New Hampshire Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
New Hampshire maintains a permissive regulatory environment for drone operators. The state has only one narrow drone-specific statute (RSA 207:57) prohibiting surveillance of hunters and fishers without consent, and no state registration, licensing, or permit requirements beyond federal FAA rules. Recently enacted Chapter 6 (SB 49, effective May 19, 2026) addresses unlawful operation of unmanned aircraft systems.
State Drone Laws
RSA 207:57Prohibition of Drone Surveillance of Hunters and Fishers
Prohibits using drones or unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct video surveillance of private citizens who are lawfully hunting, fishing, or trapping without obtaining prior written consent. Law enforcement officers and NH Fish and Game personnel are exempt when acting in their official duties.
RSA 644:9Invasion of Privacy via Recording Device
Prohibits using any recording device, including drones, to conduct unauthorized surveillance or recording of individuals in violation of reasonable expectations of privacy. Applies to voyeurism and unauthorized recording. Enhanced penalties apply if recorded material is distributed without consent or used for blackmail.
NH Admin. Code § 312.02Prohibition of Drones for Hunting and Fishing Activities
Administrative regulation prohibiting the use of drones for hunting and fishing activities. Forbidden applications include locating and surveilling wildlife, using drones to communicate with people on the ground to locate wildlife, and using drones to harass wildlife.
Chapter 6, SB 49 (2026)Relative to the Unlawful Operation or Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Establishes criminal penalties and restrictions on the unlawful operation or use of unmanned aircraft systems in New Hampshire. Signed into law on March 20, 2026.
Chapter 95, HB 1444 (2026)Relative to the Purchase or Acquisition of Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Establishes requirements and procedures regarding the purchase or acquisition of unmanned aircraft systems by state and local government entities.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
New Hampshire State Parks (Statewide)
townshipState Parks Drone Policy
The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources prohibits the launching or landing of drones within the boundaries of all New Hampshire State Parks.
Restrictions
No drone launches or landings permitted in any NH State Park. No permit system currently exists despite legislative attempts in 2024 and 2025.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone surveillance of hunters or fishers without written consent (RSA 207:57) | Violation | Not specified in statute | None | NH Fish and Game Department, Local Law Enforcement | Violation-level offense, roughly equivalent to a traffic ticket. Law enforcement and Fish and Game personnel are exempt when acting in official duties. |
| Unauthorized recording/surveillance via drone (RSA 644:9) | Class A Misdemeanor (or Class B Felony if distributed/used for blackmail) | Up to $2,000 | Up to 1 year (or 3-7 years for felony) | State Police, Local Law Enforcement | General privacy law applies to drones used for voyeurism. Escalates to Class B felony if recorded material is distributed without consent or used for extortion/blackmail. |
| Using drone for hunting or fishing (NH Admin. Code § 312.02) | Administrative Violation | Not specified | None | NH Fish and Game Department | Applies to using drones to locate wildlife, communicate location of wildlife, or harass wildlife for hunting/fishing purposes. |
| Launching or landing drone in New Hampshire State Park | Park Violation | Not specified | None | State Parks rangers, Department of Natural and Cultural Resources | Administrative policy, not statute. No permit system exists. |
Drone surveillance of hunters or fishers without written consent (RSA 207:57)
Violation-level offense, roughly equivalent to a traffic ticket. Law enforcement and Fish and Game personnel are exempt when acting in official duties.
Unauthorized recording/surveillance via drone (RSA 644:9)
General privacy law applies to drones used for voyeurism. Escalates to Class B felony if recorded material is distributed without consent or used for extortion/blackmail.
Using drone for hunting or fishing (NH Admin. Code § 312.02)
Applies to using drones to locate wildlife, communicate location of wildlife, or harass wildlife for hunting/fishing purposes.
Launching or landing drone in New Hampshire State Park
Administrative policy, not statute. No permit system exists.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
New Hampshire does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration is required for all drones over 250 grams ($5 for 3 years). Recreational pilots must pass the free TRUST test before flying.
No state permit required for recreational or commercial drone operations. Federal LAANC authorization required for flights in controlled airspace around airports.
Drone insurance is not required but is recommended, especially for commercial operations.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Registration
All drones over 250 grams must be registered with the FAA
Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years. Drones must be marked with registration number. Failure to register can result in civil penalties up to $27,500 or criminal penalties up to $250,000.
Remote ID
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information
Required since March 2024. Allows FAA and law enforcement to identify aircraft remotely. Civil penalties up to $27,500 for violations.
Recreational Flying
Recreational pilots must pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Free test administered online by FAA-approved administrators. Proof of passage must be carried and presented upon request. Test questions can be corrected to 100% before receiving certificate.
Commercial Operations
Commercial drone pilots must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Knowledge test costs $175, valid for 24 months. Required for any compensated or non-recreational drone use. New Hampshire has PSI testing centers in Manchester, Concord, and other locations.
LAANC Authorization
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability required in controlled airspace
Required for flights in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace under 400 feet. Available through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers with near real-time approval capability.
Visual Line of Sight
All drone operations must maintain visual line of sight
Operator must maintain direct, unaided visual contact with the aircraft at all times, or use a visual observer physically present and in direct communication.
Altitude Limit
Maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level in uncontrolled airspace
Federal rule applies statewide. Flights above 400 feet require LAANC or other authorization in controlled airspace.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
New Hampshire 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 authorization available through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers at 726 airports nationwide. Near real-time approvals for flights under 400 feet in controlled airspace. Manual "further coordination" available up to 90 days in advance for Part 107 pilots.
Major Airports
MHT — Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (Class C)CON — Concord Municipal Airport (Class D)ASH — Nashua Regional Airport (Class D)
TFR Notice
White Mountain National Forest restricts drone landings in wilderness areas (Pemigewasset, Great Gulf, others) and within 0.25 miles of Forest Protection Areas and alpine zones per US Forest Service Order R9-22-19-01. Temporary Flight Restrictions may be issued for special events.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
DHART Medical Helicopter Incident at Mascenic High School
enforcementA DHART medical helicopter preparing to depart from Mascenic High School in Mason, NH with a patient was delayed 10-15 minutes when a drone appeared above the landing zone. The helicopter pilot refused to take off until the airspace was clear. New Ipswich Police located the drone operator. The incident prompted renewed legislative efforts to regulate drone operations in state parks.
Pending Legislation
SB 519Referred for Interim StudyRelative to the Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems
Proposed legislation addressing the use of unmanned aerial systems. Referred for interim study on April 23, 2026, effectively stalling further action.
Last action: April 23, 2026
HB 1289Inexpedient to Legislate (Killed in Committee)Criminalizing the Use of Small UAS for Video Voyeurism and Invasion of Privacy
Would have created specific criminal penalties for using drones for video voyeurism and invasion of privacy. Voted inexpedient to legislate and killed in committee on February 5, 2026.
Last action: February 5, 2026
HB 1291Inexpedient to Legislate (Killed in Committee)Criminalizing UAS Use Over Critical Infrastructure and Events
Would have criminalized the use of small unmanned aircraft systems for flying over critical infrastructure and events without authorization. Voted inexpedient to legislate and killed in committee on March 5, 2026.
Last action: March 5, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire | UNH requires all drone operations on campus to be coordinated with the Environmental Health & Safety department and campus police. Restrictions: EHS coordination required before flying. No flights over campus events or large gatherings. | Yes | 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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