Washington Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Washington maintains a moderate regulatory stance toward drone operations with specific state requirements for commercial registration, mandatory physical labeling, and property owner consent that exceed federal baseline rules. State parks require permits, Seattle parks prohibit drones entirely, and the state restricts drone use for hunting and critical infrastructure surveillance.
State Drone Laws
RCW 47.68.380Unmanned Aircraft System Labeling and Property Consent Requirement
Requires every drone operated in Washington to display the operator's name and telephone number as a physical label on the aircraft. Prohibits flying over private property without the owner's consent.
RCW 4.24Drone Trespass and Property Invasion Civil Action
Establishes a civil cause of action for drone trespass. After a property owner provides written or verbal warning not to fly over their property, subsequent flights over that property result in automatic liquidated damages.
RCW 47.68.250State Commercial Drone Registration Requirement
Requires commercial drone operators to register their aircraft with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation Division through the Secure Access Washington (SAW) portal in addition to FAA registration.
WAC 352-32-130Unmanned Aircraft Use in Washington State Parks
Allows drone use in Washington State Parks only upon issuance of one-time permission granted by the park Director or designee. Commercial or educational filming requires a special permit and RC Aircraft permit. Drone pilots must apply at least 60 days in advance.
WAC 220-413-070Prohibition on Drone Use for Wildlife Spotting and Hunting
Prohibits the use of unmanned aircraft to spot, locate, or report the location of wildlife for the purpose of hunting, or to pursue, concentrate, or harass any wild animal or wild bird. Exception: activities authorized by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
WAC 200-250-030 to 040Washington State Capitol Campus Unmanned Aircraft Prohibition
Prohibits launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters within the boundaries of the Washington state capital campus. Exceptions apply only to law enforcement, emergency response, national defense, or activities with prior approval from the Director.
WAC 220-413-070Drone Use Restrictions for Harvesting Activities
Extends prohibition on drone use to any activity intended to locate, concentrate, or harass wildlife for hunting, fishing, or harvest purposes.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Seattle
citySeattle Municipal Code 18.12.265 - Park Drone Ban
Prohibits the use of drones in all Seattle city parks. Takeoff, landing, and flying through park airspace are all prohibited. No recreational exceptions.
Restrictions
Complete ban on drone operations in all Seattle parks including Discovery Park, Green Lake, and all neighborhood parks. Filming on city-owned property requires a permit from the Seattle Office of Film and Music with $2 million liability insurance requirement.
Snohomish County
countySnohomish County Park Code Chapter 22.16 - Unmanned Aircraft Restriction
Prohibits the use of remote controlled unmanned aircraft within Snohomish County parks except in areas specifically designated for such activities.
Restrictions
Drones not permitted in county parks unless in designated areas approved by county
Pierce County
countyPierce County Code Chapter 1.30 - Law Enforcement Drone Restriction
Restricts Pierce County departments and agencies from using drones to gather evidence or information connected to criminal activities except in situations authorized by federal and state laws.
Restrictions
County agencies limited to law enforcement, emergency response, and federally/state-authorized activities only
City of Bellevue
cityBellevue Parks Drone Restriction
Prohibits the use of drones in all Bellevue parks. Drone pilots are directed to fly at Marymoor Park Airfield or 60 Acres Park.
Restrictions
Complete ban on drones in Bellevue parks; alternative designated flying sites available
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating drone without required name/phone labeling (RCW 47.68.380) | Class 2 Civil Infraction | Up to $125 | None | Washington State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Physical label with operator name and phone number must be affixed to drone body |
| Flying over private property without owner consent (RCW 47.68.380) | Class 2 Civil Infraction | Up to $125 | None | Washington State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Stricter than federal law; Washington restricts overflight of private property itself |
| Drone trespass after property owner warning (RCW 4.24) | Civil Action | $500 liquidated damages per incident | None | Property Owner / Civil Courts | Property owner may sue after warning; automatic damages, no harm must be proven; attorney fees recoverable |
| Using drone to spot or locate wildlife for hunting (WAC 220-413-070) | Fish and Wildlife Violation | Varies by violation severity | Up to 90 days for misdemeanor | Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife | Applies to hunting, concentrating, or harassing wildlife |
| Drone operation on Washington state capitol campus (WAC 200-250-030) | Trespass / Campus Code Violation | Up to $250 civil infraction | Up to 10 days misdemeanor | Capitol Campus Police / State Police | Exceptions for law enforcement, emergency, or pre-approved national defense activities |
Operating drone without required name/phone labeling (RCW 47.68.380)
Physical label with operator name and phone number must be affixed to drone body
Flying over private property without owner consent (RCW 47.68.380)
Stricter than federal law; Washington restricts overflight of private property itself
Drone trespass after property owner warning (RCW 4.24)
Property owner may sue after warning; automatic damages, no harm must be proven; attorney fees recoverable
Using drone to spot or locate wildlife for hunting (WAC 220-413-070)
Applies to hunting, concentrating, or harassing wildlife
Drone operation on Washington state capitol campus (WAC 200-250-030)
Exceptions for law enforcement, emergency, or pre-approved national defense activities
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Required
Commercial drone operators must register with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation Division through the Secure Access Washington (SAW) portal. Recreational drones over 250g require FAA registration only. All drones (recreational and commercial) require physical labeling with operator name and phone number under RCW 47.68.380.
