Washington Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Washington regulates drone operations through targeted statutes addressing privacy, wildlife harassment, state park access, and commercial activities, rather than a comprehensive drone code. The state prohibits surveillance-based voyeurism and wildlife harassment, requires permits for state park flights, and mandates commercial registration, but does not broadly restrict recreational drone operations outside these specific areas.
State Drone Laws
RCW 9A.44.115Unlawful Voyeurism
First-degree voyeurism is a Class C felony covering knowing viewing, photographing, or filming another person without consent for sexual arousal or gratification, or intimate areas in a place with reasonable expectation of privacy. Second-degree voyeurism is a gross misdemeanor for intentionally photographing or filming intimate areas without consent with intent to distribute.
RCW 9.73.030Privacy Act - All-Party Consent for Recording
Washington is an all-party consent state for recording private communications. Recording a private conversation without all parties' consent is prohibited. A drone equipped with audio recording capability capturing private conversations violates this statute.
RCW 47.68.250Commercial Unmanned Aircraft System Registration
Commercial drone operators in Washington must register each aircraft with the WSDOT Aviation Division. The registration fee is $15 per drone per year, with an annual registration cycle starting April 1. Recreational pilots are exempt. Registration is in addition to FAA registration and Part 107 certification.
WAC 352-32-130Unmanned Aircraft in State Parks
Drones may be flown in Washington State Parks only at designated flying areas with approved management plans or under a permit issued by the State Parks Director. Permits require 60-day advance notice and non-refundable application fee of $25 for recreational use, $100 for commercial film and still photography. Permits can include restrictions on time, geography, and elevation.
WAC 220-413-070Wildlife Harassment Prohibition
It is unlawful to use a vehicle, aircraft, unmanned aircraft, or motor-propelled boat to pursue, concentrate, or harass any wild animal or wild bird, except when authorized by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
WAC 220-414Hunting Equipment - Same-Day Unmanned Aircraft Restriction
Hunters cannot hunt game animals, game birds, or migratory birds on the same day they operated an unmanned aircraft. Drone use the night before and hunting the morning after is prohibited.
WAC 200-250-030Unmanned Aircraft Prohibition on Capitol Campus
Operating, launching, or landing a drone on the Washington State Capitol Campus in Olympia is prohibited. Exceptions cover law enforcement, emergency response, national defense, and pre-approved activities by the Department of Enterprise Services Director.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Seattle
citySeattle Municipal Code 18.12.265 - Drone Operation in Parks
Prohibits drone use in all Seattle city parks
Restrictions
Absolute prohibition on drone operations in all city parks, with no recreational exceptions. Commercial filming on city property requires permit from Seattle Office of Film + Music with $25 daily fee, proof of Part 107 certificate, FAA registration, and minimum $2,000,000 aviation liability insurance.
Metro Parks Tacoma
countyMetro Parks Tacoma Ordinance 28615
Prohibits drone use in Metro Parks Tacoma system
Restrictions
System-wide prohibition. Case-by-case written permission available from Parks Director upon request.
City of Bellevue
cityBellevue Parks Policy - Drone Prohibition
Prohibits drones in all Bellevue city parks
Restrictions
System-wide prohibition across all Bellevue parks. Nearby alternatives: Marymoor Park Airfield and 60 Acres Park in Redmond (King County).
City of Spokane
citySpokane Municipal Code 12.06A.040
Allows drone operations in city parks if conducted safely
Restrictions
Drones permitted provided not operated in a manner dangerous to persons or property. Spokane County parks are more restrictive — takeoff and landing prohibited, though airspace remains accessible.
Snohomish County
countySnohomish County Park Code Chapter 22.16
Restricts unmanned aircraft in county parks
Restrictions
Prohibits remote-controlled unmanned aircraft in county parks except in areas specifically designated for such activities.
Pierce County
countyPierce County Code Chapter 1.30
Restricts county agency drone use for criminal investigations
Restrictions
Restricts county departments and agencies from using drones to gather evidence or information on criminal activity except in situations authorized by federal and state laws.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-degree voyeurism by drone (RCW 9A.44.115) | Class C Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 5 years | County Prosecutors, Washington State Patrol, Local Police | Most serious drone privacy violation; non-consensual filming for sexual purposes |
| Second-degree voyeurism by drone (RCW 9A.44.115) | Gross Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 364 days | County Prosecutors, Washington State Patrol, Local Police | Non-consensual filming of intimate areas with intent to distribute |
| Recording without all-party consent (RCW 9.73.030) | Gross Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 364 days | County Prosecutors, Local Police | Audio recording of private conversation without consent |
| State park drone operation without permit (WAC 352-32-130) | Civil Infraction | Varies by severity | None | State Parks Rangers | $25 non-refundable application fee for recreational permits; $100 for commercial film/photography |
| Wildlife harassment with drone (WAC 220-413-070) | WDFW Penalty Schedule | Varies | Varies | Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife | Includes hunting license suspension; WDFW tip line 1-877-933-9847 |
| Hunting on same day as drone operation (WAC 220-414) | WDFW Penalty Schedule | Varies | Varies | Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife | Applies to same-day combination of drone operation and hunting activity |
| Capitol Campus drone operation (WAC 200-250-030) | Trespass / Misdemeanor | Up to applicable misdemeanor penalties | Up to 90 days | Washington State Patrol, Department of Enterprise Services | Covers Capitol Lake, buildings, and surrounding grounds |
| Wildfire TFR violation (14 CFR § 91.137) | Federal Civil and Criminal | Up to $20,000 civil penalty | Up to 12 months | FAA, U.S. Attorney's Office | Aggressive enforcement in Pacific Northwest; drone interference with firefighting operations has resulted in prosecution |
First-degree voyeurism by drone (RCW 9A.44.115)
Most serious drone privacy violation; non-consensual filming for sexual purposes
Second-degree voyeurism by drone (RCW 9A.44.115)
Non-consensual filming of intimate areas with intent to distribute
Recording without all-party consent (RCW 9.73.030)
Audio recording of private conversation without consent
State park drone operation without permit (WAC 352-32-130)
$25 non-refundable application fee for recreational permits; $100 for commercial film/photography
Wildlife harassment with drone (WAC 220-413-070)
Includes hunting license suspension; WDFW tip line 1-877-933-9847
Hunting on same day as drone operation (WAC 220-414)
Applies to same-day combination of drone operation and hunting activity
Capitol Campus drone operation (WAC 200-250-030)
Covers Capitol Lake, buildings, and surrounding grounds
Wildfire TFR violation (14 CFR § 91.137)
Aggressive enforcement in Pacific Northwest; drone interference with firefighting operations has resulted in prosecution
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Required
Commercial drone operators must register with WSDOT Aviation Division. Recreational drones require only FAA registration.
