Washington Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Washington maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations, with targeted state-level restrictions in state parks, the state capitol campus, and requirements for commercial drone registration with the Aviation Division since April 2022. Local governments including Seattle, King County, Snohomish County, and others have enacted park-specific prohibitions, while state law does not explicitly preempt local drone ordinances. Drone operators must also comply with federal FAA Part 107 rules, Remote ID requirements, and NOAA restrictions over the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.
State Drone Laws
WAC 352-32-130Flying Drones in State Parks
Remote controlled aircraft may be flown in any state park area pursuant to written permission from the director or designee. The director may specify time, geographic, and elevation restrictions, and any other restrictions necessary to protect the public, park visitors or staff, or park resources. Operators must possess and produce a copy of written permission upon request by parks staff.
WAC 200-250-030Unmanned Aircraft Operations at State Capitol Campus
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters within the boundaries of the state capitol campus is prohibited except for the exclusions listed under this law.
RCW 47.68 / Aviation Division RuleCommercial Drone Registration with Aviation Division
Commercially operated drones in Washington state are required to register with the Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division as of April 1, 2022. Registration is necessary for drone owners who operate their systems under 14 CFR Part 107 rules for compensation or hire, or engage in advertising.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Kitsap County
countyLaunch Notification
This policy requires pilots to submit a Launch Notification form if flying near the Navy base.
Restrictions
Launch notification required for flights near Navy base
King County
countyKing County Parks – Title 7 Parks and Recreation Ordinance
All remote operated vehicles and model aircraft are prohibited in King County parks except in designated or posted areas for that purpose.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in King County parks except in designated areas
Bellevue
cityParks & Recreation – Acceptable Drone Flying Sites
This city policy declares that drones are not permitted in Bellevue parks, except at Marymoor Park Airfield and 60 Acres Park.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in Bellevue parks except at Marymoor Park Airfield and 60 Acres Park
Snohomish County
countyPark Code 22.16.080
No person shall operate any radio/remote controlled or self-propelled model airplane, glider, car, boat or any model rocket within a county park except in areas specifically designated by the parks division and posted for such use.
Restrictions
Drones and model aircraft prohibited in Snohomish County parks except in designated areas
Seattle
cityMunicipal Law - Drones Prohibited in Parks
This city ordinance prohibits drones and other remote-controlled aircraft in parks.
Restrictions
Drones and remote-controlled aircraft prohibited in Seattle parks
Seattle
cityFilm Permit Requirement for Drone Operations
Drone operators must obtain a permit for filming with drones when taking off or landing on city-owned property and when flying over city-owned property.
Restrictions
Film permit required for drone operations on or over city-owned property
Pierce County
countyPierce County Code 1.30 – Government Drone Use Limitations
This ordinance places limits on the use of drones by government agencies within Pierce County, establishing privacy protections and oversight requirements for law enforcement drone operations.
Restrictions
Limits on government agency drone use; privacy protections for law enforcement drone use
Penalty & Fine Schedule
No state-specific penalty information on record.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercially operated drones in Washington state are required to register with the WSDOT Aviation Division as of April 1, 2022. Registration is necessary for drone owners who operate their systems under 14 CFR Part 107 rules for compensation or hire, or engage in advertising. Recreational operators are subject to FAA registration requirements only.
Remote Controlled Aircraft Permits are required for drone operations in Washington state parks. Permits are obtained through the state parks director and may specify time, geographic, and elevation restrictions. Seattle additionally requires film permits for drone operations on or over city-owned property.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule
Commercial drone operations in Washington must comply with FAA Part 107 regulations.
All commercial drone pilots in Washington operating for compensation or hire must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test and must follow Part 107 operational limitations including altitude, speed, line-of-sight, and airspace restrictions.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Recreational drone pilots in Washington must pass the TRUST test.
Hobbyist drone operators in Washington must complete the FAA's Recreational UAS Safety Test. Drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250 grams) must be registered with the FAA for a $5 fee.
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
Federal NOAA regulations restrict drone operations over the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.
Flight operations below 2,000 feet AGL over designated areas within the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, which extends along almost the entire northern coast of Washington, violate NOAA regulations under 15 CFR 922.
Remote ID Compliance
Washington drone operators must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements.
All drone operators in Washington must comply with FAA Remote ID regulations, which require drones to transmit identification information. As of September 2023, the FAA required most drones to broadcast Remote ID unless operating within an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
Military Airspace and Installation Restrictions
Federal military installations in Washington create significant restricted airspace affecting drone operations.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Naval Station Kitsap, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, and Fairchild Air Force Base all have associated restricted airspace and prohibited areas. Unauthorized drone operations near these facilities may violate both FAA regulations and federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1030 and related statutes).
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC is available at major Washington airports and airspace areas for Part 107 operators.
