enforcementUnknown drones, including 20-foot fixed-wing aircraft and quadcopters, swarmed restricted airspace above Langley Air Force Base over 17 consecutive nights in December 2023. Military scrambled F-22 Raptors and AWACS surveillance. Source never conclusively identified. Incident prompted classified briefings with Virginia governor, senators, and federal officials, and led to broader review of Virginia's federal-facility protections resulting in 2025 amendments.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Virginia | UVA requires all UAS operations on university grounds to be approved in advance by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety. Scott Stadium operates under a Federal TFR during Cavaliers football games. Restrictions: EHS approval required before any flight. Stadium TFR during athletic events. No flights over historic Grounds or Rotunda. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@virginia.edu |
| Virginia Tech | Virginia Tech requires advance approval from Environmental Health & Safety for all campus drone operations. Lane Stadium operates under a Federal TFR during athletic events. Virginia Tech hosts the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP), one of seven original FAA UAS test sites, and actively conducts drone research and testing. Restrictions: EHS approval required before any flight. Stadium TFR during events. Compliance with FAA Part 107 or TRUST required. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety / Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership — ehss@vt.edu |
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.
Stay Compliant
Stay Compliant. Stay Organized.
Now that you know Virginia's drone laws, let PilotLedger help you stay on top of compliance. Manage your quotes, invoices, clients, and run your drone business from one platform.