Minnesota Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Minnesota maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations, with state-level commercial registration and insurance requirements under Chapter 360 of the Minnesota Statutes alongside mandatory federal Part 107 compliance. The state has enacted targeted legislation for natural resource monitoring and is actively considering bills related to hunting recovery assistance and medical supply delivery by UAS. Several municipalities and county park systems impose permit requirements for drone operations in parks and public spaces, and state law does not appear to broadly preempt local drone ordinances.
State Drone Laws
Minn. Stat. § 360.59Aircraft Registration and Insurance Requirements (including UAS)
Minn. Stat. § 360.59 governs aircraft registration in Minnesota and includes provisions applicable to unmanned aircraft. Commercial drone operators are subject to registration requirements under this chapter. The statute also establishes insurance and financial responsibility requirements for aircraft operators, which extend to commercial UAS operations. Note: The specific application of insurance mandates to UAS operators should be verified against the current 2025 text of § 360.59, as the prior summary characterizing this solely as a standalone 'drone insurance' statute may overstate the UAS-specific scope.
Minn. Stat. § 360.60Commercial Drone Registration with MN DOT
Requires commercial operators to register their drone with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Registration is typically $100 per year and can be completed online or via the Aircraft Registration Application form. Note: The specific fee and applicability to UAS should be verified against the current 2025 text of § 360.60, as registration fees and procedures may have been updated.
Minn. R. Ch. 8800MN DOT Aeronautics Rules — Commercial UAS Operations Licensing
Minnesota Department of Transportation Aeronautics administrative rules (Chapter 8800) govern commercial drone operations licensing. Commercial drone operators are required to pay a licensing fee and obtain a Commercial Operations License from MN DOT Aeronautics. The $30 fee figure cited in prior data should be independently verified against current MN DOT fee schedules, as administrative rule fees are subject to periodic revision.
2017 Minn. Laws Ch. 96 (SF 550)UAS Use in Natural Resource Monitoring — Appropriation
Appropriated $348,000 to assess the use of unmanned aircraft systems in natural resource monitoring, specifically for monitoring moose populations and changes in ecosystems. This was a one-time appropriation and the assessment period has concluded; its operational significance is primarily historical.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Anoka County
countyCounty Parks Drone Operations Permit Requirement
Requires drone operators to secure a special use permit from the parks department to fly a drone over county parks.
Restrictions
Drone operations prohibited in county parks without prior permit approval from parks department.
Town of St. Bonifacius
townshipDrone Ban in Municipal Airspace
Bans drones in all city public airspace. Note: This ordinance has been flagged as potentially subject to FAA preemption challenge; current enforcement status should be verified.
Restrictions
All drone operations prohibited in town public airspace.
City of Bloomington
cityCity Parks Drone Operations Permit Requirement
Prohibits the operation of drones within city parks unless the operator has obtained a special permit.
Restrictions
Drone operations prohibited in city parks without prior permit approval.
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
cityMinneapolis Parks Drone Operations Permit Requirement
Prohibits drones from taking off or landing on any property owned and operated by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board without a permit.
Restrictions
Drone takeoff and landing prohibited on Minneapolis Parks property without prior permit approval.
Ramsey County Parks
countyCounty Parks Drone Operations Director Approval
Prohibits the operation of drones within Ramsey County parks without the prior approval of the Director.
Restrictions
Drone operations prohibited in Ramsey County parks without prior Director approval.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unauthorized commercial drone operation without MN DOT license | Administrative/Civil violation | Licensing fee compliance required; specific penalty amounts not publicly enumerated — verify with MN DOT | Minnesota Department of Transportation | Commercial operators must obtain MN DOT Commercial Operations License under Minn. R. Ch. 8800. The prior data listed '$30 licensing fee penalty' which is the fee itself, not a penalty — actual penalty amounts for non-compliance are not confirmed in source material. | |
| Operating commercial drone without required insurance | Administrative/Civil violation | Varies; specific penalty amounts not confirmed in source material | Minnesota Department of Transportation | Insurance requirements applicable to commercial UAS under Minn. Stat. § 360.59. Penalty structure requires verification against current statute text. | |
| Operating commercial drone without MN DOT registration | Administrative/Civil violation | Registration fee of approximately $100/year; civil penalties for non-compliance not confirmed | Minnesota Department of Transportation | Registration required under Minn. Stat. § 360.60. The fee is the registration cost, not a penalty; actual civil penalty amounts require verification. | |
| Drone operation in municipal/county parks without permit | Municipal ordinance violation | Varies by jurisdiction | Local law enforcement and parks departments | Applicable in Anoka County, City of Bloomington, Minneapolis Parks, and Ramsey County. Specific fine amounts set by each jurisdiction. |
Unauthorized commercial drone operation without MN DOT license
Commercial operators must obtain MN DOT Commercial Operations License under Minn. R. Ch. 8800. The prior data listed '$30 licensing fee penalty' which is the fee itself, not a penalty — actual penalty amounts for non-compliance are not confirmed in source material.