State parks require permits (apply 60+ days in advance, $25 application fee). Seattle parks prohibit drones entirely. Commercial filming on Seattle city property requires film permit with $2 million liability insurance.
Commercial drone operations require minimum $100,000 liability insurance through WSDOT. Seattle film permits require $2 million liability coverage (one of highest in US). Most commercial operators carry $1 million to satisfy both state minimum and typical client contracts.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID required on all registered drones since March 2024
Washington drone operators must comply with federal Remote ID requirements. All registered drones (over 250g) must broadcast Remote ID information. Enforcement ongoing nationwide.
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Federal baseline for commercial drone operations
Commercial operators in Washington must obtain FAA Part 107 certificate ($175 test fee). Washington adds state-level registration ($15/year) and insurance requirements ($100,000 minimum) on top of federal Part 107.
Recreational Flyer Exception (49 USC 44809)
Federal rule allowing recreational drone flights under TRUST test
Recreational pilots in Washington must pass free TRUST test (online, one-time) and follow all federal recreational rules. Washington's state-level property consent and labeling rules apply to both recreational and commercial operators.
LAANC Authorization
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability required for controlled airspace
Washington has LAANC available at major airports (SEA-TAC, Boeing Field, Paine Field). Both recreational and Part 107 pilots can request near-real-time LAANC authorization for flights under 400 feet in controlled airspace.
No Fly Zone Compliance
Federal restrictions around airports, military bases, critical infrastructure
Restricted airspace in Washington includes Naval Base Kitsap (Kitsap County), military installations (JBLM, Whidbey Island NAS). Operators near Naval Base Kitsap must register separately with Navy. Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary prohibits flights below 2,000 feet AGL.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Washington 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 available at major airports including Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA-TAC), Boeing Field, and Paine Field. Multiple Class B and C airports require LAANC authorization or airspace waiver for controlled airspace operations.
Major Airports
SEA — Seattle-Tacoma InternationalBFI — Boeing FieldPAE — Paine Field
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) active around Husky Stadium (University of Washington) during football games, Martin Stadium (Washington State University) during events, and major sporting events. Kitsap County restricted airspace near Naval Base Kitsap; operators must register with Navy separately. Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary prohibits aircraft below 2,000 feet AGL.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
FAA Launches DETER Program for Drone Enforcement
regulatory changeFAA announces new DETER (Drone Enforcement Through Education and Remediation) program offering fast-track penalties for first-time drone offenders, allowing operators to avoid appeal rights in exchange for reduced fines.
FAA Steps Up Drone Enforcement Ahead of Super Bowl LX
enforcementFAA and FBI establish comprehensive drone restrictions around Super Bowl LX venue, with increased enforcement patrols and penalties for unauthorized operations.
FAA Institutes Nationwide Drone No-Fly Zones Around ICE Operations
regulatory changeFAA establishes drone no-fly zones around Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations nationwide, restricting unmanned aircraft operations near sensitive government operations.
Pending Legislation
SB5302In Committee — Law & JusticeProhibiting the Purchase of Small Unmanned Aircraft Manufactured or Assembled by a Covered Foreign Entity
Would prohibit Washington state and local government agencies from purchasing small unmanned aircraft (drones) manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities, likely targeting Chinese-made drones. Aims to ensure government drone procurement complies with national security standards.
Last action: January 12, 2026
HB1611In Committee — State Government & Tribal RelationsProhibiting the Purchase of Small Unmanned Aircraft Manufactured or Assembled by a Covered Foreign Entity
Companion bill to SB5302. Would restrict government purchase of drones from covered foreign entities.
Last action: January 12, 2026
SB5763In Committee — Ways & MeansConcerning the Law Enforcement Aviation Support Grant Program
Would establish or fund a law enforcement aviation support grant program, potentially expanding aviation capabilities and technology for state and local law enforcement agencies, possibly including drone operations.
Last action: February 6, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington | UW requires all drone operations on campus to be approved by the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) department. Husky Stadium operates a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) during football games. Restrictions: EHS approval required for all campus drone flights. Husky Stadium TFR active during athletic events. Seattle urban airspace constraints apply. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@uw.edu |
| Washington State University | WSU requires coordination with campus police and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) for drone operations on the Pullman campus. Martin Stadium operates a TFR during athletic events. Restrictions: Coordination with EHS and Campus Police required. Martin Stadium TFR during events. Campus approval required before flight. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety / Campus Police — ehs@wsu.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.
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