Minnesota Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Minnesota has a moderate regulatory posture with unique state-level commercial licensing requirements that exceed most peer states. Beyond federal FAA rules, commercial drone operators must obtain a MnDOT Commercial Operations License ($30/year), register their aircraft ($25/year), and maintain annual liability insurance. Law enforcement drone use is tightly restricted under Minn. Stat. § 626.19, which requires search warrants for most drone deployments and bans facial recognition and weapons. Recreational flying requires only FAA registration and TRUST certification.
State Drone Laws
Minn. Stat. § 360.55 subd. 9Recreational Drone Registration Exemption
Recreational drones are exempt from state aircraft registration requirements. Applies to flights conducted as a hobby with no third-party deliverable.
Minn. Stat. § 360.075Commercial Operations License Requirement
Any person who advertises or holds themselves out as providing aircraft-based services, including commercial drone operations, must obtain a Commercial Operations License from MnDOT Office of Aeronautics. Annual fee of $30. License test administered under Minn. R. 8800.3100 and 8800.3200.
Minn. Stat. § 360.59 subd. 10Annual Liability Insurance Requirement for Commercial Operators
All commercial drone operators must maintain an annual liability insurance policy meeting Minnesota Rule 8800.3200 requirements. Per-flight or pay-as-you-go policies are not accepted. Proof of insurability is required at the time of registration with MnDOT.
Minn. Stat. § 360.60Aircraft Registration with MnDOT
All commercial drone operators must register their aircraft with MnDOT Office of Aeronautics. Registration can be completed online or by paper application. Annual fee of $25 in most cases. FAA N-number required. Drones are classified as aircraft under state law.
Minn. Stat. § 626.19Law Enforcement Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a search warrant before using drones, with eleven enumerated exceptions. Amended in 2025 (Laws 2025 c. 35, art. 5, s. 23) to add two new authorized uses and broaden officer training clause. Prohibits facial recognition and biometric-matching technology without warrant. Prohibits weapons on drones. Prohibits surveillance of public protests or demonstrations without warrant or authorized exception. Data must be deleted within seven days unless part of active criminal investigation. Requires all agencies to file annual reports to Commissioner of Public Safety by January 15. Commissioner publishes compiled report by June 15.
Minn. Stat. § 609.746Interference with Privacy (Voyeurism via Drone)
Criminalizes secretly observing or recording someone in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Applies to drone surveillance into windows, over fenced backyards, or of persons in a state of nudity or sexual activity without consent. Standard violation is a gross misdemeanor.
Minn. Stat. § 609.749Stalking (Applies to Drone-Based Harassment)
Prohibits pattern of conduct intended to harass, annoy, or alarm another person. Applies to repeated unwanted drone flights over someone's property or pattern conduct using drones.
Minn. Stat. § 97A.037Harassment of Hunters, Trappers, and Anglers
Prohibits intentional interference with another person's lawful taking of wildlife. Applies to drone-based harassment or interference with hunting, fishing, or trapping activities.
Minn. Stat. Chapter 86AState Parks and Recreation Areas Landing Prohibition
Drones are classified as aircraft and are prohibited from landing on lands or waters within Minnesota state parks, state recreation areas, or state waysides. Flight over a state park is technically permitted if operator launches and lands outside the park boundary and maintains line of sight, but DNR explicitly discourages the practice. State forests are more permissive.
SF 550Moose Calf Surveys and Monitoring via Unmanned Aerial Systems
Appropriates $348,000 to the Department of Natural Resources to evaluate the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for monitoring changes in ecosystems and moose populations. Supports research and implementation of drone-based wildlife monitoring.
Minn. R. 8800.3100 / 8800.3200MnDOT Commercial Operations License and Insurance Rules
Administrative rules establishing procedures for obtaining Commercial Operations License from MnDOT Office of Aeronautics and requirements for liability insurance coverage. Specifies insurance must be specific to the aircraft and meet minimum coverage levels.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Minneapolis
cityMinneapolis Park & Recreation Board Drone Permit Requirement
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) requires approved permits for all drone operations on MPRB-owned or managed property.
Restrictions
Drones cannot take off from, land on, or operate over MPRB property without an approved permit. Drone insurance required. Permit must be on-site during operation and produced on demand to MPRB personnel. MPRB can deny or revoke at discretion.
