Washington Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Washington maintains a mixed regulatory posture toward drone operations. While the state lacks a comprehensive drone statute, it uses existing general-purpose laws (voyeurism, privacy, recording) to regulate drone conduct, combined with specific restrictions on state parks, wildlife areas, and the Capitol Campus. Local ordinances vary widely—Seattle and Tacoma prohibit drones in city parks entirely, while King County and Spokane are more permissive. Commercial operators must register with WSDOT at $15/year and carry $100,000 minimum liability insurance.
State Drone Laws
RCW 9A.44.115Voyeurism
Prohibits knowingly photographing or filming another person for sexual arousal or gratification, or filming intimate areas without consent, in places with reasonable expectation of privacy. Applies to drone operators filming into private property, windows, or enclosed spaces.
RCW 9.73.030Privacy Act — Audio Recording
Washington is an all-party-consent state for recording private communications. Drone operators cannot record audio of private conversations without the consent of all parties. One-party announcement of recording in a reasonably effective manner constitutes consent.
WAC 352-32-130Remote Controlled Aircraft in State Parks
Drones may be flown in Washington State Parks only at designated flying areas with an approved management plan, or under a written permit issued by the Director of State Parks or designee. Director may specify time, geographic, elevation, and other restrictions. Operator must possess and produce written permission upon request.
WAC 220-413-070Wildlife Harassment via Unmanned Aircraft
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 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to address wildlife conflict.
WAC 220-414Hunting Equipment — Same-Day Drone Operation
Hunters cannot hunt game animals, game birds, or migratory birds on the same day they operated an unmanned aircraft. The night-before drone operation followed by morning hunting is explicitly prohibited.
WAC 200-250-030Unmanned Aircraft Prohibition on Capitol Campus
Operating a drone on the Washington State Capitol Campus in Olympia is prohibited. Exceptions cover law enforcement, emergency response, national defense, and activities pre-approved by the Department of Enterprise Services Director. Campus boundary includes Capitol Lake, buildings, and surrounding grounds.
RCW 47.68.250Commercial Drone Registration with WSDOT
Anyone operating a drone in Washington for compensation or hire, or as an extension of a business, must register the aircraft with the WSDOT Aviation Division. Recreational pilots are exempt, as are government and academic aircraft. Registration cycle runs annually starting April 1.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Seattle
citySeattle Municipal Code 18.12.265 — Drones in City Parks
Prohibits the operation of drones and other remote-controlled aircraft in every city park.
Restrictions
No drone operation in any Seattle city park. Commercial filming on city-owned property requires Seattle Office of Film + Music permit with $25 daily site fee, Part 107 certificate proof, FAA registration, and minimum $2,000,000 aviation liability insurance.
Tacoma
cityMetro Parks Tacoma Ordinance 28615 — Drones in Parks
Prohibits drone use across the entire Metro Parks Tacoma system.
Restrictions
Pilots may request written permission from the Parks Director on a case-by-case basis.
Bellevue
cityBellevue Parks & Recreation — Drone Policy
Drones are not permitted in Bellevue city parks.
Restrictions
Exceptions: Drones allowed at Marymoor Park Airfield (Redmond, King County) and 60 Acres Park (Redmond, King County) with established RC and drone operations.
Snohomish County
countySnohomish County Park Code 22.16.080 — Remote Controlled Aircraft
Prohibits operation of radio/remote-controlled or self-propelled model aircraft within Snohomish County parks.
Restrictions
Exception for areas specifically designated by the parks division and posted for such use.
King County
countyKing County Parks — Title 7 Parks and Recreation Ordinance
All remote-operated vehicles and model aircraft are prohibited in King County parks except in designated or posted areas.
Restrictions
Designation by county required. Marymoor Park Airfield and 60 Acres Park are established drone-friendly areas.
Spokane
citySpokane Municipal Code 12.06A.040 — Hobby Aircraft in City Parks
Allows drones and hobby aircraft in Spokane city parks provided they are not operated in a manner dangerous to persons or property.
Restrictions
Operations must not endanger public safety.
Olympia/Thurston County
cityCapitol Campus Drone Restriction — WAC 200-250-030
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft on Washington State Capitol Campus lands and waters is prohibited.
Restrictions
Exceptions only for law enforcement, emergency response, national defense, and pre-approved activities by DES Director.
