Washington Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Washington maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations. The state has enacted targeted privacy protections through voyeurism statutes, wildlife harassment restrictions, state park permit requirements, and protections for critical facilities like the Capitol Campus and national parks. Commercial operators must register with WSDOT ($15/year) and carry liability insurance. Dense urban airspace over Seattle (Class B) and local park restrictions in major cities add operational constraints, but Washington has not enacted comprehensive statewide drone prohibitions beyond federal FAA rules.
State Drone Laws
RCW 9A.44.115Voyeurism
Prohibits knowingly viewing, photographing, or filming another person without consent for sexual arousal, or filming intimate areas without consent, when the person has reasonable expectation of privacy. Includes drone surveillance of private property, bedrooms, windows, and fenced yards.
RCW 9.73.030Privacy Act - All-Party Consent Recording
Washington is an all-party-consent state for recording private communications. Drone operators cannot record audio of private conversations without all parties' consent. Consent is obtained when one party announces the recording in a reasonably effective manner.
WAC 352-32-130Remote Controlled Aircraft in State Parks
Remote controlled aircraft (drones) may only be flown in Washington State Parks at designated flying areas with an approved management plan, or under a permit issued by the Director of State Parks or designee. Permits must be applied for at least 60 days in advance. Recreational permits cost $25; commercial film/still photography permits cost $100.
WAC 220-413-070Unmanned Aircraft and Wildlife Harassment
Unlawful to use an unmanned aircraft to pursue, concentrate, or harass any wild animal or wild bird, except when authorized by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Applies to all forms of harassment including scouting game animals.
WAC 220-414Hunting Equipment - Unmanned Aircraft Restriction
Hunters cannot hunt game animals, game birds, or migratory birds on the same day they operated an unmanned aircraft, even if the drone was operated the previous night.
WAC 200-250-030Washington State Capitol Campus - Unmanned Aircraft Prohibition
Operating a drone on the Washington State Capitol Campus in Olympia is prohibited. Exceptions only apply to 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 47.68.250WSDOT Commercial Unmanned Aircraft Registration
Any person operating a drone in Washington for compensation or hire, or as an extension of a business, must register the aircraft with WSDOT Aviation Division. Recreational pilots are exempt. Registration fee is $15 per drone per calendar year, effective April 1 each year. Exemptions include government and academic aircraft registered under another state or country's law.
RCW 47.68 (General Commercial Aviation Insurance)Commercial Unmanned Aircraft Liability Insurance Requirement
Commercial drone operators registered with WSDOT must carry liability insurance. Minimum $100,000 liability coverage is required for WSDOT registration. Most commercial operators carry $1,000,000 to meet state requirements and typical client contracts.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Seattle
citySeattle Municipal Code 18.12.265 - Drones Prohibited in City Parks
Drones and remote-controlled aircraft are prohibited in all Seattle city parks with no recreational exception.
Restrictions
No drone takeoff, landing, or operation in any Seattle park. Commercial filming requires permit from Seattle Office of Film + Music with proof of Part 107, FAA registration, and $2,000,000 liability insurance.
Tacoma
cityMetro Parks Tacoma Ordinance 28615 - Drone Prohibition
Drones are prohibited in the Metro Parks Tacoma system.
Restrictions
No drone operations in Metro Parks Tacoma. Pilots may request written permission from Parks Director on case-by-case basis.
Bellevue
cityBellevue Parks - Drone Prohibition
Bellevue city parks prohibit drone operations.
Restrictions
No drones in Bellevue parks. Exceptions: Marymoor Park Airfield (RC Club membership required) and 60 Acres Park in Redmond.
Snohomish County
countySnohomish County Park Code 22.16.080 - Remote Controlled Aircraft Restriction
Remote controlled and model aircraft are prohibited in Snohomish County parks except in designated areas.
Restrictions
No radio-controlled aircraft, model airplanes, gliders, boats, cars, or model rockets in county parks except in areas specifically designated by parks division and posted for such use.
Spokane
citySpokane Municipal Code 12.06A.040 - Drones Allowed in City Parks
As of May 2024, Spokane allows drones in city parks if operated safely.
Restrictions
Drones are permitted in Spokane city parks provided they are not operated in a manner that is dangerous to persons or property. Spokane County parks restrict takeoff and landing but airspace above parks remains open to FAA authorization.
King County
countyKing County Parks - Title 7 Parks and Recreation Ordinance
Remote operated vehicles and model aircraft are restricted in King County parks.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in most county parks except in areas specifically designated or posted for such use. Marymoor Park Airfield and 60 Acres Park are primary drone-friendly sites.
