New Hampshire Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
New Hampshire has recently expanded its drone regulatory framework beyond its historically permissive posture. The state has enacted SB 222 (2015) prohibiting drone use for hunting, fishing, and trapping, and SB 49 (2026) establishing criminal penalties for unlawful UAS operation. The state defers to FAA requirements for most commercial and recreational operations, with no state-level registration requirement. Several additional bills addressing privacy, critical infrastructure, and UAS acquisition remain active in the 2026 legislative session.
State Drone Laws
SB 222Prohibition on Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Hunting, Fishing, or Trapping
Prohibits the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/drones) for hunting, fishing, or trapping purposes in New Hampshire. Codified in NH Fish and Game law.
SB 49Relative to the Unlawful Operation or Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Enacted law establishing regulations and criminal penalties for unlawful operation or use of unmanned aircraft systems in New Hampshire. Signed by the Governor on March 20, 2026, with an effective date of May 19, 2026. Specific penalty amounts and codified RSA section require verification once the enrolled bill text is published.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
No local ordinances on record. Check with your local city or county government for any drone-specific regulations.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
No state-specific penalty information on record.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
New Hampshire does not impose state-level drone registration requirements. Operators must comply with federal FAA registration requirements for drones over 0.55 lbs (250g), which costs $5 and is managed through the FAA DroneZone portal.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
All commercial drone operations in New Hampshire must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule.
Commercial operators must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Operations are generally limited to daylight hours (or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting), below 400 feet AGL, within visual line of sight, and at or below 100 mph. Waivers are available for certain operations.
Recreational TRUST Requirement
Recreational drone operators must complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
All hobbyist/recreational drone pilots in New Hampshire must take and pass the free TRUST before flying. Additionally, any recreational aircraft exceeding 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA for $5 via the DroneZone portal.
Remote ID Compliance
All drones must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements as of September 16, 2023.
All unmanned aircraft must broadcast Remote ID information either through standard Remote ID broadcast module or via a Remote ID broadcast module. Operations at FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs) may be excepted. Operators failing to comply face certificate suspension and civil penalties up to $27,500.
State Parks Policy
New Hampshire State Parks have specific drone operation policies that vary by location.
Drone operations within New Hampshire State Park boundaries are restricted according to individual park policies and may require advance authorization. Operators should contact the NH Division of Parks and Recreation and the specific park prior to flying. White Mountain National Forest drone use is subject to USFS regulations.
SB 49 and Federal Preemption Interaction
New Hampshire's SB 49 (2026) establishes state criminal penalties for unlawful UAS operation, which could interact with FAA federal airspace authority.
The scope of SB 49's criminal provisions requires careful review against FAA preemption doctrine. State laws addressing criminal conduct (harassment, voyeurism, trespass) using drones have generally withstood federal preemption challenges, while operational restrictions on airspace use are more vulnerable. The precise language of the enrolled bill requires analysis.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available for airspace management at select locations in New Hampshire, including near Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. Operators should verify coverage in their specific area using the FAA's airspace authorization tools.
Major Airports
MHT — Manchester-Boston Regional AirportLEB — Lebanon Municipal AirportCON — Concord Municipal AirportPSM — Portsmouth International Airport at PeaseASH — Nashua Airport (Boire Field)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) may be issued for special events, military operations, and presidential movements. Pease International Tradeport (PSM) has associated Class D airspace considerations. Operators should check current NOTAMs and utilize B4UFLY before each flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
SB 519Referred to House Judiciary — ActiveRelative to the Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems
Bill addressing regulations on the use of unmanned aerial systems. Passed Senate with Amendment #2026-1084s on March 12, 2026, and introduced to House on March 16, 2026. Public hearing was scheduled for March 25, 2026. Specific provisions require verification against bill text; may address privacy, critical infrastructure, or operational restrictions.
Last action: March 25, 2026
HB 1444Referred to Senate Finance — ActiveRelative to the Purchase or Acquisition of Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Addresses regulations related to the purchase or acquisition of certain unmanned aircraft systems, likely targeting national security concerns around foreign-manufactured drones (e.g., DJI/Chinese-manufactured UAS). Passed House with Amendment #2026-0558h on February 19, 2026, by voice vote.
Last action: February 19, 2026
HB 1289Inexpedient to Legislate (Dead)Criminalizing the Use of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Video Voyeurism and Invasion of Privacy
Would have criminalized the use of small unmanned aircraft systems for video voyeurism and invasion of privacy rights. Committee voted 11-0 to report as inexpedient on January 23, 2026. Motion to adopt adopted on February 5, 2026. Note: SB 49 may address some of these concerns through its broader criminal UAS provisions.
Last action: February 5, 2026
HB 1291Inexpedient to Legislate (Dead)Criminalizing the Use of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Flying Over Critical Infrastructure and Events
Would have criminalized the use of small unmanned aircraft systems for flying over critical infrastructure and events without authorization. Committee voted 10-0 to report as inexpedient on January 30, 2026. Motion to adopt adopted on March 5, 2026. Note: SB 49 and SB 519 may address related concerns.
Last action: March 5, 2026
HB 1582Inexpedient to Legislate (Dead)Prohibiting the Use of Credit Information in Insurance Underwriting and Certain Surveillance Practices
Would have prohibited use of credit information in automobile and homeowners insurance underwriting and prohibited certain surveillance practices by insurers. Included drone-related surveillance provisions. Committee voted 13-0 to report as inexpedient on March 3, 2026. Motion to adopt adopted on March 11, 2026.
Last action: March 11, 2026
HB 1605Inexpedient to Legislate (Dead)Establishing a State Office for Intelligence and Counterintelligence
Would have established a state office for intelligence and counterintelligence within the executive branch, with potential UAS-related surveillance and counterintelligence functions. Committee voted 13-0 to report as inexpedient on January 28, 2026. Motion to adopt adopted on February 12, 2026.
Last action: February 12, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire (UNH) | UNH requires all drone operations on campus property to be coordinated with the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) department and campus police prior to flight. All operators must comply with FAA regulations and university safety protocols. Restrictions: All drone flights require prior EHS coordination and approval. No flights permitted over campus events, crowded areas, or near campus buildings without explicit written authorization. Operators must carry proof of FAA registration and remote pilot certification as applicable. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety — University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824 |
| Dartmouth College | Dartmouth College restricts drone operations on campus. Operators must obtain prior authorization from the college. All flights must comply with FAA regulations and Dartmouth's campus safety policies. Restrictions: Drone operations on Dartmouth property require advance approval. Flights over campus buildings, events, and people are generally prohibited without specific authorization from Dartmouth Safety and Security. | Yes | Dartmouth Safety and Security — 6 Parkhurst Hall, Hanover, NH 03755 |
| Plymouth State University | Plymouth State University requires compliance with FAA regulations for all drone operations on campus. Operators should contact campus administration for authorization prior to flying on PSU property. Restrictions: Drone use on PSU campus property requires prior authorization. Operations over campus events and buildings are restricted. | Yes | Plymouth State University Campus Safety — Plymouth, NH 03264 |
| Keene State College | Keene State College requires advance authorization for drone operations on college property. All operations must comply with FAA regulations. Restrictions: Prior authorization required for all drone flights on campus. Flights over campus buildings, people, and events are restricted without explicit approval. | Yes | Keene State College Campus Safety — 229 Main Street, Keene, NH 03435 |
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.
Stay Compliant
Stay Compliant. Stay Organized.
Now that you know New Hampshire's drone laws, let PilotLedger help you stay on top of compliance. Manage your quotes, invoices, clients, and run your drone business from one platform.