Kitsap County
countyLaunch Notification Policy — Naval Base Kitsap
Requires drone operators flying near Naval Base Kitsap to submit a Launch Notification form.
Restrictions
Separate registration required from FAA and WSDOT registration. Naval base restricted airspace extends beyond base perimeter.
Pierce County
countyPierce County Code Chapter 1.30 — Government Drone Use Restrictions
Ordinance placing limits on the use of drones by county government agencies.
Restrictions
County departments and agencies restricted from using drones to gather evidence or information connected to criminal activities except as 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 Law Enforcement | Civil liability for damages also available |
| 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 Law Enforcement | |
| Recording audio without all-party consent (RCW 9.73.030) | Gross Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 364 days | County Prosecutors, Local Law Enforcement | |
| Flying drone in state park without permit (WAC 352-32-130) | Civil Infraction | Variable per RCW 7.84 | None | State Parks Rangers | Permit application fee $25 (recreational), $100 (commercial film/photography) |
| Wildlife harassment by drone (WAC 220-413-070) | Per WDFW penalty schedule | Variable | Possible license suspension | Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife | |
| Hunting on same day as drone operation (WAC 220-414) | Per WDFW penalty schedule | Variable | Possible license suspension | Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife | |
| Operating drone on Capitol Campus (WAC 200-250-030) | Trespass / Related Misdemeanor | Variable | Up to 1 year | Department of Enterprise Services, Washington State Patrol | |
| Wildfire TFR violation (14 CFR § 91.137 / 18 U.S.C. § 32) | Civil and Criminal | Up to $20,000 civil penalty | Up to 12 months | FAA, U.S. Attorney's Office | Aggressively enforced in Pacific Northwest. Interferes with firefighting operations. |
| Drone operation in National Park (NPS Policy Memo 14-05) | Class B Misdemeanor (Federal) | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service, U.S. Attorney's Office | Applies to Mount Rainier, Olympic, North Cascades National Parks |
First-degree voyeurism by drone (RCW 9A.44.115)
Civil liability for damages also available
Second-degree voyeurism by drone (RCW 9A.44.115)
Recording audio without all-party consent (RCW 9.73.030)
Flying drone in state park without permit (WAC 352-32-130)
Permit application fee $25 (recreational), $100 (commercial film/photography)
Wildlife harassment by drone (WAC 220-413-070)
Hunting on same day as drone operation (WAC 220-414)
Operating drone on Capitol Campus (WAC 200-250-030)
Wildfire TFR violation (14 CFR § 91.137 / 18 U.S.C. § 32)
Aggressively enforced in Pacific Northwest. Interferes with firefighting operations.
Drone operation in National Park (NPS Policy Memo 14-05)
Applies to Mount Rainier, Olympic, North Cascades National Parks
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Washington imposes state-level registration, licensing, insurance, or fee requirements
Commercial operators: budget for the state fees below before operating here. Federal FAA registration is still required separately.
State Registration
Required
$15/year per drone (commercial only)
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Required
Commercial License
Required
FAA Part 107 test fee $175 (federal, not state)
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Registration Fee
- $15/year per drone (commercial only)Agency: Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation DivisionRegister here →
- Commercial License
- FAA Part 107 test fee $175 (federal, not state)
- Insurance
- Washington requires $100,000 minimum liability insurance for commercial drone operations registered with WSDOT. This is in addition to FAA requirements. Most commercial operators carry $1 million to satisfy client contracts. Seattle film permits require $2 million liability coverage.
- Other Fees
- State park drone permit application — $25 (recreational), $100 (commercial film/photography)Non-refundable application fee. Must apply 60+ days in advance. Required for all flights in Washington State Parks.
- Seattle film permit — $25 daily site feeCommercial filming on Seattle city-owned property requires permit from Seattle Office of Film + Music, plus proof of Part 107, FAA registration, and $2M liability insurance
Washington requires commercial drone registration with WSDOT Aviation Division for any drone operated for compensation, hire, or as an extension of a business (effective April 1, 2022). Recreational drones require only federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years). No state licensing separate from FAA Part 107 for individuals.
State parks require separate permit ($25 application fee, must apply 60+ days in advance)
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
All commercial drone operations in Washington fall under FAA Part 107 regulations
Commercial pilots must hold Remote Pilot Certificate and comply with VLOS, altitude, airspace authorization, and operating-hours restrictions. Additionally, Washington requires state registration with WSDOT ($15/year) and $100,000 minimum liability insurance.