Kitsap County
countyKitsap County - Launch Notification Requirement
Drone operators flying near Naval Base Kitsap must submit a launch notification form.
Restrictions
Pilots must file launch notification when flying near Naval Base Kitsap. The naval base's restricted airspace extends beyond the base perimeter.
Pierce County
countyPierce County Code 1.30 - Government Agency Drone Restrictions
Pierce County ordinance restricts county government agencies from using drones for evidence collection.
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 law.
Olympia / Thurston County
countyWashington State Capitol Campus - WAC 200-250-030
Drone operations prohibited on State Capitol Campus.
Restrictions
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters within the boundaries of the state capitol campus is prohibited except for law enforcement, emergency response, national defense, or pre-approved activities.
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
countyOlympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary - Altitude Restriction
Aircraft operations below 2,000 feet AGL restricted over Olympic Coast.
Restrictions
Flight operations below 2,000 feet AGL not allowed over Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. Sanctuary boundaries extend from Copalis River mouth to Koitlah Point at Neah Bay. Takeoff and landing at Copalis Beach airstrip unaffected.
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 | Washington State Patrol, County Prosecutors, Local Law Enforcement | Civil liability also possible for damages; sexual motivation component required for first-degree charge |
| Second-degree voyeurism by drone (RCW 9A.44.115) | Gross Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 364 days | Washington State Patrol, County Prosecutors, Local Law Enforcement | Applies to recording intimate areas without consent 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 Law Enforcement | Applies to audio recording of private conversations without consent |
| State park drone operation without permit (WAC 352-32-130) | Civil Infraction | Up to $125 | None | Washington State Parks Rangers | Permit application fee is $25 (recreational) or $100 (commercial film/photography); 60-day advance notice required |
| Wildlife harassment with drone (WAC 220-413-070) | Per WDFW penalty schedule | Varies | Possible | Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW tip line: 1-877-933-9847 |
| Hunting on same day drone was operated (WAC 220-414) | Per WDFW penalty schedule | Varies | Possible | Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife | Applies to game animals, birds, and migratory birds |
| Drone operation on Capitol Campus (WAC 200-250-030) | Trespass / Misdemeanor | Varies | Up to 1 year (typical for trespass) | Department of Enterprise Services, Washington State Patrol | Criminal penalties associated with trespass laws; exceptions for law enforcement and emergency response |
| Wildfire TFR violation (Federal) | Federal violation (14 CFR § 91.137, 18 U.S.C. § 32) | Up to $20,000 civil | Up to 12 months | FAA, U.S. Attorney's Office | Multiple wildfire TFR violations in Washington during 2023 fire season grounded firefighting aircraft at least 7 times |
| National Park drone operation (36 CFR § 1.5, NPS Policy 14-05) | Federal Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service, U.S. Attorney's Office | Applies to Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks; total prohibition on launch, landing, and operation |
First-degree voyeurism by drone (RCW 9A.44.115)
Civil liability also possible for damages; sexual motivation component required for first-degree charge
Second-degree voyeurism by drone (RCW 9A.44.115)
Applies to recording intimate areas without consent with intent to distribute
Recording without all-party consent (RCW 9.73.030)
Applies to audio recording of private conversations without consent
State park drone operation without permit (WAC 352-32-130)
Permit application fee is $25 (recreational) or $100 (commercial film/photography); 60-day advance notice required
Wildlife harassment with drone (WAC 220-413-070)
WDFW tip line: 1-877-933-9847
Hunting on same day drone was operated (WAC 220-414)
Applies to game animals, birds, and migratory birds
Drone operation on Capitol Campus (WAC 200-250-030)
Criminal penalties associated with trespass laws; exceptions for law enforcement and emergency response
Wildfire TFR violation (Federal)
Multiple wildfire TFR violations in Washington during 2023 fire season grounded firefighting aircraft at least 7 times
National Park drone operation (36 CFR § 1.5, NPS Policy 14-05)
Applies to Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks; total prohibition on launch, landing, and operation
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 operations only)
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Required
Commercial License
Required
FAA Part 107 test: $175 (federal, not state). WSDOT registration: $15/year per aircraft (state).
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Registration Fee
- $15/year per drone (commercial operations only)Agency: WSDOT Aviation DivisionRegister here →
- Commercial License
- FAA Part 107 test: $175 (federal, not state). WSDOT registration: $15/year per aircraft (state).
- Insurance
- Commercial drone operators must carry liability insurance. Minimum $100,000 required for WSDOT registration. Most commercial operators carry $1,000,000 to meet state requirements and client contracts. Seattle commercial filming requires $2,000,000 liability insurance.
- Other Fees
- State Parks Permit Application (Recreational) — $25Non-refundable application fee for drone flying permit in Washington State Parks. Minimum 60 days advance notice required.
