Kansas Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Kansas maintains one of the lightest-touch drone regulatory environments in the United States. The state has only one drone-specific statute folding drone surveillance into the harassment/stalking law, a blanket administrative ban on drones on Department of Wildlife and Parks land, and wildlife hunting restrictions. Commercial operators need only FAA Part 107 certification; no state registration, licensing, or insurance requirements exist beyond federal mandates. Local ordinances in Wichita and Prairie Village add takeoff/landing restrictions.
State Drone Laws
K.S.A. 60-31a02Harassment by Unmanned Aerial System (Protection from Stalking Act Amendment)
Amends the Protection from Stalking Act to include drone operations over or near any dwelling, occupied vehicle, or other place where one may reasonably expect to be safe from uninvited intrusion or surveillance. A course of conduct (two or more separate acts) constitutes harassment and can form the basis for a civil protection order or criminal stalking charges.
K.A.R. 115-8-13Drone Use Prohibited on Department of Wildlife and Parks Land
Prohibits use of unmanned aerial systems (drones) on any Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks property, including all state parks, wildlife areas, and KDWP-managed land. No permit process is available; the ban is absolute. KDWP has indicated it is developing designated drone-operating areas at some parks, but these remain unavailable as of 2026.
K.S.A. 32-1003Unlawful Methods of Taking Wildlife from Aircraft
Prohibits using aircraft, including drones, to take, hunt, scout, or locate game animals. Also prohibits using drones to locate wounded or harvested game and forbids their use in fishing. Violations constitute wildlife violations subject to penalties under K.S.A. 32-1031.
HSub SB 9 (Session Laws ch. 68, 2025)Kansas Land and Military Installation Protection Act
Prohibits any governmental agency (state or local) from purchasing or leasing drones or critical drone components from foreign principals or manufactured in designated countries of concern (China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Venezuela). Compliance deadline: July 1, 2025. Applies to government procurement only; does not restrict civilian or commercial drone operations.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Wichita
cityMunicipal Code § 9.35.210 - Remote-Controlled Aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Prohibits the release, launch, or operation of unmanned aerial vehicles and other remote-controlled aircraft at or near Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) or airport property without prior written consent from the airport director.
Restrictions
No takeoff, landing, or operation within airport proximity without airport director's written consent. Violation is a misdemeanor punishable by fine up to $500 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment.
City of Prairie Village
cityCode of Ordinances, Chapter XI, Article 16 - Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Restricts drone operations to prevent privacy violations and unsafe conduct. Prohibits flying drones over private property or in proximity to people without consent, and prohibits flights over open-air events with more than 100 attendees without organizer permission.
Restrictions
No flying over private property without owner/occupant consent. No flying near open-air events of 100+ people without event organizer permission. Recreational use over city-owned parks is permitted.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone surveillance/harassment over dwelling or occupied vehicle (K.S.A. 60-31a02) | Class A Misdemeanor (first offense); Severity Level 7 Felony (repeat offense) | Up to $2,500 (first offense); Up to $300,000 (repeat offense) | Up to 1 year (first offense); 31-136 months (repeat offense) | Local law enforcement, county prosecutors, district attorneys | Requires course of conduct (two or more separate acts). Single transient overflight does not constitute harassment. Can result in civil protection-from-stalking order. |
| Drone operation on KDWP land (K.A.R. 115-8-13) | Class C Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 1 month | Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks game wardens; Operation Game Thief hotline 877-426-3843 | Absolute ban on all KDWP-managed properties (state parks, wildlife areas) |
| Taking, hunting, or scouting wildlife with drone (K.S.A. 32-1003) | Wildlife Violation | Per K.S.A. 32-1031 penalty schedule | As prescribed by wildlife violation statutes | Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks | Includes hunting, scouting game location, locating wounded/harvested animals, and fishing |
| Drone launch/operation near Wichita airport without consent (Wichita Municipal Code § 9.35.210) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 6 months | Wichita Police Department | Requires prior written consent from Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) director. Contact: 316-946-4710 |
| Drone flight violations in Prairie Village | Municipal Violation | Up to $500 | Up to 1 month | Prairie Village Police Department | Covers unauthorized flights over private property or events with 100+ people |
| Drone operation in National Park Service units (36 CFR § 1.5) | Federal Petty Offense | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service rangers; U.S. District Court | Applies to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Fort Larned, Fort Scott, Brown v. Board, Nicodemus, and other Kansas NPS units |
Drone surveillance/harassment over dwelling or occupied vehicle (K.S.A. 60-31a02)
Requires course of conduct (two or more separate acts). Single transient overflight does not constitute harassment. Can result in civil protection-from-stalking order.
