Washington Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Washington maintains a permissive general stance toward recreational drone operations but imposes targeted restrictions through privacy statutes, wildlife protection rules, state park permit requirements, and commercial registration fees. The state has no comprehensive drone act; drone regulation derives from voyeurism, recording consent, wildlife, and aviation statutes applied to UAS operations.
State Drone Laws
RCW 9A.44.115Voyeurism — First and Second Degree
Prohibits knowingly viewing, photographing, or filming another person without consent for sexual arousal/gratification, or filming intimate areas without consent, in a place with reasonable expectation of privacy. Applies to drone-enabled surveillance.
RCW 9.73.030Recording and Intercepting Private Communications — All-Party Consent
Washington is an all-party consent state. Prohibits recording or intercepting private communications without all parties' consent. Applies to drone operations using audio recording equipment.
RCW 47.68.380Mandatory Drone Labeling and Private Property Overflight Prohibition
Requires every drone operated in Washington to display the operator's name and telephone number on the aircraft (separate from FAA registration marking). Prohibits flying over private property without owner consent.
RCW 4.24Drone Trespass Civil Liability
Provides civil remedy for private property owners. After a property owner issues written or verbal warning against overflight, any subsequent violation creates automatic liability for $500 in liquidated damages plus attorney fees per incident.
RCW 47.68.250Commercial Unmanned Aircraft Registration — WSDOT
Requires registration of drones operated commercially (for compensation, hire, or as extension of business) with WSDOT Aviation Division. Annual $15 registration fee. Applies in addition to FAA registration. Recreational and government aircraft exempt.
WAC 352-32-130Remote Controlled Aircraft in State Parks
Permits drone flight in state park areas only at designated flying areas (rarely pre-designated) or under written permit from Director of State Parks or designee. Permit applications must be submitted at least 60 days in advance. Recreational permits: $25 non-refundable application fee. Commercial film/photography: $100 with possible additional fees. Director may attach time, geographic, elevation, and other restrictions.
WAC 220-413-070Wildlife Harassment — Unmanned Aircraft Prohibition
Prohibits use of unmanned aircraft to pursue, concentrate, or harass any wild animal or wild bird. Exception only for WDFW-authorized activities to address wildlife conflicts. Applies to all UAS operations.
WAC 220-414Hunting Restrictions — Same-Day Unmanned Aircraft Prohibition
Hunters cannot hunt game animals, game birds, or migratory birds on the same day they operated an unmanned aircraft. Prohibits using drone the night before and hunting the next morning.
WAC 200-250-030Capitol Campus Drone Prohibition
Operating a drone on the Washington State Capitol Campus in Olympia is prohibited. Exceptions only for law enforcement, emergency response, national defense, and pre-approved activities by DES Director. Campus includes Capitol Lake, buildings, and surrounding grounds.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Seattle
cityDrone Prohibition in City Parks — Seattle Municipal Code 18.12.265
Prohibits drone operation in every Seattle city park, including takeoff, landing, and flying through park airspace.
Restrictions
No drone operations in any city park. No recreational exceptions. Commercial filming on city property requires permit from Seattle Office of Film + Music with $25 daily site fee, proof of Part 107 certificate, FAA registration, and minimum $2,000,000 aviation liability insurance.
City of Tacoma
cityDrone Prohibition in Metro Parks Tacoma — Ordinance 28615
Prohibits drone use across the Metro Parks Tacoma system.
Restrictions
Pilots may request written permission from Parks Director on case-by-case basis.
City of Bellevue
cityDrone Prohibition in City Parks
Policy declares drones are not permitted in Bellevue parks.
Restrictions
Exceptions: Marymoor Park Airfield (Redmond, King County) and 60 Acres Park (Redmond, King County) are approved alternatives.
King County
countyKing County Parks Restriction — Title 7 Parks and Recreation Ordinance
Remote operated vehicles and model aircraft prohibited in King County parks except in designated or posted areas.
Restrictions
Drones restricted to designated areas only. Marymoor Park Airfield and 60 Acres Park are established drone-friendly locations.
Snohomish County
countySnohomish County Parks Prohibition — Park Code 22.16.080
Prohibits radio/remote-controlled aircraft in county parks except in areas specifically designated by parks division and posted for such use.
Restrictions
No drone flights except in designated areas.
Pierce County
countyPierce County Government Drone Use Limits — Code Chapter 1.30
Places limits on the use of drones by county government agencies and departments in gathering evidence or information related to criminal activities.
Restrictions
Restrictions apply to government use only, not private operators.
Kitsap County
countyKitsap County Launch Notification for Navy Base Area
Requires pilots to submit a Launch Notification form if flying near Naval Base Kitsap.