State Parks permits required for flying in state parks (WAC 352-32-130): 60-day advance notice required, $25 non-refundable application fee for recreational use, $100 for commercial film/photography
Commercial operators required to carry $100,000 minimum liability insurance through WSDOT. Most commercial operators carry $1 million coverage. Seattle film permits require $2 million.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Requirement
All outdoor drone flights require Remote ID broadcast
Mandatory nationwide since March 16, 2024. Every drone must broadcast identification, location, and altitude via Standard Remote ID, broadcast module, or FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Area). Washington pilots must comply.
Part 107 Commercial Operations
FAA Remote Pilot Certificate required for commercial use
Washington commercial operators must hold current Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in addition to WSDOT state registration ($15/year). Certificate valid for 24 months before recurrent testing required.
LAANC Authorization
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability required for controlled airspace
Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) Class B airspace covers most of King County from surface to 10,000 feet. LAANC authorization required before launching in Class B, C, D, or surface-E airspace. Multiple LAANC service providers available.
Stadium Flight Restrictions
Federal TFRs prohibit drone operation near major sports venues
14 CFR § 99.7 prohibits drones within 3 nautical miles and up to 3,000 feet AGL of stadiums seating 30,000+ during MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football, and major motor-sport events. Applies to Lumen Field (Seahawks), T-Mobile Park (Mariners), Husky Stadium, and Martin Stadium.
Wildfire TFR Enforcement
Federal TFRs around active wildfires with aggressive enforcement
Violating wildfire TFRs carries federal civil penalties up to $20,000 and criminal exposure up to 12 months imprisonment. Pacific Northwest has experienced multiple enforcement actions due to drone interference with aerial firefighting operations.
National Park Closures
Three Washington national parks prohibit all drone operations
Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park prohibit drone launch, landing, and operation under NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05. Violation is federal Class B misdemeanor: up to 6 months imprisonment and $5,000 fine.
Hanford Site Airspace Restriction
FAA prohibition on drone flight over Hanford Site
Drone flight prohibited 0-400 feet AGL over Hanford Site since December 29, 2017. Exceptions only for national defense, law enforcement, firefighting, and disaster response (all requiring FAA and DOE coordination).
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Washington 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 available at major Washington airports including Seattle-Tacoma International (Class B), Boeing Field (Class D), Paine Field, Renton Municipal, and Spokane International. LAANC authorization required for all flights in Class B, C, D, or surface-E controlled airspace.
Major Airports
SEA — Seattle-Tacoma International (Class B)BFI — Boeing Field (Class D)PAE — Paine FieldREN — Renton MunicipalGEG — Spokane International
TFR Notice
Active TFRs during wildfire season east of the Cascades. Stadium TFRs for Lumen Field (Seattle Seahawks), T-Mobile Park (Seattle Mariners), Husky Stadium (University of Washington football), and Martin Stadium (Washington State University football). Hanford Site restricted 0-400 feet AGL since December 29, 2017.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Wildfire TFR Enforcement - Sourdough Fire Incident
enforcementUnauthorized drones entered TFRs over wildfire areas, forcing suspension of aerial firefighting operations. At least seven grounding incidents documented during 2023 fire season in Washington, with one incident at Sourdough Fire in North Cascades suspending operations for approximately 45 minutes.
Space Needle Drone Crash
enforcementDrone operator crashed aircraft into Space Needle during New Year's Eve celebrations. City of Seattle v. Kelley resulted in guilty plea to reckless endangerment, 364 days suspended jail time, and $250 fine.
Pending Legislation
SB 5302IntroducedProhibiting the purchase of small unmanned aircrafts manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity
Would prohibit state and local government purchase of small UAS from covered foreign entities. Addresses security concerns regarding foreign-manufactured drones.
Last action: January 12, 2026
HB 1611IntroducedProhibiting the purchase of small unmanned aircrafts manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity
House companion to SB 5302. Would restrict state and local government purchase of small UAS from covered foreign entities.
Last action: January 12, 2026
SB 5763In CommitteeConcerning the law enforcement aviation support grant program
Would establish law enforcement aviation support grant program. Committee substitute received do-pass recommendation and referred to Ways & Means for budget consideration.
Last action: February 6, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington | UW requires all drone operations on campus to be approved by the Environmental Health & Safety department prior to flight. Restrictions: EHS approval required before any flight. Husky Stadium subject to federal TFR during football games. Seattle Class B airspace and urban density add operational constraints. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety |
| Washington State University | WSU requires coordination with campus police and Environmental Health & Safety for all drone operations on Pullman campus. Restrictions: Coordination with campus police and EHS required. Martin Stadium subject to federal TFR during athletic events. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety / Campus Police |
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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