Drone operation on KDWP land (K.A.R. 115-8-13)
Absolute ban on all KDWP-managed properties (state parks, wildlife areas)
Taking, hunting, or scouting wildlife with drone (K.S.A. 32-1003)
Includes hunting, scouting game location, locating wounded/harvested animals, and fishing
Drone launch/operation near Wichita airport without consent (Wichita Municipal Code § 9.35.210)
Requires prior written consent from Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) director. Contact: 316-946-4710
Drone flight violations in Prairie Village
Covers unauthorized flights over private property or events with 100+ people
Drone operation in National Park Service units (36 CFR § 1.5)
Applies to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Fort Larned, Fort Scott, Brown v. Board, Nicodemus, and other Kansas NPS units
Registration, Fees & Taxes
No additional state registration or fees in Kansas
Only standard federal FAA registration applies. No state registration, licensing, or drone-specific fees on record.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
Kansas has no state-level drone registration requirement. All drones heavier than 250 grams must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years), but there is no separate Kansas registration. The state does not require a state commercial drone license (FAA Part 107 is sufficient), state insurance mandate, or special drone-related tax treatment.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Commercial drone operations in Kansas require FAA Part 107 certification
All drone operations in Kansas for commercial purposes (real estate, inspections, agriculture, etc.) must be conducted by operators holding a current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Kansas has no separate state commercial drone license requirement.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Recreational drone operators must pass the free TRUST test
Any person flying a drone recreationally in Kansas must pass the FAA's free Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of passage. The test is free and can be retaken as needed.
Remote ID Requirements
Mandatory Remote ID broadcast since March 16, 2024
All registered drones in Kansas must broadcast Remote ID information via Standard Remote ID, a broadcast module, or operation within a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). This requirement became mandatory nationwide on March 16, 2024.
Altitude and Visual Line of Sight
400 ft AGL limit and VLOS requirement for most operations
The FAA's standard ceiling is 400 feet above ground level. Most operations must maintain visual line of sight with the drone at all times. Kansas does not impose additional restrictions beyond federal requirements.
Controlled Airspace Authorization (LAANC)
LAANC authorization required for Class C and Class D airspace
Drone operations in Wichita (Class C), Kansas City metro (Class C), Topeka/Salina/Manhattan (Class D), and other controlled airspace require real-time or standard LAANC authorization before launch. McConnell Air Force Base restricts additional airspace.
FAA Waivers and Authorizations
Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and other advanced operations require FAA waivers
Kansas has participated in FAA UAS Integration Pilot Programs and flew a long-range BVLOS medical delivery in August 2025, but routine BVLOS commercial operations still require specific FAA waivers. The proposed FAA Part 108 rule is not yet finalized.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Kansas 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 available at major Kansas airports including Wichita Eisenhower (ICT), Kansas City International (MCI, just across the line in Missouri), Topeka Forbes Field (FOE), Salina (SLN), and Manhattan (MHK). LAANC is required for operations in Class C and Class D controlled airspace.
Major Airports
ICT — Wichita Eisenhower National Airport (Class C)MCI — Kansas City International Airport (Class C, Missouri side but covers Kansas City metro)FOE — Topeka Forbes Field (Class D)SLN — Salina Regional Airport (Class D)MHK — Manhattan Regional Airport (Class D)TOP — Philip Billard Municipal Airport (Class D)
TFR Notice
Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) are issued by the FAA for special events, military operations, and emergency response. McConnell Air Force Base (southeast of Wichita) is restricted military airspace. Always check B4UFLY for current TFRs before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Sumner County Mystery Drones Investigation
enforcementMultiple residents in Sumner County (south of Mulvane) reported large quadcopter drones flying over homes and private properties in grid patterns. The Sumner County Sheriff's Office received multiple calls but could not identify the operators. No arrests or charges were filed. The incident highlighted the practical difficulty of enforcing Kansas's drone harassment statute when operators cannot be identified.
Pending Legislation
HB 2423In CommitteeAllowing Hunters Who Are Federally Licensed Drone Operators to Use Drones to Locate Wounded or Recently Deceased Deer
Would modify K.S.A. 32-1003 to allow federally licensed drone operators to use drones to locate wounded or recently deceased deer. Currently, drones cannot be used to locate wildlife for any purpose; this bill would create an exception for licensed hunters searching for harvested deer.
Last action: January 27, 2026
HB 2293In CommitteeProhibiting the Acquisition of Critical Components of Drone Technology from Countries of Concern
Would prohibit the acquisition of critical drone components from countries of concern and the procurement of finished drone goods/services from those countries. Similar to the enacted HSub SB 9, but with potentially broader scope depending on final language.
Last action: February 26, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas | The University of Kansas requires all drone operators to obtain prior approval from the Office of Environment, Health, Safety & Risk Management (EHS) before conducting any flight operations on or over campus. David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium is subject to a temporary flight restriction (TFR) during football games and other athletic events. Restrictions: Prior EHS approval required for all flights. Stadium TFR during athletic events. No flights over buildings, crowds, or parking areas. | Yes | Office of Environment, Health, Safety & Risk Management — ehs@ku.edu |
| Kansas State University | Kansas State University requires coordination with the Division of Public Safety and campus Environmental Health & Safety for all drone operations. K-State operates a UAS research program through the Applied Aviation Research Center. Bill Snyder Family Stadium has a TFR during events. Restrictions: Coordination with Division of Public Safety required. Bill Snyder Family Stadium TFR during events. Campus EHS approval required. | Yes | Division of Public Safety |
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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