Minnesota Drone Laws

Defines 'aircraft' as 'any contrivance now known or hereafter invented, used, or designed for navigation of or flight in the air, but excluding parachutes.' This definition establishes that drones are classified as aircraft under Minnesota law, subjecting them to state aircraft regulations and sales tax.

Recreational drones operated for hobby or sport purposes and weighing less than 55 pounds are exempt from Minnesota state aircraft registration requirements. Federal FAA registration is still required for drones over 250 grams.

Commercial drone operators must obtain and maintain annual liability insurance specific to their aircraft. Per-flight or pay-as-you-go insurance policies are not accepted. Proof of insurability is required as part of the state registration process.

All commercial drone operators must register their aircraft with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Registration can be completed online or by paper application through MnDOT's Aircraft Registration office. Requires operator's FAA N-number.

Any person or entity that advertises or holds itself out as providing aircraft-based services must obtain a Commercial Operations License from MnDOT Office of Aeronautics. The determination is case-by-case: the key question is whether the drone's output goes to a third party. Annual fee is $30.

Minnesota Administrative Code establishes detailed requirements for commercial drone operators, including licensing standards, insurance specifications, and operational procedures under Minn. R. 8800.3100 and 8800.3200.

Minnesota law requires all law enforcement agencies to obtain a search warrant before using drones for surveillance, with nine specific exceptions: emergencies involving risk of death or bodily harm, public events with heightened safety risk, counter-terrorist operations, disaster response, threat assessment for a specific event, public area collection with reasonable suspicion, crash reconstruction, officer training with written consent, and government-entity requests in writing. Amended in 2025 to add documentation of evidence at imminent risk of destruction and facilitation of active searches for missing persons. Prohibits facial recognition, biometric matching, weapons, and surveillance of public protests without a warrant. Data collected must be deleted within seven days unless part of an active investigation. Annual reporting to Commissioner of Public Safety required by January 15.

Criminalizes secretly observing or recording someone in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including via drone. Covers filming into windows, recording over fenced backyards, or recording a person in a state of nudity or sexual activity without consent.

Prohibits repeated drone-based pattern conduct intended to harass, intimidate, or cause fear of bodily harm. Applies to persistent or unwanted drone flights over someone's property.

Prohibits intentional interference with another person's lawful taking of wildlife. Drone-based interference reaches this statute the same as any other form. Covers harassment of hunters and anglers via drone operations that disturb their activities.

Appropriates $348,000 to evaluate the use of unmanned aerial systems for monitoring changes in ecosystems and moose populations in Minnesota. Supports scientific research on UAS applications in wildlife management.

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Drone Permit Requirement

All drone takeoff, landing, and flight operations on Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) owned or managed property require an approved permit. Drone insurance is required as part of the permit application. The permit must be on-site during operation and produced on demand to any MPRB employee.

Anoka County Parks Department Special Use Permit

Drone operators must secure a special use permit from the Anoka County Parks Department to fly over county parks or park property.

Ramsey County Parks Drone Restrictions

Drone takeoff or landing is not permitted in any park within Ramsey County without prior approval from the Parks and Recreation Director. Drones may only be operated in designated areas with written permission.

Dakota County Parks Aircraft Restriction

Dakota County prohibits the landing or launching of any aircraft (including drones) within any County Park.

City of St. Bonifacius Drone Airspace Ban

The city ordinance prohibits drone use in all city public airspace. Commercial operations by licensed drone pilots are permitted only on private property with prior notification to local law enforcement.

City of Bloomington Parks Drone Restriction

The city ordinance prohibits the operation of drones within city parks unless the operator has obtained a special permit from the Parks and Recreation Department.

City of Arlington Unmanned Aircraft Ordinance No. 303

Prohibits the use of drones within the airspace of the city unless permission has been granted by the City. Commercial drone operators hired to photograph property by the property owner may operate within property boundaries. Exceptions apply for operations within an individual's own property without surveillance capabilities.

Three Rivers Parks District Drone Prohibition

The Park District prohibits the use of drones and other powered toys within all parks and trails managed by Three Rivers Park District. Special use permits are reportedly not issued for drone operations.