Anoka County
countyAnoka County Parks Drone Special Use Permit
Anoka County parks require drone operators to obtain a special use permit from the Parks Department before launching or landing drones within county parklands.
Restrictions
No drone operations in county parks without Special Use Permit from Parks Department.
Town of St. Bonifacius
citySt. Bonifacius Drone Airspace Ban
City ordinance prohibits drone operations in all city public airspace.
Restrictions
Drones banned in city public airspace. Exceptions for drones flying over individual's own property. Commercial operations by licensed pilots on own property require prior notification to local law enforcement.
City of Bloomington
cityBloomington Parks Drone Permit
City ordinance prohibits drone operations within city parks unless operator has obtained a special permit.
Restrictions
No commercial filming or photography within city parks without special permit.
Ramsey County
countyRamsey County Parks Drone Special Use Permit
Ramsey County parks ordinance prohibits takeoff or landing of drones in any park without prior approval of the Director.
Restrictions
Drones may only operate in designated areas with special use permit from Parks Department. Takeoff and landing prohibited in all county parks.
Dakota County
countyDakota County Parks Aircraft Landing Prohibition
Dakota County parks ordinance prohibits launching or landing any aircraft, including drones, within county parks.
Restrictions
No launching or landing of drones in Dakota County parks.
Three Rivers Parks
countyThree Rivers Park District Drone Ban
Three Rivers Park District prohibits use of drones and other powered toys within all parks and trails managed by the district.
Restrictions
No drone operations in Three Rivers Parks. Park authority does not issue permits for drone operations.
City of Arlington
cityArlington Airspace Drone Authorization
City ordinance prohibits drone use within city airspace unless permission granted by the city.
Restrictions
Drone operations prohibited without city permission. Permitting procedure may require liability insurance. Exceptions for property owner photography within property boundaries without surveillance.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial drone operation without MnDOT Aircraft Registration | Misdemeanor | Per-violation fine (amount varies) | Not specified | MnDOT Office of Aeronautics | Recreational drones are exempt from state registration. Commercial use determination is based on whether flight outputs go to third party. |
| Commercial drone operation without Commercial Operations License | Misdemeanor | Per-violation fine (amount varies) | Not specified | MnDOT Office of Aeronautics | Required for any advertised or held-out aircraft-based services. |
| Drone surveillance violating privacy (Minn. Stat. § 609.746) | Gross Misdemeanor (standard); Felony (repeat or minor victim) | Up to $3,000 | Up to 1 year (gross misdemeanor); greater for felony | State Patrol, Sheriff, Local Law Enforcement | Applies to filming into windows, recording over fenced property, or recording persons in state of nudity without consent. |
| Stalking via drone (Minn. Stat. § 609.749) | Gross Misdemeanor (standard); Felony (repeat or aggravating factors) | Up to $3,000 | Up to 1 year (gross misdemeanor); greater for felony | State Patrol, Sheriff, Local Law Enforcement | Pattern of conduct intended to harass, annoy, or alarm. |
| Drone use to locate, track, or take game (DNR game-and-fish laws) | Per game-and-fish penalty schedule | Varies by game species and violation severity | Varies | DNR Conservation Officers | Drones classified as motor vehicles. Using drones to scout, locate, or drive game is prohibited. |
| Harassment of hunters/anglers via drone (Minn. Stat. § 97A.037) | Misdemeanor | Per game-and-fish penalty schedule | Up to 90 days | DNR Conservation Officers | Intentional interference with lawful hunting, trapping, or fishing. Report to Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) line: 1-800-652-9093. |
| Police drone use without warrant outside Minn. Stat. § 626.19 exception | Evidence suppression, civil remedies, agency discipline | Not specified | Not specified | District Attorney, State Attorney General | Warrantless use outside of eleven enumerated exceptions results in evidence suppression and civil liability. |
| Drone landing in state park (Minn. Stat. Chapter 86A) | Park rule citation; potential trespass | Varies | Not specified | DNR Park Rangers, Conservation Officers | Drones classified as aircraft; landing prohibited in all state parks, recreation areas, and waysides. |
| Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) drone operation | Federal Misdemeanor (36 CFR 261.18(a), EO 10092) | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | USFS Law Enforcement, U.S. Attorney | BWCAW is designated wilderness. No drones permitted. 4,000-foot vertical prohibition under Executive Order 10092. |
| National Park Service (Voyageurs, Isle Royale, Mississippi NRRA) drone use | Class B Misdemeanor (NPS PM 14-05, 36 CFR 1.5) | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | NPS Law Enforcement, U.S. Attorney | NPS prohibits launch, landing, and operation on all NPS lands and waters. |
| Stadium TFR violation (14 CFR § 99.7) | Civil and potentially criminal (federal) | Up to $100,000 | Potential federal criminal prosecution | FAA, U.S. Attorney | Temporary Flight Restrictions around stadiums during major events. FAA enforcement increased for World Cup 2026. |
Commercial drone operation without MnDOT Aircraft Registration
Recreational drones are exempt from state registration. Commercial use determination is based on whether flight outputs go to third party.
