Idaho Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Idaho maintains a moderate approach to drone regulation with one of the strongest privacy statutes in the nation, requiring written consent before publishing drone recordings of individuals. The state authorizes law enforcement drone use while restricting drones in hunting, on Fish and Game lands, near correctional facilities, and through strong harassment/reckless operation prohibitions. Ada County adds stricter registration requirements for all drones regardless of weight.
State Drone Laws
Idaho Code § 21-213Restrictions on Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems — Surveillance and Recording
Prohibits surveillance or recording of specifically targeted persons or private property without a warrant. Prohibits publishing or disseminating photographs or recordings of individuals without written consent. Exceptions include emergency response, search and rescue, controlled substance investigations, crime scene investigation, and mapping or resource management.
Idaho Code § 36-1101Taking of Wildlife Unlawful — Prohibition on Using Drones to Locate Game
Prohibits using any unmanned aircraft system to aid in hunting. Exception: hunters with physical disabilities may obtain a permit to use drone assistance.
IDAPA 13.01.03Idaho Department of Fish and Game — Aircraft Operations on Wildlife Management Areas
Prohibits launching or landing any aircraft, including drones, on lands owned or controlled by the Department of Fish and Game except on public airstrips or with specific authorization from the Commission, Director, or Regional Supervisor.
House Bill 486Aeronautics — Authorization of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Government Use
Authorizes the use of drones by law enforcement, fire departments, and other local and state government units for traffic crash documentation and reconstruction, crowd management, damage assessment after fire or natural disaster, search and rescue missions, and training purposes.
House Bill 1249Unmanned Aircraft Systems — Restrictions on Harassment and Reckless Operation
Restricts operation of unmanned aircraft systems over the property of another person in manner that subjects another person to harassment, disperses substances over another's property, or operates in a reckless manner.
House Bill 522Unmanned Aircraft Systems — Restrictions Near Department of Correction Facilities
Establishes provisions regarding unmanned aircraft systems near Department of Correction facilities. Signed into law March 31, 2026 (Session Law Chapter 233).
House Bill 939Hunting — Amendments to Technologies Used in Taking Wildlife
Amends existing law regarding the use of certain technologies in hunting. Signed into law April 2, 2026 (Session Law Chapter 297). Likely strengthens provisions related to drone use in hunting.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Ada County
countyUnmanned Aircraft System Registration and Operation Requirements
Requires all drone operators in Ada County to register their unmanned aircraft systems with the FAA, regardless of weight (stricter than federal 250g threshold). Prohibits camera drones from capturing visual images, audio recordings, or physical impressions of persons or private property without prior consent.
Restrictions
FAA registration required for all drones; no image capture without consent; UAS operations shall not interfere with firefighter or public safety officer emergency response
Canyon County
countyUAS Operations in County Parks and Natural Resources
Prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones in all Canyon County parks, natural resources, and cultural resource areas. Drones flying in Canyon County park airspace must maintain minimum altitude of 500 feet AGL. Exceptions available with official authorization from Canyon County Department of Parks Director.
Restrictions
No drone launches, landings, or operations in county parks; minimum 500 feet AGL in park airspace; permit required from Parks Director for exceptions
Boise
cityDrone Operations in City Parks
Prohibits drone operations in Julia Davis Park (near Zoo Boise) and Ann Morrison Park without prior permission from Boise Parks and Recreation. Unauthorized flights may result in police response and citations.
Restrictions
No drone operations in Julia Davis Park and Ann Morrison Park without prior permission
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone surveillance of targeted persons or private property without warrant (Idaho Code § 21-213) | Civil violation | $1,000 minimum or greater of actual damages | N/A | Private civil action by affected person or property owner | Property owner does not need to prove actual harm. Attorney fees and litigation costs are also recoverable. |
| Publishing or disseminating photographs or recordings of individuals without written consent (Idaho Code § 21-213) | Civil violation | $1,000 minimum or greater of actual damages | N/A | Private civil action by affected individual | Written consent requirement applies per drone recording. Multiple violations can accumulate per property/person. |
| Using unmanned aircraft system to aid in hunting without disability permit (Idaho Code § 36-1101) | Misdemeanor | $25 to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Idaho Department of Fish and Game, State Police | Includes revocation of hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses for up to 3 years. Disability exception allows permitted use with proper certification. |
Drone surveillance of targeted persons or private property without warrant (Idaho Code § 21-213)
Property owner does not need to prove actual harm. Attorney fees and litigation costs are also recoverable.