Remote ID Compliance
Mandatory since March 16, 2024 for all drones flown outdoors
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID, location, and altitude via Standard Remote ID, broadcast module, or FRIA. Applies to both recreational and commercial operations.
LAANC Authorization
Required for flight in controlled airspace throughout Washington
Most of urban Washington sits under Class B, C, D, or surface-E controlled airspace (SEA-Tac Class B, Boeing Field, Paine Field, Spokane International). LAANC must be obtained before launch in controlled airspace.
Wildfire TFRs
Temporary Flight Restrictions issued during wildfire suppression operations
Washington experiences significant wildfire TFRs east of the Cascades during fire season. Violations have grounded firefighting aircraft multiple times in recent years. Federal civil penalties up to $20,000 and criminal exposure up to 12 months.
National Park Closures
Drone operations prohibited in Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks
NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 bans all drone launch, landing, and operation in these three parks. Violations are Class B federal misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail and $5,000 fine.
Hanford Site Restriction
FAA-issued restriction prohibits drone flight over Hanford Site
Effective December 29, 2017. Drones prohibited from surface to 400 feet AGL over Hanford Site. Exceptions only for national defense, law enforcement, firefighting, and disaster response with FAA and DOE coordination.
Stadium TFRs
Federal restrictions around major sports stadiums during events
14 CFR § 99.7 prohibits drone operations within 3 nautical miles and up to 3,000 feet AGL of stadiums with 30,000+ capacity during MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football, and major motorsports events (1 hour before through 1 hour after). Applies to Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, Husky Stadium, Martin Stadium.
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 authorization available through multiple FAA-approved service providers (DJI Fly, Aloft, AirHub, Airspace Link, AutoPylot, Avision, UASidekick). Essential for operations in Class B (Seattle-Tacoma), Class C (Spokane, Paine Field), Class D (Boeing Field, Renton), and surface-E airspace throughout the state.
Major Airports
SEA — Seattle-Tacoma InternationalBFI — Boeing Field (Seattle)RNT — Renton MunicipalPAE — Paine Field (Everett)GEG — Spokane International
TFR Notice
Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) Class B airspace extends from surface to 10,000 feet, covering most of King County. Federal Temporary Flight Restrictions (14 CFR § 99.7) prohibit drones within 3 nautical miles and 3,000 feet AGL of stadiums seating 30,000+ during major events (1 hour before to 1 hour after). Hanford Site TFR prohibits flight from surface to 400 feet AGL (effective December 29, 2017). Stadium TFRs apply to Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, Husky Stadium (Seattle), Martin Stadium (Pullman). Wildfire TFRs common east of Cascades during fire season. Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary restricts flight below 2,000 feet AGL along northern coast.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
FAA Seeks $289,215 Penalty Against Washington Drone Operator
enforcementFAA proposed civil penalty against Washington drone operator for alleged violations related to agricultural fertilizer application flights.
FAA Proposes Civil Penalty for Agricultural Drone Flight Violations
enforcementFAA enforcement action against Washington-based drone operator for alleged violations in commercial agricultural operations.
Pending Legislation
SB 5302 / HB 1611In CommitteeProhibiting the purchase of small unmanned aircrafts manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity
Would prohibit state and local government agencies, and possibly private entities, from purchasing or operating drones manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities (likely directed at DJI and Chinese manufacturers).
Last action: January 12, 2026
SB 5763In Committee (Ways & Means)Concerning the law enforcement aviation support grant program
Addresses law enforcement aviation support grants, may include provisions for drone operations by law enforcement agencies.
Last action: February 6, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington | UW requires Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) approval for all drone operations on the Pullman and Seattle campuses. Husky Stadium area has a federal TFR during football games. Restrictions: EHS advance approval required. Husky Stadium federal TFR during events. Seattle urban airspace (Class B) adds significant LAANC coordination requirements. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@uw.edu |
| Washington State University | WSU requires coordination with campus police and Environmental Health & Safety for drone operations on the Pullman campus. Martin Stadium has a federal TFR during events. Restrictions: Coordination with Campus Police and EHS required. Martin Stadium federal TFR during athletic events. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety / Campus Police — ehs@wsu.edu |
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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