Operating commercial drone without required insurance
Insurance requirements applicable to commercial UAS under Minn. Stat. § 360.59. Penalty structure requires verification against current statute text.
Operating commercial drone without MN DOT registration
Registration required under Minn. Stat. § 360.60. The fee is the registration cost, not a penalty; actual civil penalty amounts require verification.
Drone operation in municipal/county parks without permit
Applicable in Anoka County, City of Bloomington, Minneapolis Parks, and Ramsey County. Specific fine amounts set by each jurisdiction.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Required
Commercial drone operators must register with the Minnesota Department of Transportation under Minn. Stat. § 360.60. Registration can be completed online or by downloading the Aircraft Registration Application and Sales/Use Tax Return from the MN DOT Aircraft Registration page. Registration fee is approximately $100 per year, though this should be confirmed against current MN DOT fee schedules. Note: Recreational operators are subject to FAA registration only (federal), not state registration.
Commercial operators must obtain a Commercial Operations License from MN DOT Aeronautics under Minn. R. Ch. 8800. Specific municipal permits are also required for operations within county and city parks in Anoka County, City of Bloomington, Minneapolis Parks, and Ramsey County Parks.
Commercial drone operators are subject to insurance and financial responsibility requirements under Minn. Stat. § 360.59. Specific minimum coverage amounts and policy requirements should be verified against current statute and MN DOT guidance, as these may have been amended.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
All commercial drone pilots in Minnesota must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule in addition to state requirements.
Commercial drone operators in Minnesota must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107. Minnesota state commercial licensing (MN DOT) and registration requirements are in addition to, and do not replace, federal Part 107 certification. This dual-layer requirement — both state and federal — is a notable feature of Minnesota's regulatory environment.
Recreational Drone Registration
Recreational drone pilots must register with the FAA if their drone exceeds 0.55 lbs (250g).
All recreational drone operators in Minnesota flying drones weighing more than 250 grams must register with the FAA and pay a $5 registration fee, valid for three years. Operators must also complete the FAA's Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). Recreational operators are not subject to the state commercial registration requirement under Minn. Stat. § 360.60.
Remote ID Compliance
All drone operators must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements effective September 2023.
The FAA requires all UAS to be equipped with Standard Remote ID or operate within FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). Operators not compliant with Remote ID requirements face enforcement action and potential certificate suspension. Minnesota has no state-specific Remote ID law; federal requirements govern.
Visual Line-of-Sight and Altitude Restrictions
Federal regulations require drones to remain within visual line-of-sight at all times unless a waiver is obtained.
Drone operators in Minnesota must maintain visual line-of-sight with their aircraft at all times during flight under Part 107. Flights are limited to 400 feet above ground level unless operating in controlled airspace with prior LAANC or FAA authorization. These federal requirements apply universally in Minnesota.
State vs. Federal Preemption
FAA exercises exclusive sovereignty over navigable airspace; state commercial licensing requirements exist in a legally contested space.
The FAA's exclusive authority over navigable airspace under 49 U.S.C. § 40103 creates potential preemption issues for Minnesota's commercial licensing and broad municipal bans (e.g., St. Bonifacius). However, courts have generally allowed state and local property-based restrictions (e.g., park permit requirements) while broader airspace bans remain legally vulnerable. Minnesota has not enacted an explicit state preemption statute governing local drone ordinances.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC is available in Minnesota through the FAA's system for airspace authorization and notification capability. Operators can access LAANC through approved service providers including Aloft (formerly Kittyhawk), AirMap, and others. LAANC coverage is concentrated around major airports including MSP, STP, DLH, and RST.
Major Airports
MSP — Minneapolis-St. Paul International AirportRST — Rochester International AirportDLH — Duluth International AirportSTP — St. Paul Downtown AirportFCM — Flying Cloud Airport (Eden Prairie)ANE — Anoka County-Blaine Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary flight restrictions apply around major airports including MSP. Huntington Bank Stadium (University of Minnesota) has a sports TFR during NFL and college football games. Allianz Field (Minnesota United FC) and Target Field may have event-based TFRs. Check B4UFly and the FAA TFR map before each flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
FAA Steps Up Drone Enforcement in 2025
enforcementFAA increases enforcement actions and penalties against drone pilots for unsafe and unauthorized operations nationwide, including Minnesota regions.
