New Hampshire Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
New Hampshire maintains a highly permissive regulatory environment for drone operations, with minimal state-level requirements beyond federal FAA rules. The state enacted RSA 644:23 on January 1, 2026, establishing criminal penalties for violations of FAA regulations and unsafe drone operations, but does not require state registration, permits, licenses, or insurance. With only one pre-existing drone-specific statute (RSA 207:57 targeting hunting harassment), New Hampshire has repeatedly failed to pass broader drone legislation.
State Drone Laws
RSA 644:23Unlawful Operation or Use of Small Unmanned Aircraft System
Establishes criminal penalties for unlawful drone operation, including: violating FAA Part 107 rules (violation for first offense, misdemeanor for subsequent); interfering with law enforcement, fire, or emergency response operations; disrupting an airport or endangering crewed aircraft (Class A misdemeanor for negligent interference, Class B felony for damage, Class A felony for crashes causing death or serious injury); operating over federal, state, or county correctional facilities without authorization (misdemeanor, or Class B felony if used to deliver contraband or aid escape); and possessing or operating an armed or projectile-capable drone (Class B felony). Law enforcement officers acting under lawful authority are exempt.
RSA 644:9Invasion of Privacy
Prohibits unlawful use of surveillance devices (including drones) to observe, photograph, or record someone's private body parts or intimate spaces without consent, or to record sound inside private places. Applies to drones used for voyeurism or unauthorized surveillance. RSA 644:23 makes drone flights violating this statute an independent state drone offense.
RSA 207:57Harassment of Hunters, Fishers, and Trappers
Prohibits using a drone to conduct video surveillance of private citizens who are lawfully hunting, fishing, or trapping without their prior written consent. Also prohibits using a drone to locate or attempt to locate game for the purpose of taking it. Law enforcement and Fish and Game officials are exempt when acting in their official duties.
New Hampshire Fish and Game Rules 312.01, 312.02Prohibition on Using Drones to Locate Game
Administrative rules prohibiting the use of drones to locate or attempt to locate game for the purpose of taking it. Covers locating and surveilling wildlife, communicating with people on the ground to locate wildlife, and using drones to harass wildlife.
New Hampshire State Parks Administrative PolicyDrone Launch and Landing Prohibition in State Parks
The New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources prohibits the launching or landing of unmanned aircraft systems within the boundaries of all New Hampshire State Parks, beaches, and historic sites. No permit system currently exists to authorize drone flights in state parks (HB 644 in 2025, which would have created a $25 per day commercial fee system, was voted Inexpedient to Legislate and did not become law).
NHDOT Directive No. Aero D2UAS Operation from NHDOT-Controlled Properties
All drone operations launching or landing from New Hampshire Department of Transportation-controlled properties require prior approval from NHDOT or the Bureau of Aeronautics. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis following submission of operational plans and pilot information.
HB 1444 (Chapter 95)Purchase or Acquisition of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Legislation regulating the purchase or acquisition of certain unmanned aircraft systems by state agencies and entities. Signed into law as Chapter 95, Effective July 27, 2026.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
No local ordinances on record. Check with your local city or county government for any drone-specific regulations.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating a drone in violation of FAA Part 107 rules (first offense) | Violation | Not specified | None | FAA, State Police, Local Law Enforcement | Becomes a state misdemeanor on second or subsequent offense under RSA 644:23 |
| Operating a drone in violation of FAA Part 107 rules (second or subsequent offense) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,200 | Up to 1 year | State Police, Local Law Enforcement | RSA 644:23 makes federal violations prosecutable as state crimes |
| Interfering with law enforcement, fire, or emergency response operations | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,200 | Up to 1 year | State Police, Local Law Enforcement | RSA 644:23, III; news media with valid FAA waiver/authorization exempt if compliant |
| Invasion of privacy via drone surveillance or recording | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $2,000 | Up to 1 year | State Police, Local Law Enforcement | Escalates to felony for repeat offenses and when victim is under 18; RSA 644:23 makes this an independent drone offense |
| Negligently disrupting an airport or interfering with a crewed aircraft | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $2,000 | Up to 1 year | FAA, State Police | RSA 644:23, IV(a) |
| Operating a drone that damages a crewed aircraft in flight | Class B Felony | Up to $5,000 | 3 to 7 years | FAA, State Police, Federal Prosecutors | RSA 644:23, IV(b) |