Major Airports
SEA — Seattle-Tacoma International AirportGEG — Spokane International AirportEAT — Wenatchee Pangborn Memorial AirportYKM — Yakima Air TerminalBFI — Boeing Field / King County International AirportPAE — Paine Field / Snohomish County Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are common around stadiums during sporting events (e.g., Husky Stadium in Seattle, Martin Stadium at WSU). The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary restricts drone operations below 2,000 feet AGL. Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and Naval Station Kitsap establish permanent restricted airspace requiring coordination.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Federal agencies step up enforcement actions on rogue drones
enforcementUS agencies are increasing enforcement actions against unauthorized and unsafe drone operations.
FAA Steps Up Drone Enforcement in 2025
enforcementFAA announced increased enforcement actions against drone operators for unsafe and unauthorized operations.
Drone Pilots Face Harsher FAA Enforcement Under New Guidance
enforcementFAA enforcement actions against drone pilots have become stricter under new guidance.
FAA Signals Tougher Stance on Unauthorized Drone Operations
enforcementThe FAA signals a tougher enforcement posture against unauthorized and reckless drone operations.
FAA Tightens Drone Enforcement
enforcementFAA announces tightening of drone enforcement policies.
FAA stepping up drone restriction enforcement ahead of Super Bowl
enforcementFAA intensifies enforcement of drone restrictions in preparation for Super Bowl LX.
FAA steps up enforcement against reckless drone pilots
enforcementFAA continues stepped-up enforcement against operators engaging in reckless drone operations.
FAA names and shames drone pilots hit with fines up to $36,770 in 2025 enforcement sweep
enforcementFAA enforcement sweep resulted in fines up to $36,770 for drone operators violating regulations.
FAA institutes nationwide drone no-fly zones around ICE operations
enforcementFAA establishes nationwide drone no-fly zones around Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
FBI, FAA announce Super Bowl airspace restrictions
enforcementFBI and FAA announce comprehensive airspace restrictions for Super Bowl LX.
FAA details actions against drone operators for unsafe and unauthorised operations
enforcementFAA provides detailed information on enforcement actions taken against drone operators for unsafe and unauthorized operations.
Federal agencies boost drone violation penalties after detection over Fort McNair
enforcementFederal agencies increase drone violation penalties following detection of unauthorized drone activity over Fort McNair.
Pending Legislation
SB 5302In CommitteeProhibiting the purchase of small unmanned aircrafts manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity
Would prohibit the purchase of small unmanned aircrafts manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity. This bill appears designed to restrict the procurement of foreign-manufactured drones, particularly Chinese drones, by Washington state and local government entities.
Last action: January 12, 2026
HB 1611In CommitteeProhibiting the purchase of small unmanned aircrafts manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity
Would prohibit the purchase of small unmanned aircrafts manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity. Companion bill to SB 5302.
Last action: January 12, 2026
SB 5763In CommitteeConcerning the law enforcement aviation support grant program
Would establish or modify a law enforcement aviation support grant program that advances drone use by state and local law enforcement agencies. Could increase funding for drone acquisition and operation by Washington law enforcement.
Last action: February 6, 2026
HB 2222In CommitteeRestricting weather modification activities
Would restrict weather modification activities. May have implications for drone-based weather modification research or operations in Washington state.
Last action: January 12, 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. Operators must comply with FAA regulations and obtain any required waivers. Husky Stadium is subject to TFR restrictions during football games. Seattle urban airspace Class B restrictions apply. Restrictions: Environmental Health & Safety approval required for all drone operations. Husky Stadium TFR during events. Seattle urban airspace and Class B regulations apply. FAA authorization required for controlled airspace operations. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety — https://www.ehs.washington.edu/ |
| Washington State University | WSU requires coordination with campus police and Environmental Health & Safety for drone operations on the Pullman campus. WSU has active drone research programs and designated test areas. Martin Stadium is subject to TFR restrictions during events. Restrictions: Coordination with Campus Police and EHS required. Martin Stadium TFR during events. Pullman airspace regulations apply. Research drone operations may require additional FAA authorizations. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety / Campus Police — https://ehs.wsu.edu/ |
| Seattle University | Seattle University drone operations on campus are subject to Seattle municipal park drone prohibitions and city film permit requirements for operations over city property. Campus-specific policies require coordination with facilities and safety offices. Restrictions: Seattle municipal drone restrictions apply. Film permit required for operations over city-owned property. Campus safety coordination required. | Yes | Facilities and Public Safety — https://www.seattleu.edu/ |
| Eastern Washington University | EWU drone operations on the Cheney campus are subject to FAA regulations and university environmental health and safety policies. Cheney airspace is uncontrolled, but coordination with university administration is required. Restrictions: University EHS coordination required. FAA regulations apply. Cheney Class G airspace still requires awareness of nearby Spokane International Airport (GEG) airspace. | Yes | Environmental Health and Safety — https://www.ewu.edu/ |
| Western Washington University | WWU drone operations on the Bellingham campus require coordination with campus facilities and compliance with FAA regulations. Bellingham International Airport airspace requires LAANC authorization or FAA waiver for drone operations. Restrictions: Campus facilities coordination required. FAA Part 107 or recreational rules apply. Bellingham International Airport (BLI) airspace authorization may be required via LAANC. | Yes | Campus Facilities — https://www.wwu.edu/ |
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.1). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
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