Federal Agencies Boost Drone Violation Penalties
enforcementFederal agencies increase enforcement penalties for drone regulation violations, signaling stricter compliance requirements across the country.
Pending Legislation
SF 741Referred to Environment, Climate, and LegacyUse of Unmanned Aircraft Authorization to Assist in Locating and Recovering Deceased Big Game
Would authorize the use of unmanned aircraft to assist in locating and recovering deceased big game animals in Minnesota. Companion bill to HF 1301.
Last action: January 30, 2025
HF 1301Referred to Environment and Natural Resources Finance and PolicyUse of Unmanned Aircraft Authorized to Assist in Locating and Recovering Deceased Big Game, and Report Required
Would authorize the use of unmanned aircraft to assist in locating and recovering deceased big game animals and require a report on such usage. Companion bill to SF 741. If enacted, would represent a meaningful expansion of lawful UAS use in hunting contexts.
Last action: February 25, 2026
SF 3373Referred to TransportationMedical Supply Delivery by Small Unmanned Aircraft Support Appropriation
Would provide funding appropriation to support medical supply delivery by small unmanned aircraft in Minnesota. Companion bill to HF 3144.
Last action: April 10, 2025
HF 3144Referred to Transportation Finance and PolicyFunding Provided to Support Medical Supply Delivery by Small Unmanned Aircraft, and Money Appropriated
Would provide funding to support medical supply delivery by small unmanned aircraft and appropriate money for this purpose. Companion bill to SF 3373.
Last action: April 30, 2025
SF 2136Referred to TransportationVarious Transportation Policy Provisions Modifications
Omnibus bill addressing various transportation policy provision modifications. May include UAS-related provisions; full text review required to confirm drone-specific content.
Last action: March 3, 2025
HF 1781Referred to Transportation Finance and PolicyTransportation Policy Changes Provided, Including Authorizing Aircraft Electronic Attestation
Would authorize aircraft electronic attestation and make other transportation policy changes. May affect UAS registration or documentation requirements.
Last action: March 3, 2025
SF 2082Referred to FinanceOmnibus Transportation Policy and Appropriations
Omnibus transportation bill addressing policy and appropriations. Full text review required to confirm whether drone-specific provisions are included.
Last action: April 30, 2025
HF 2438In Conference CommitteeTransportation Policy and Finance Bill
Transportation policy and finance bill in conference committee between House and Senate. If enacted, may include UAS-related provisions from companion Senate bills. This is the most advanced drone-adjacent bill in the current session and warrants close monitoring.
Last action: May 6, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota — Twin Cities | The University of Minnesota requires all UAS operations on campus property to be approved by the Department of Environmental Health & Safety (DEHS) prior to flight. Operators must submit a UAS Flight Request Form and comply with all federal, state, and university requirements. Huntington Bank Stadium has an FAA-designated sports TFR during football games. Flights over the medical campus and densely populated areas require heightened review. Restrictions: DEHS approval required for all campus UAS operations. Stadium TFR in effect during football games. No flights over medical district without additional review. Compliance with FAA Part 107 and Remote ID required. | Yes | Department of Environmental Health & Safety (DEHS) |
| Minnesota State University, Mankato | Minnesota State University, Mankato has adopted a UAS policy requiring prior authorization for all drone flights on or over university property. Operators must comply with FAA regulations and obtain approval from the university's Facilities Management or designated authority before flying. Restrictions: Prior university authorization required. FAA compliance mandatory. Commercial filming requires additional permissions. | Yes | Facilities Management |
| St. Cloud State University | St. Cloud State University requires all UAS operations on campus to receive prior approval. Operators must be FAA-certified where required and must coordinate with campus facilities or public safety before flight. Restrictions: Prior approval required. FAA certification required for commercial or Part 107 operations. Coordination with campus public safety required. | Yes | Campus Public Safety / Facilities Management |
| University of St. Thomas | The University of St. Thomas restricts drone operations on campus property. All UAS flights must receive prior authorization from university administration and comply with applicable FAA regulations. Restrictions: Prior authorization required from university administration. FAA compliance mandatory. | Yes | University Administration / Facilities |
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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