Commercial drone operation without Commercial Operations License
Required for any advertised or held-out aircraft-based services.
Drone surveillance violating privacy (Minn. Stat. § 609.746)
Applies to filming into windows, recording over fenced property, or recording persons in state of nudity without consent.
Stalking via drone (Minn. Stat. § 609.749)
Pattern of conduct intended to harass, annoy, or alarm.
Drone use to locate, track, or take game (DNR game-and-fish laws)
Drones classified as motor vehicles. Using drones to scout, locate, or drive game is prohibited.
Harassment of hunters/anglers via drone (Minn. Stat. § 97A.037)
Intentional interference with lawful hunting, trapping, or fishing. Report to Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) line: 1-800-652-9093.
Police drone use without warrant outside Minn. Stat. § 626.19 exception
Warrantless use outside of eleven enumerated exceptions results in evidence suppression and civil liability.
Drone landing in state park (Minn. Stat. Chapter 86A)
Drones classified as aircraft; landing prohibited in all state parks, recreation areas, and waysides.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) drone operation
BWCAW is designated wilderness. No drones permitted. 4,000-foot vertical prohibition under Executive Order 10092.
National Park Service (Voyageurs, Isle Royale, Mississippi NRRA) drone use
NPS prohibits launch, landing, and operation on all NPS lands and waters.
Stadium TFR violation (14 CFR § 99.7)
Temporary Flight Restrictions around stadiums during major events. FAA enforcement increased for World Cup 2026.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Required
Commercial drone operators must register their aircraft with MnDOT Office of Aeronautics ($25/year in most cases). Recreational drones are exempt from state registration under Minn. Stat. § 360.55 subd. 9. All drones over 0.55 lb require FAA registration ($5 for 3 years).
Commercial operators require MnDOT Commercial Operations License ($30/year) if providing drone services to third parties. Recreational operators do not require state permit but must complete FAA TRUST. Local permits may be required depending on jurisdiction and location.
Commercial operators must maintain annual liability insurance policy meeting Minnesota Rule 8800.3200 requirements. Per-flight or pay-as-you-go policies not accepted. Insurance must be specific to aircraft. Recreational operators do not require insurance for state purposes.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID requirement mandatory since March 16, 2024
All drones flown outdoors under FAA rules must broadcast their identification, location, and altitude via Standard Remote ID or broadcast module. Exemption available for flights inside FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). This applies to all Minnesota drone operators, both recreational and commercial.
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
Required for all commercial drone operations
Minnesota requires both FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 test fee, 24-month renewal) AND separate MnDOT Commercial Operations License ($30/year). This dual-layer requirement is unique to Minnesota and a significant compliance burden for commercial operators. Must be renewed every 24 months.
Recreational TRUST Certification
Required for recreational drone pilots
All recreational drone pilots must pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), which is free and available online. No FAA license required, but certificate must be carried when flying. TRUST is a one-time certification, valid indefinitely.
Controlled Airspace and LAANC
Class B, C, D, and surface-E airspace require authorization
Minneapolis–St. Paul International (MSP) Class B shelf extends far beyond airport perimeter, covering much of the Twin Cities metro. Duluth (DLH) and Rochester (RST) are Class D. LAANC is available at 726 airports nationwide for near-real-time authorization. Pilots must use LAANC or manual application process for flights under 400 feet in controlled airspace.
Stadium Temporary Flight Restrictions
14 CFR § 99.7 federal stadium TFRs apply to Minnesota venues
NFL stadiums, baseball venues, and other major sporting events are protected by federal TFRs. FIFA World Cup 2026 establishes enhanced no-drone zones. Violations carry federal penalties up to $100,000.