Restrictions
Separate from FAA and WSDOT registration. Restricted airspace extends beyond base perimeter. Always check NOTAMs and airspace maps before flying in Kitsap Peninsula.
City of Olympia / Thurston County
cityCapitol Campus Restriction — WAC 200-250-030
Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft on lands and waters within boundaries of the state capitol campus is prohibited.
Restrictions
Exceptions only for law enforcement, emergency/fire response, national defense, or pre-approved DES Director activities.
City of Spokane
citySpokane City Parks — Updated Drone-Friendly Policy
Allows drones in city parks provided they are not operated in a manner dangerous to persons or property.
Restrictions
Drones and hobby aircraft allowed in city parks when operated safely. Spokane County parks have stricter rules (no takeoff/landing allowed).
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-degree voyeurism by drone — filming/photographing without consent for sexual gratification | Class C Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 5 years | County Prosecutors / State Patrol / Local Law Enforcement | RCW 9A.44.115. Civil liability for damages also possible. |
| Second-degree voyeurism by drone — filming intimate areas without consent, intent to distribute | Gross Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 364 days | County Prosecutors / State Patrol / Local Law Enforcement | RCW 9A.44.115 |
| Recording without all-party consent — audio recording via drone | Gross Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 364 days | County Prosecutors / Local Law Enforcement | RCW 9.73.030. Washington is all-party consent state. |
| Mandatory labeling violation — operating drone without name and phone number displayed | Class 2 Civil Infraction | Up to $125 | Local Law Enforcement | RCW 47.68.380 | |
| Flying over private property without owner consent | Class 2 Civil Infraction | Up to $125 | Local Law Enforcement | RCW 47.68.380. Also subject to civil trespass action. | |
| Drone trespass after property owner warning | Civil Liability | $500 liquidated damages per incident + attorney fees | Private civil action | RCW 4.24. $500 automatic per incident after written or verbal warning from property owner. | |
| State park drone operation without permit | Civil Infraction | Up to penalties under Chapter 7.84 RCW | State Parks Rangers | WAC 352-32-130. Permit required, $25 application fee for recreational, $100 for commercial film/photo. | |
| Wildlife harassment by drone — pursuing, concentrating, or harassing wild animals or birds | Per WDFW Penalty Schedule | Variable — typically $500-$2,000+ | Up to 364 days in severe cases | Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife | WAC 220-413-070. WDFW enforcement officers investigate; tip line: 1-877-933-9847 |
| Hunting on same day as unmanned aircraft operation | Per WDFW Penalty Schedule | Variable | Up to 364 days in severe cases | WDFW / Local Law Enforcement | WAC 220-414. Blocks scout-the-night-before hunting strategy. |
| Capitol Campus drone operation | Trespass / Related Misdemeanor | Variable | Up to 1 year | Department of Enterprise Services / State Patrol | WAC 200-250-030. Applies to launch, landing, or operation on Capitol Campus grounds or Capitol Lake. |
| Wildfire Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) violation | Federal Civil + Criminal | Up to $20,000 civil penalty | Up to 12 months criminal | FAA / U.S. Attorney's Office | 14 CFR § 91.137 / 18 U.S.C. § 32. Aggressively enforced in Pacific Northwest. Has grounded firefighting aircraft multiple times in Washington. |
| National Park drone operation (Mount Rainier, Olympic, North Cascades) | Federal Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service / U.S. Attorney's Office | NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 / 36 CFR § 1.5. All three parks are closed to drone launch, landing, and operation. |
| Stadium Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) violation | Federal Civil + Criminal | Variable | Variable | FAA / U.S. Attorney's Office | 14 CFR § 99.7 / 49 U.S.C. § 46307. Covers Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, Husky Stadium, Martin Stadium during events (3 NM radius, 3,000 feet AGL). |
First-degree voyeurism by drone — filming/photographing without consent for sexual gratification
RCW 9A.44.115. Civil liability for damages also possible.
Second-degree voyeurism by drone — filming intimate areas without consent, intent to distribute
RCW 9A.44.115
Recording without all-party consent — audio recording via drone
RCW 9.73.030. Washington is all-party consent state.
Mandatory labeling violation — operating drone without name and phone number displayed
RCW 47.68.380
Flying over private property without owner consent
RCW 47.68.380. Also subject to civil trespass action.
Drone trespass after property owner warning
RCW 4.24. $500 automatic per incident after written or verbal warning from property owner.
State park drone operation without permit
WAC 352-32-130. Permit required, $25 application fee for recreational, $100 for commercial film/photo.
Wildlife harassment by drone — pursuing, concentrating, or harassing wild animals or birds
WAC 220-413-070. WDFW enforcement officers investigate; tip line: 1-877-933-9847
Hunting on same day as unmanned aircraft operation
WAC 220-414. Blocks scout-the-night-before hunting strategy.