| Operating a drone causing an aircraft crash resulting in death or serious bodily injury | Class A Felony | Up to $10,000 | 15 years to life | FAA, State Police, Federal Prosecutors | RSA 644:23, IV(c) — among the most serious drone offenses |
| Operating a drone in restricted airspace over a correctional facility | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,200 | Up to 1 year | State Police, Correctional Facility Security | RSA 644:23, V; separate jurisdiction (federal, state, county facilities) |
| Operating a drone over a correctional facility with intent to deliver contraband or aid an escape | Class B Felony | Up to $5,000 | 3 to 7 years | State Police, Federal Prosecutors | RSA 644:23, V — enhanced penalties for contraband/escape |
| Possessing or operating a drone equipped with a device capable of causing serious bodily injury, death, or property damage; or capable of firing or releasing a projectile | Class B Felony | Up to $5,000 | 3 to 7 years | State Police, Federal Law Enforcement | RSA 644:23, VI; exemptions for bomb-squad disposal and lawful law-enforcement use under authority |
| Drone surveillance of hunters, fishers, or trappers without written consent | Violation | Fine amount not specified in statute | None | NH Fish and Game, Local Law Enforcement | RSA 207:57 — violation-level; civil liability may also apply |
| Using a drone to locate or attempt to locate game for the purpose of taking it | Fish and Game Rule Violation | Varies by violation severity | None | NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers | Fis 312.01/.02 — administrative rule enforcement; hunting license may be suspended |
| Taking off or landing a drone within New Hampshire State Park boundaries | Park Violation | Varies by park and violation severity | None | State Park Rangers, DNCR Enforcement | Administrative policy (not statute); applies to all state parks, beaches, historic sites, and Franconia Notch |
Operating a drone in violation of FAA Part 107 rules (first offense)
Becomes a state misdemeanor on second or subsequent offense under RSA 644:23
Operating a drone in violation of FAA Part 107 rules (second or subsequent offense)
RSA 644:23 makes federal violations prosecutable as state crimes
Interfering with law enforcement, fire, or emergency response operations
RSA 644:23, III; news media with valid FAA waiver/authorization exempt if compliant
Invasion of privacy via drone surveillance or recording
Escalates to felony for repeat offenses and when victim is under 18; RSA 644:23 makes this an independent drone offense
Negligently disrupting an airport or interfering with a crewed aircraft
RSA 644:23, IV(a)
Operating a drone that damages a crewed aircraft in flight
RSA 644:23, IV(b)
Operating a drone causing an aircraft crash resulting in death or serious bodily injury
RSA 644:23, IV(c) — among the most serious drone offenses
Operating a drone in restricted airspace over a correctional facility
RSA 644:23, V; separate jurisdiction (federal, state, county facilities)
Operating a drone over a correctional facility with intent to deliver contraband or aid an escape
RSA 644:23, V — enhanced penalties for contraband/escape
Possessing or operating a drone equipped with a device capable of causing serious bodily injury, death, or property damage; or capable of firing or releasing a projectile
RSA 644:23, VI; exemptions for bomb-squad disposal and lawful law-enforcement use under authority
Drone surveillance of hunters, fishers, or trappers without written consent
RSA 207:57 — violation-level; civil liability may also apply
Using a drone to locate or attempt to locate game for the purpose of taking it
Fis 312.01/.02 — administrative rule enforcement; hunting license may be suspended
Taking off or landing a drone within New Hampshire State Park boundaries
Administrative policy (not statute); applies to all state parks, beaches, historic sites, and Franconia Notch
Registration, Fees & Taxes
No additional state registration or fees in New Hampshire
Only standard federal FAA registration applies. No state registration, licensing, or drone-specific fees on record.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
New Hampshire does not require state-level drone registration, commercial licensing, permits, or insurance beyond federal FAA requirements. Commercial operators need only the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 test fee); recreational operators need only the free TRUST certificate. Drones over 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years), but there is no separate New Hampshire State registration. Standard state business and tax rules apply to commercial drone operations, but no drone-specific business licensing exists.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Violations as State Crimes
Violations of federal FAA Part 107 regulations are now prosecutable as state crimes in New Hampshire
Effective January 1, 2026, RSA 644:23 makes FAA Part 107 violations prosecutable under state law. First violations are state 'violations'; second and subsequent violations are misdemeanors. This creates dual exposure: both federal FAA civil penalties and state criminal charges. This approach is unique and represents a significant enforcement strengthening in New Hampshire.
