North Dakota Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
North Dakota maintains a permissive regulatory stance toward drone operations, with minimal state-level restrictions beyond federal FAA requirements. The state's primary drone law (HB 1328, 2015) addresses surveillance limitations and prohibits arming drones with lethal weapons, codified in NDCC Chapter 29-29.4. North Dakota is actively investing in UAS infrastructure and beyond-visual-line-of-sight programs, positioning itself as a national leader in drone integration and innovation. Law enforcement use of robotic systems, including drones, was updated in 2025 via HB 1613.
State Drone Laws
NDCC § 29-29.4 (HB 1328, 2015)Limitations on UAS Surveillance and Prohibition on Armed UAS
Codified in NDCC Chapter 29-29.4, this law restricts law enforcement use of UAS for surveillance without a warrant and prohibits arming an unmanned aircraft system with lethal or non-lethal weapons. It requires a search warrant for UAS surveillance by government entities, with exceptions for border patrol, search and rescue, and certain other public safety uses.
NDCC § 29-29.4 (as amended by HB 1613, 2025)Law Enforcement Use of a Robot — Updated Provisions
HB 1613 (2025), signed by the Governor on April 29, 2025, amends NDCC §§ 29-29.4-01 through 29-29.4-06 to update regulations governing the deployment of robotic systems, including drones, by law enforcement agencies. The amendments clarify permissible uses, warrant requirements, and procedural safeguards for law enforcement UAS operations.
NDCC § 2-07.1 (UAS Program)Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Program
Establishes the North Dakota UAS program under the Department of Commerce, providing a framework for UAS integration, industry development, and the Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) program. SB 2018 (2025) appropriated additional funds and amended program provisions.
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
North Dakota does not impose state-level drone registration requirements. Federal FAA registration applies to all drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g), whether operated recreationally or commercially.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone pilots in North Dakota must obtain FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
All commercial UAS operations in North Dakota are governed by FAA Part 107. Operators must pass the Aeronautical Knowledge Test and comply with altitude, airspace, and line-of-sight restrictions. Waivers are available for certain Part 107 requirements through the FAA DroneZone portal.
Recreational Drone Operations
Recreational pilots must comply with FAA recreational model aircraft rules
Recreational UAS operators must complete the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and register drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) with the FAA for $5. Operators must maintain visual line-of-sight and comply with altitude and airspace restrictions under 49 U.S.C. § 44809.
Remote ID Compliance
Federal Remote ID requirements apply to all drone operations
All UAS operators must ensure their aircraft comply with FAA Remote ID requirements (14 CFR Part 89), effective March 16, 2024. Non-compliance may result in certificate suspension and civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation.
FAA-Designated UAS Test Site — Northern Plains UAS Test Site
North Dakota hosts one of the FAA's designated UAS test sites
The Northern Plains UAS Test Site, operated through the University of North Dakota and the North Dakota Department of Commerce, is one of seven FAA-designated test sites. It provides infrastructure for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) testing, advanced UAS research, and integration of UAS into the National Airspace System.
Federally Recognized Indian Reservations
Special coordination required for flights over tribal lands
North Dakota has five federally recognized Indian Reservations: Mandan, Hidatsa, & Arikara Nation (Three Affiliated Tribes), Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate. Drone operators should contact reservation offices prior to flying in tribal areas to identify and respect sacred sites and tribal regulations. Tribal nations may assert independent regulatory authority over airspace and activities on tribal lands.
Military Airspace — Grand Forks AFB and Minot AFB
Significant military restricted airspace affects drone operations in portions of North Dakota
Grand Forks Air Force Base and Minot Air Force Base generate restricted and special use airspace that affects drone operations. Operators must check current airspace charts and NOTAMs before flying near these installations. Unauthorized drone operations in restricted military airspace can result in federal criminal penalties.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at major North Dakota airports through the FAA's standard network. North Dakota has been a testbed for advanced UAS integration and BVLOS operations through the FAA-designated Northern Plains UAS Test Site.
Major Airports
BIS — Bismarck Municipal Airport / Bismarck AirportFAR — Fargo Hector International AirportGFK — Grand Forks International AirportMOT — Minot International AirportDIK — Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions may be issued for special events, military operations, and emergency response. North Dakota hosts several military installations (including Grand Forks AFB and Minot AFB) with associated restricted airspace. Check the FAA NOTAM system before each flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
HB 1613Signed by Governor — enacted (2025-04-29)Law enforcement use of a robot
Amends NDCC §§ 29-29.4-01 through 29-29.4-06 relating to law enforcement use of robots, including drones. Updates regulations governing deployment of robotic systems by law enforcement agencies, clarifying permissible uses, warrant requirements, and procedural safeguards. Now enacted law; moved to state_laws section.
Last action: April 30, 2025
SB 2018Signed by Governor with item veto — enacted (2025-05-17)Appropriations and amendments related to uncrewed aircraft systems program
Provides appropriations for the Department of Commerce and other agencies; amends provisions relating to the uncrewed aircraft systems program, the UAS program fund, and the beyond visual line of sight UAS program. Authorizes Bank of North Dakota line of credit and requires legislative management report. Enacted; reflects continued state investment in UAS infrastructure.
Last action: June 11, 2025
HB 1249Failed to pass (2025-02-24)Autonomous technology grants
Would have provided appropriations to the attorney general, department of career and technical education, department of health and human services, and agriculture commissioner for autonomous technology grants; provided for legislative management study and report.
Last action: February 24, 2025
HB 1037Failed to pass (2025-02-24)Uncrewed aircraft systems and autonomous technology appropriations
Would have provided appropriations to increase the use of uncrewed aircraft systems, autonomous vehicles, and other autonomous technologies in the state; included provisions for legislative management study and report.
Last action: February 24, 2025
HB 1514Failed to pass (2025-02-24)Harmful atmospheric activity
Would have created a new chapter to title 23.1 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to harmful atmospheric activity with penalty provisions. Potentially relevant to drone-based atmospheric operations such as cloud seeding.
Last action: February 24, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota (UND) | UND is a national leader in UAS education and hosts the UAS Center of Excellence and the FAA-designated Northern Plains UAS Test Site. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in UAS operations and coordinates both academic and non-academic drone operations on campus and at affiliated facilities. Restrictions: Non-academic and non-research flights on campus require advance coordination with Campus Safety and/or the UAS Center of Excellence. Academic and research flights are managed through the UAS Center of Excellence. Pilots must comply with FAA regulations and university airspace protocols. | Yes | UAS Center of Excellence / Campus Safety — University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND |
| North Dakota State University (NDSU) | NDSU manages drone operations on campus through its research and facilities administration offices. UAS use for academic research and approved projects is permitted subject to FAA regulations and university review. Restrictions: Drone flights on NDSU property require prior authorization from the relevant department and must comply with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules as applicable. Commercial filming or unauthorized surveillance flights are prohibited. | Yes | NDSU Research and Creative Activity Office / Facilities Management |
| Bismarck State College | Bismarck State College offers drone-related coursework through its technology programs. Campus drone operations require advance approval and must comply with federal and state regulations. Restrictions: Unauthorized drone flights on campus are prohibited. Academic and approved operational flights must be coordinated with campus administration. | Yes | Bismarck State College Campus Administration |
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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