Publishing or disseminating photographs or recordings of individuals without written consent (Idaho Code § 21-213)
Written consent requirement applies per drone recording. Multiple violations can accumulate per property/person.
Using unmanned aircraft system to aid in hunting without disability permit (Idaho Code § 36-1101)
Includes revocation of hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses for up to 3 years. Disability exception allows permitted use with proper certification.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Idaho does not require separate state-level drone registration. FAA registration is required for drones over 250 grams. However, Ada County (including Boise) requires FAA registration for ALL drones regardless of weight under Ordinance No. 883.
No state permit required, but Ada County and some local jurisdictions require registration. Permits may be required for specific uses (e.g., disability hunting permit for drone-assisted hunting, Parks Department authorization for flights in restricted areas).
Insurance not required by state law, but recommended for commercial operations and required by some universities (Boise State).
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID required on all registered drones since March 2024
All FAA-registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information. Compliance mandatory nationwide; Idaho has no state-level modifications to this requirement.
Wilderness Area Restrictions
Drones banned in all federally designated wilderness areas
Idaho has extensive wilderness areas including Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness (2.37 million acres, largest contiguous wilderness in lower 48), Sawtooth Wilderness (217,000 acres), Gospel Hump, Selway-Bitterroot, and Hells Canyon Wilderness. Drones prohibited in all designated wilderness. Pilots should use B4UFLY app to verify wilderness boundaries before flight.
Commercial Part 107 Operations
Commercial operations require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Idaho does not impose state-level commercial licensing beyond federal Part 107 requirements. Agricultural drone spraying requires additional Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) pesticide applicator license and Section 137 exemptions.
Recreational Operations
Recreational flights require TRUST test passage and FAA registration for drones over 250g
All recreational pilots must pass free Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) from FAA-approved administrator. Registration required for drones exceeding 250 grams ($5 for 3 years). Ada County requires registration for all drones regardless of weight.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Idaho 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. Boise Air Terminal (BOI) is Class C airspace with LAANC coverage available through DJI Fly, Aloft, UASidekick, AirHub, and other FAA-approved LAANC service providers.
Major Airports
BOI — Boise Air TerminalIDA — Idaho Falls Regional AirportTWF — Twin Falls International Airport
TFR Notice
Summer wildfire TFRs common June through October on BLM and National Forest lands. FIFA World Cup 2026 no-fly zones established near major stadiums and fan events. Standard TFRs around airports, military installations, and government facilities.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
H 499Referred to Judiciary, Rules & Administration CommitteeUnmanned Aircraft Systems — Restrictions Near Department of Correction Facilities
Would establish provisions regarding unmanned aircraft systems near Department of Correction facilities. Superseded by H 522, which passed into law.
Last action: January 21, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Idaho | University of Idaho requires drone operators to coordinate with the Office of Risk Management and campus security before conducting any unmanned aircraft flights on university property. Restrictions: Coordination with Office of Risk Management required. Kibbie Dome area restricted during athletic events. | Yes | Office of Risk Management |
| Boise State University | Boise State University requires approval from the Office of Environmental Health, Safety & Security (EHSS) for all campus drone flights. Liability coverage required. Stadium TFR applies during athletic events. Restrictions: Pre-approval from EHSS required. Albertsons Stadium (now Albertsons Stadium at Bronco Field) subject to TFR during game days. Liability insurance required for approval. | Yes | Environmental Health, Safety & Security |
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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