Boundary Waters Wilderness Prohibition
36 CFR 261.18(a) and Executive Order 10092 ban all drones
BWCAW is a congressionally designated wilderness area where drones are prohibited as motorized equipment. Executive Order 10092 also bars aircraft of any kind within 4,000 feet above the wilderness. Covers 1.1 million acres along Canadian border. Penalty is federal misdemeanor up to 6 months and $5,000.
National Park Service Restrictions
NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 prohibits drone operations on NPS lands
Voyageurs National Park, Isle Royale National Park, and Mississippi National River and Recreation Area all prohibit drone launch, landing, and operation. Class B misdemeanor penalty up to 6 months and $5,000. Mississippi NRRA runs through downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul; many popular launch spots are actually federal park lands.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Minnesota 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
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) is available at 726 airports nationwide, including Minneapolis–St. Paul International (MSP) which is Class B. Duluth (DLH) is Class D. Rochester (RST) is Class D. LAANC required for flights under 400 feet in controlled airspace. Applications accepted up to 90 days in advance.
Major Airports
MSP — Minneapolis–St. Paul InternationalDLH — Duluth InternationalRST — Rochester International
TFR Notice
Stadium TFRs active during major sporting events. Temporary Flight Restrictions for large public gatherings. FIFA World Cup 2026 no-drone zones established at all host stadiums in Minnesota and nationwide. Check B4UFLY app before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Mical Caterina FAA Fine - $55,000 Penalty
enforcementMinnesota resident Mical Caterina was fined $55,000 (five violations at $11,000 each) by the FAA for flying a DJI Inspire 1 over a Cecil the Lion memorial protest in Minneapolis and providing footage to local media. Violations included flying within 5 miles of an airport, within 100 feet of a helicopter, careless/reckless operation, and commercial operation without license. Case landmark for civilian drone media use interpretation.
FAA Stepping Up Drone Restriction Enforcement Ahead of Super Bowl
enforcementFAA announced increased enforcement activities and public warnings regarding drone restrictions around Super Bowl LX venues and major sporting events. Warnings of fines up to $100,000 for violations of stadium TFRs and other no-fly zones.
FAA Launches DETER Program for Faster Drone Enforcement
enforcementFAA announced new Detection, Enforcement, and Technology-Enabled Response (DETER) program to accelerate drone violation enforcement and penalties. Program offers fast-track civil penalties for first-time offenders to close enforcement gap.
FAA Issues World Cup 2026 No-Drone Zones and Enforcement Warning
regulatory changeFAA established Temporary Flight Restrictions and no-drone zones for FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums and fan events across United States, including Minnesota venues. Warned of fines up to $100,000 for violations. Multiple Minnesota cities included in World Cup host cities.
Pending Legislation
SF 741Introduced and referred to Environment, Climate, and LegacyUse of unmanned aircraft authorization to assist in location and recovering deceased big game
Would authorize use of unmanned aircraft by hunters and landowners to assist in locating and recovering deceased big game animals. Proposed amendment to hunting and fishing regulations to allow drone use in post-harvest recovery, subject to DNR permit requirements.
Last action: January 30, 2025
HF 1301Introduced and referred to Environment and Natural Resources Finance and PolicyUse of unmanned aircraft authorized to assist in locating and recovering deceased big game, and report required
Companion bill to SF 741. Would authorize use of drones to assist in locating and recovering deceased big game. Includes requirement for DNR report on implementation and usage.
Last action: February 25, 2026
SF 3373Introduced and referred to TransportationMedical supply delivery by small unmanned aircraft support appropriation
Would appropriate funding to support medical supply delivery projects using small unmanned aircraft systems. Part of broader innovation in emergency medical response and remote area resupply.
Last action: April 10, 2025
HF 3144Introduced and referred to Transportation Finance and PolicyFunding provided to support medical supply delivery by small unmanned aircraft, and money appropriated
Companion bill to SF 3373. Would provide funding to support medical supply delivery programs using small UAS, including potential appropriation for pilot programs.
Last action: April 30, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota | UMN requires all UAS operations on campus across all six campuses (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester) to be approved by the Department of Environmental Health & Safety. Huntington Bank Stadium is subject to TFR during football games and athletic events. Restrictions: Prior approval from EHS required for all drone operations on campus. No flights over medical district. Stadium TFR during athletic events and special events. No operations over crowds or buildings without specific authorization. | Yes | Department of Environmental Health & 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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