Minnesota Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA

Recreational drones under 250 grams are exempt from Minnesota state registration requirements, though FAA registration is still required.

Any person who advertises or holds themselves out as providing aircraft-based services, including commercial drone operations, must obtain an annual Commercial Operations License from MnDOT Office of Aeronautics. The license costs $30 per year and is administered under Minn. R. 8800.3100 and 8800.3200.

All commercial drone operators must maintain annual liability insurance that meets Minnesota Rule 8800.3200 requirements. Per-flight or pay-as-you-go insurance policies are not accepted; only annual policies satisfy the requirement. Proof of insurability must be provided during registration with MnDOT.

All commercial drones operating in Minnesota must be registered with MnDOT's Aircraft Registration office. Registration is available online or by paper application and requires the aircraft's FAA N-number. Registration costs $25-$100 per year depending on aircraft type.

Minnesota law generally requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a search warrant before using drones. The statute allows warrantless use in eleven enumerated exceptions: emergencies involving risk of death or bodily harm, documenting evidence at imminent risk of destruction, public events with heightened safety risk, credible terrorist threat, natural or man-made disaster response, threat assessment for specific events, reasonable suspicion of criminal activity in public areas, crash reconstruction on public roads, officer training/public relations with consent, government entity requests in writing, and active searches for missing persons. The statute prohibits facial recognition and biometric-matching technology without a warrant, bans weapons on drones, prohibits surveillance of public protests without warrant authorization, and requires data deletion within seven days unless part of an active criminal investigation. All law enforcement agencies must file annual reports with the Commissioner of Public Safety by January 15.

Criminalizes secretly observing or recording someone in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy without consent. Drone-based surveillance into windows, over fenced yards, or of persons in states of nudity or sexual activity falls within this statute's scope.

Prohibits harassment and stalking, including repeated unwanted drone flights over someone's property or pattern conduct using drones to harass or intimidate.

Prohibits intentional interference with another person's lawful taking of wildlife. Drone-based interference or harassment of hunters, trappers, and anglers violates this statute.

Prohibits aircraft, including drones, from landing on lands or waters within the boundaries of any Minnesota state park, state recreation area, or state wayside. Flight over state parks is technically permitted if the operator launches and lands outside the park boundary and maintains line of sight, but the DNR explicitly discourages overflights. State forests allow drone operations. Scientific and Natural Areas are discouraged-use lands subject to posted orders. Wildlife Management Areas prohibit drone operation that disturbs wildlife without area-manager permit.

Defines 'aircraft' to include drones and subjects them to state aeronautics regulations. This classification affects registration, taxation, and licensing requirements.

Classifies as a misdemeanor various acts including operating an aircraft with canceled/revoked license, operating an aircraft in a manner indicating willful or wanton disregard for safety, trick or acrobatic flying over thickly inhabited areas or public gatherings, and using aircraft to concentrate, drive, or rally migratory waterfowl.

Prohibits knowingly flying a drone over a state correctional facility or grounds belonging to or controlled by such facility without written consent of the commissioner. Recording images while performing such act elevates the violation to a gross misdemeanor.

Amended § 626.19 to add two new authorized uses for law enforcement drones without warrants: (1) documenting evidence at imminent risk of destruction, and (2) facilitating active searches for missing persons. Also broadened officer-training and public-relations exception to cover private areas with written consent of occupant. Brought total enumerated exceptions to eleven.

Appropriates $348,000 to evaluate the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for monitoring changes in ecosystems and moose populations in Minnesota.

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Drone Permit Requirement

All drone operations (takeoff, landing, and overflight) on Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board-owned or managed property require an approved permit issued by MPRB.

Anoka County Parks Drone Permit

Requires drone operators to obtain a Special Use Permit from the Parks Department before flying over county parks.

Ramsey County Parks Drone Restrictions

Prohibits takeoff or landing of drones in Ramsey County parks without prior approval.

Dakota County Parks Aircraft Landing Prohibition

Prohibits landing or launching of aircraft, including drones, within Dakota County parks.

City of St. Bonifacius Airspace Drone Ban

Municipal ordinance prohibits drone operations in city public airspace.

City of Bloomington Parks Drone Restrictions

Prohibits drone operations within city parks unless operator has obtained a special permit.

City of Arlington Airspace Drone Restrictions

Prohibits drone use within city airspace without permission from the City.

City of Eagan - Deferred to FAA

City of Eagan has revised its drone policy to defer to FAA regulations.

Three Rivers Parks District Drone Prohibition

Prohibits drone and powered toy use in parks and trails managed by the district unless a permit is granted.

Minnesota Valley NWR Drone Prohibition

Federal Fish and Wildlife Service prohibits launching, landing, or operations of drones on Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge units without a special use permit.

Mississippi NRRA Drone Operations Restriction

National Park Service restricts drone operations under NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 over approximately 64 hectares of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area around Coldwater Spring.