Remote ID Compliance
Federal Remote ID requirements apply nationwide, including New Hampshire
Since March 16, 2024, all registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information continuously during flight. Compliance options include Standard Remote ID (built-in capability), broadcast modules, or operation within a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). This requirement applies to all drone operations in New Hampshire.
Controlled Airspace and LAANC Authorization
Class C and D controlled airspace in New Hampshire requires LAANC authorization before flight
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) anchors Class C airspace, and the Boston Class B shelf extends into southern New Hampshire. Concord and Nashua have Class D airspace. Pilots must obtain LAANC authorization for flights under 400 feet in these areas. The B4UFLY app displays real-time airspace restrictions and enables LAANC requests.
White Mountain National Forest Drone Rules
Federal Forest Service Order R9-22-19-01 restricts drones on White Mountain National Forest land
Recreational drones are allowed on most WMNF land but are prohibited in six congressionally designated Wilderness areas (Great Gulf, Pemigewasset, Presidential Range–Dry River, Sandwich Range, Wild River, Caribou-Speckled). Additionally, takeoff and landing are prohibited within 0.25 miles of Forest Protection Areas and the alpine zone. Franconia Notch State Park, located within WMNF, follows state park rules (complete ban on takeoff/landing).
National Park Service Drone Ban
Federal drone operations are prohibited at certain NPS units within New Hampshire
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish and the Appalachian Trail corridor through the White Mountains follow 36 CFR § 1.5, which bans recreational drone operations. Violations are federal petty offenses with penalties up to 6 months imprisonment and $5,000 fines.
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 (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at 726 FAA airports nationwide. In New Hampshire, LAANC authorization is required before launching in controlled airspace, including Class C around Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), Class D around Concord and Nashua municipal airports, and the Boston Class B shelf extending into far-southern New Hampshire. Authorization can be obtained near real-time through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers.
Major Airports
MHT — Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (Class C)CON — Concord Municipal Airport (Class D)ASH — Nashua Regional Airport (Class D)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are issued for special events, emergency response, and security. Pilots must check for active TFRs before every flight. The Boston Class B shelf extends south from Boston into far-southern New Hampshire, requiring awareness in that region.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Medical Helicopter Delayed by Drone Interference in Mason
enforcementA Dartmouth-Hitchcock Advanced Response Team (DHART) medical helicopter dispatched to Mascenic High School in Mason was delayed for 10-15 minutes when a drone appeared in the landing zone. The DHART pilot refused to proceed until the drone was cleared. New Ipswich Police located the drone operator as they landed. No public record of charges was reported, but the incident catalyzed renewed legislative efforts including HB 644 (2025) and other regulatory proposals.
Pending Legislation
SB 519Referred for Interim StudyRelative to the Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems
Legislation to regulate the use of unmanned aerial systems in New Hampshire. Passed the Senate with amendments on March 12, 2026, was introduced in the House on March 16, 2026, received a public hearing on March 25, 2026, and was referred for interim study by the House on April 23, 2026. Status remains pending further legislative action.
Last action: April 23, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire | UNH requires all drone and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations on campus to be coordinated with the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) department and campus police prior to flight. Restrictions: Coordination with EHS and campus police required for all flights; no flights over campus events, large gatherings, or buildings; no flights during athletic events; prior written approval must be obtained before any drone operations on campus property. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) — https://www.unh.edu/research/office-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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