Capitol Campus drone operation
WAC 200-250-030. Applies to launch, landing, or operation on Capitol Campus grounds or Capitol Lake.
Wildfire Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) violation
14 CFR § 91.137 / 18 U.S.C. § 32. Aggressively enforced in Pacific Northwest. Has grounded firefighting aircraft multiple times in Washington.
National Park drone operation (Mount Rainier, Olympic, North Cascades)
NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 / 36 CFR § 1.5. All three parks are closed to drone launch, landing, and operation.
Stadium Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) violation
14 CFR § 99.7 / 49 U.S.C. § 46307. Covers Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, Husky Stadium, Martin Stadium during events (3 NM radius, 3,000 feet AGL).
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Washington 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
Required
$15/year per drone
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Required
Commercial License
Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Registration Fee
- $15/year per droneAgency: WSDOT Aviation DivisionRegister here →
- Commercial License
- Required — fee not specified
- Insurance
- $100,000 minimum liability insurance required for commercial drone operations registered with WSDOT. Most commercial operators carry $1,000,000 in coverage. Seattle film permits require $2,000,000 minimum.
- Other Fees
- Washington State Parks Permit Application Fee — Recreational — $25 (non-refundable)One-time permit application fee to fly drone in state parks. Recreational use. Requires 60+ days lead time.
- Washington State Parks Permit Application Fee — Commercial Film/Photography — $100 (non-refundable, plus possible additional fees)Permit application fee for commercial film and still-photography operations in state parks. Director may assess additional fees based on review.
- Seattle Office of Film + Music — Daily Commercial Filming Permit — $25/dayRequired for commercial drone filming on Seattle city property or over city-owned property. Requires proof of Part 107 certificate, FAA registration, and $2,000,000 aviation liability insurance.
Washington requires commercial drone operators to register with WSDOT Aviation Division. This is separate from and in addition to FAA registration. Recreational pilots are exempt from state registration but must register with FAA if drone exceeds 250g. No state-level commercial licensing requirement beyond FAA Part 107.
No general statewide permit required. State parks permit required separately ($25 application fee for recreational, $100 for commercial film/photo; 60-day lead time).
Applicable Federal Regulations
Part 107 Commercial Certification
Commercial drone operators in Washington must hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107). Exam costs $175 and is valid for 24 months.
Part 107 is the foundation for all commercial drone work in Washington. It is required in addition to WSDOT state registration ($15/year). Testing centers available in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and other cities.
Remote ID Compliance
All drones flown outdoors must broadcast Remote ID (location, altitude, operator ID) as of March 16, 2024. Standard Remote ID, broadcast modules, or FRIA exemption areas qualify.
Remote ID is enforced at the federal level. Recreational and commercial operators must comply. Broadcasting of location data is mandatory unless operating in an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
Class B Airspace Coverage — Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)
SEA-Tac is one of the most restrictive airspace environments in Washington, with Class B coverage from surface to 10,000 feet across much of King County. LAANC authorization is essential.
Boeing Field sits as Class D underneath the SEA Class B shelf. Nearly all commercial drone work in the Seattle metro area requires LAANC authorization. Recreational flyers also need LAANC unless operating below controlled-airspace ceilings.
Wildfire TFR Enforcement
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are issued during active wildfires in Washington, particularly east of the Cascades during summer/fall. Violations carry federal civil penalties up to $20,000 and criminal exposure up to 12 months imprisonment.
Wildfire TFRs have grounded firefighting helicopters in Washington multiple times. The state experienced at least seven firefighting aircraft groundings due to unauthorized drone incursions during the 2023 fire season alone. Violations are aggressively prosecuted.
National Park Closures
Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks are completely closed to drone launch, landing, and operation under NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05. Violation is a federal Class B misdemeanor.
No exceptions for recreational or commercial drones in these parks. Penalties: up to 6 months imprisonment and $5,000 fine. FAA coordinates with NPS for airspace enforcement.
Stadium Temporary Flight Restrictions (14 CFR § 99.7)
Drone operation is prohibited within a three-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet AGL of stadiums seating 30,000+ during MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football, and major motor-sport events.
Applies to Lumen Field (Seattle Seahawks/NFL), T-Mobile Park (Seattle Mariners/MLB), Husky Stadium (University of Washington), and Martin Stadium (Washington State University). Restriction extends from one hour before through one hour after events.
Hanford Site Restriction
The FAA has prohibited drone flight from the surface to 400 feet AGL over the Hanford Site since December 29, 2017. Exceptions only for national defense, law enforcement, firefighting, and disaster response.
The Hanford restriction requires coordination with FAA and Department of Energy. Commercial drone work near Hanford is heavily restricted. The facility is a critical infrastructure site.
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
Aircraft operations below 2,000 feet above ground level are prohibited over Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. Sanctuary boundaries extend from mouth of Copalis River to Koitlah Point at Neah Bay.