- State Parks Permit Application (Commercial) — $100Non-refundable application fee for commercial film and still-photography drone permits in Washington State Parks.
- Seattle Film Permit (Commercial Filming) — Permit fee plus $2,000,000 liability insurance requirementCommercial drone filming on Seattle city property requires permit from Seattle Office of Film + Music, proof of Part 107, FAA registration, and $2M liability insurance.
- Kitsap County Launch Notification — No feeDrone operators flying near Naval Base Kitsap must submit launch notification form to Kitsap County.
Washington requires commercial drone operators to register with WSDOT Aviation Division. Recreational pilots flying drones over 250g must register with FAA only (federal). No separate state registration for recreational flight.
State Parks permit required ($25 for recreational, $100 for commercial film/photo) with 60-day advance notice. Capitol Campus prohibited without pre-approval. Local city/county parks have varying restrictions and permit requirements.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID mandatory for all outdoor drone flight since March 16, 2024
All drones flown outdoors in Washington must broadcast ID, location, and altitude via Standard Remote ID, broadcast module, or FRIA (Federal Recognized Identification Area).
Part 107 Commercial Operations
FAA Part 107 certificate required for commercial drone work
Commercial operators in Washington must hold current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Combined with WSDOT state registration ($15/year) and $100,000 minimum liability insurance, this creates tiered commercial requirements unique to Washington.
LAANC Authorization
LAANC required for controlled airspace operations throughout Washington
Seattle metropolitan area is heavily Class B airspace. Most drone operations in urban Washington require LAANC authorization through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers before launch.
National Parks Prohibition
NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 bans drone operations in national parks
All drone launches, landings, and operations prohibited in Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks. Violation is federal Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months, $5,000).
Wildfire TFR Enforcement
Strict enforcement of Temporary Flight Restrictions during fire season
Washington experienced at least seven firefighting helicopter groundings due to unauthorized drone intrusions during 2023 fire season. Federal penalties up to $20,000 civil and 12 months imprisonment for TFR violations.
Stadium TFRs
3-nautical-mile radius, 3,000 feet AGL TFRs around large stadiums during events
Applies to Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, Husky Stadium, Martin Stadium. TFR active 1 hour before to 1 hour after MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football, and major motorsport events.
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 (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at major airports throughout Washington. Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) is Class B from surface to 10,000 feet covering most of King County. Boeing Field is Class D underneath SEA's shelf. Paine Field (Everett), Renton Municipal, and Spokane International all carry their own layered authorizations. Most urban Washington operations require LAANC coordination before launch.
Major Airports
SEA - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Class B, surface to 10,000 feet)BOI - Boeing Field / Seattle (Class D)PAE - Paine Field / Everett (Class C)RNT - Renton Municipal (Class D)GEG - Spokane International (Class C)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are common during fire season (June-September) east of the Cascades. Stadium TFRs in effect around Lumen Field (Seattle Seahawks), T-Mobile Park (Seattle Mariners), Husky Stadium (University of Washington), and Martin Stadium (Washington State University) during events. Hanford Site has permanent drone restrictions from surface to 400 feet AGL. National parks prohibit all drone operations.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
FAA Seeks $289,215 Penalty Against Washington Drone Operator Over Fertilizer Flights
enforcementFAA initiated enforcement action against a Washington commercial drone operator for agricultural (fertilizer) application flight operations violations.
FAA Launches DETER Program for Faster Drone Enforcement
regulatory changeFAA announced new DETER (Detect and Enforcement Technology Evidence Response) program to speed up enforcement of drone violations, including faster penalty processing for first-time offenders and streamlined civil penalty procedures.
Pending Legislation
SB 5302In CommitteeProhibiting the purchase of small unmanned aircrafts manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity
Would prohibit Washington state and local government agencies from purchasing drones manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities as a supply chain security measure.
Last action: January 12, 2026
HB 1611In CommitteeProhibiting the purchase of small unmanned aircrafts manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity
Companion bill to SB 5302. Would prohibit public agencies from purchasing drones manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities.
Last action: January 12, 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. Husky Stadium TFR applies during football games. Restrictions: EHS approval required before any flight. Husky Stadium airspace subject to federal TFR during University of Washington football games. Seattle's Class B airspace and Seattle Parks drone ban create additional urban constraints. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) |
| Washington State University | WSU requires coordination with campus police and Environmental Health & Safety for drone operations on the Pullman campus. Martin Stadium TFR applies during football events. Restrictions: Must coordinate with WSU campus police and EHS before operations. Martin Stadium subject to federal TFR during athletic events. Pullman airspace constraints apply. | 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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