Regulated under 15 CFR 922. Takeoff and landings at Copalis Beach airstrip are unaffected. Enforcement by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
TRUST Certificate for Recreational Operators
All recreational drone pilots must pass the free FAA-administered Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of passage. One-time certification.
TRUST is offered online through multiple FAA-approved test administrators. Certificate must be available during flights. No formal renewal; one-time completion satisfies requirement indefinitely.
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 is essential for commercial and recreational operations in controlled airspace around major Washington airports. Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) is Class B airspace from surface to 10,000 feet, covering most of King County. Boeing Field, Paine Field (Everett), Renton Municipal, and Spokane International also require LAANC authorization or manual approval.
Major Airports
SEA — Seattle-Tacoma International (Class B)BFI — Boeing Field (Class D)PAE — Paine Field (Everett)RNT — Renton MunicipalGEG — Spokane InternationalMFR — Medford-Jackson County Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are common during wildfire season east of the Cascades (summer/fall). Stadium TFRs apply during Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, Husky Stadium (Seattle), and Martin Stadium (Pullman) events seating 30,000+. Fairchild AFB and Hanford Site have permanent restrictions.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
FAA Seeks $289,215 Penalty Against Washington Drone Operator Over Fertilizer Flights
enforcementFAA initiated enforcement action against a Washington agricultural drone operator for regulatory violations during commercial fertilizer application operations.
FAA Launches DETER Program to Speed Up Drone Enforcement
regulatory changeFAA announced the DETER (Detect and Enforce Through Education and Reporting) program to accelerate drone enforcement penalties for first-time violators, including agricultural operators.
Pending Legislation
SB 5302In CommitteeProhibiting the purchase of small unmanned aircrafts manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity
Would prohibit the purchase and use of drones manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities (likely targeting Chinese manufacturers). Sponsored by Republican and Democratic legislators.
Last action: January 12, 2026
HB 1611In CommitteeProhibiting the purchase of small unmanned aircrafts manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity
House companion to SB 5302. Would ban procurement and use of drones from covered foreign sources.
Last action: January 12, 2026
SB 5755In Committee (2023-2024 session, rolled over)Concerning unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system use by state and local agencies
Would establish requirements and restrictions for unmanned aircraft system use by state and local government agencies, likely addressing accountability and privacy concerns.
Last action: June 30, 2024
HB 1379In Committee (2021-2022 session, rolled over)Establishing an unpiloted aircraft system state coordinator and program funding source
Would establish a state coordinator position for unmanned aircraft systems and create program funding. Addresses need for centralized UAS policy and administration at state level.
Last action: March 31, 2022
SB 5350In Committee (2021-2022 session, rolled over)Extending certain aerospace tax preferences to include unmanned aircraft systems
Would extend existing aerospace tax preferences to cover unmanned aircraft systems manufacturing and operations, addressing tax treatment parity with traditional aircraft.
Last action: May 9, 2022
HB 1470In Committee (2021-2022 session, rolled over)Extending certain aerospace tax preferences to include unmanned aircraft systems
House companion to SB 5350. Would align UAS with aerospace tax treatment.
Last action: May 9, 2022
HB 1341In Committee (2019-2020 session, expired)Concerning the use of unmanned aerial systems near certain protected marine species
Would restrict drone use near protected marine species, addressing conservation and marine mammal protection concerns in Washington coastal areas.
Last action: February 17, 2020
HB 1381In Committee (2019-2020 session, expired)Addressing the use of unmanned aircraft to deliver contraband
Would establish penalties and restrictions for using drones to deliver contraband (drugs, weapons, etc.) into correctional facilities and other secured areas.
Last action: March 9, 2020
HB 1766In Committee (2019-2020 session, expired)Concerning unmanned aircraft
General unmanned aircraft regulation bill. Specific provisions not detailed in available sources.
Last action: February 10, 2020
SB 5763In CommitteeConcerning the law enforcement aviation support grant program
Would establish or expand law enforcement aviation support grant programs, potentially including funding for drone operations and training.
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 department. UW participates in LAANC and manages airspace conflicts with nearby Boeing Field and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Restrictions: EHS pre-approval required. Husky Stadium has a Temporary Flight Restriction during football games. All Seattle urban airspace constraints apply. No flights over buildings, crowds, or parking areas without express written permission. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@washington.edu |
| Washington State University | WSU Pullman campus requires coordination with campus police and Environmental Health & Safety for drone operations. University manages airspace around Spokane region with its own LAANC participation. Restrictions: Campus police and EHS coordination required. Martin Stadium has a Temporary Flight Restriction during football games. No flights over buildings, athletic fields during events, or crowd areas. Pullman airspace coordination required. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety / Campus Police |
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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