Wyoming Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Wyoming maintains a permissive stance toward drone operations at the state level. The state has enacted targeted restrictions on trespass (200-foot threshold over private property), surveillance of correctional facilities, and unauthorized resource data collection, but does not impose broad licensing requirements beyond federal FAA mandates. Wyoming is unique in operating a state drone information hub (drone.wyo.gov) and having zero local (county or city) drone ordinances.
State Drone Laws
W.S. § 10-7-401 et seq. (SF 170)Unmanned Aircraft - Aeronautics Commission Authority
Authorizes the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission to promulgate reasonable rules governing where unmanned aircraft may take off and land with due consideration of public health and safety. The commission may develop rules governing UAS operations in coordination with the UAS industry and political subdivisions. The commission does not have power to regulate unmanned aircraft operations in navigable airspace. Prohibits landing an unmanned aircraft on another person's property without consent, except in case of forced landing.
SF 34Trespass by Small Unmanned Aircraft
Makes it unlawful to operate a small unmanned aircraft at 200 feet or lower over private land or residence without permission from the landowner or resident when the operation substantially interferes with the owner's use and enjoyment of the property. The qualifier 'substantially interferes' has been debated across multiple legislative sessions. Landing a drone on another person's property without consent is also prohibited, with exception for forced landings.
SF 32Prohibiting Drones Over Penal Institutions
Prohibits photographing, surveilling, broadcasting, or otherwise operating a drone over or at any state or federal correctional facility. Also prohibits dropping, delivering, or attempting to deliver contraband, weapons, or other prohibited items via drone to any correctional facility.
W.S. 40-27-101Prohibition on Collection of Resource Data on Private Land
Prohibits entering private land to collect resource data without the landowner's permission. Applies to drone-collected environmental data, mapping, and surveillance over ranching and agricultural property. Originally aimed at environmental activists monitoring ranching operations, the statute applies to all unauthorized drone-based data collection.
HB 105Law Enforcement Warrant Requirement for Drone Surveillance
Prohibits law enforcement from using drones to collect evidence or information about criminal activity without a warrant. Specific judicial authorization is required before any government drone surveillance of private persons or activities.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone trespass at 200 feet or lower over private land that substantially interferes with owner use (SF 34) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $750 | Up to 6 months | Wyoming State Police / Local Law Enforcement | The 'substantially interferes' qualifier remains controversial; brief, unnoticed overflights may not meet the threshold |
| Drone overflight, surveillance, or broadcasting of correctional facility (SF 32) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $2,000 | Up to 1 year | Wyoming Department of Corrections / Local Law Enforcement | Also covers delivering contraband or weapons via drone |
| Landing drone on private property without consent | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $750 | Up to 6 months | Wyoming State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Exception for forced landings due to mechanical failure or emergency |
| Collecting resource data (environmental monitoring, mapping) on private land without permission (W.S. 40-27-101) | Civil Trespass | Property owner may recover actual and punitive damages | None (civil matter) | Private civil action against operator | Applies to drone-collected data over ranching and agricultural property |
| NPS drone ban violation (Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Devils Tower) | Federal Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service / Federal Ranger | Federal rule, not state law; equipment and memory cards subject to confiscation; 2014 Grand Prismatic Spring crash resulted in $3,200 fine |
Drone trespass at 200 feet or lower over private land that substantially interferes with owner use (SF 34)
The 'substantially interferes' qualifier remains controversial; brief, unnoticed overflights may not meet the threshold
Drone overflight, surveillance, or broadcasting of correctional facility (SF 32)
Also covers delivering contraband or weapons via drone
Landing drone on private property without consent
Exception for forced landings due to mechanical failure or emergency
Collecting resource data (environmental monitoring, mapping) on private land without permission (W.S. 40-27-101)
Applies to drone-collected data over ranching and agricultural property
NPS drone ban violation (Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Devils Tower)
Federal rule, not state law; equipment and memory cards subject to confiscation; 2014 Grand Prismatic Spring crash resulted in $3,200 fine
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Wyoming does not require state-level drone registration. The Wyoming Aeronautics Commission has authority to develop registration requirements but has not implemented a state system. All drones over 250g must be registered with the FAA (federal requirement, $5 for 3 years).
No state drone permit is required for recreational flying. Commercial operators must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Commercial operations in Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Parks require separate authorization from the NPS Superintendent and are rarely granted except for scientific research or approved film production.
Wyoming does not require drone insurance, though insurance is strongly recommended for commercial operators given liability exposure and the 200-foot trespass threshold.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
All registered drones (over 250g) must comply with Remote ID broadcast requirements
Remote ID was mandated by the FAA and became enforceable in March 2024. All Wyoming drones over 250g must broadcast Remote ID information. Compliance is monitored by the FAA and local law enforcement may assist with enforcement.
Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone flights must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule
Wyoming imposes no state-level commercial drone licensing requirements beyond FAA Part 107. All commercial operators must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate, maintain VLOS, observe 400-foot altitude limit (except with LAANC authorization), and comply with airspace restrictions.
LAANC Authorization
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability required for controlled airspace
Both recreational and Part 107 pilots must obtain LAANC authorization before flying in Class B, C, D, or surface Class E airspace. Available through 726 FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers. Cheyenne and Jackson areas require coordination due to complex airspace.
National Park Service Drone Ban
Complete federal ban on drone operations in all NPS units within Wyoming
Yellowstone (2.2M acres), Grand Teton (310K acres), and Devils Tower are completely closed to drones under federal NPS authority. This is not a state law but significantly restricts recreational flying in Wyoming's most scenic areas.
VLOS and Altitude Restrictions
All Wyoming drone operations subject to federal VLOS requirement and 400-foot altitude ceiling
Recreational and Part 107 pilots must maintain visual line of sight with the drone or use a qualified visual observer in direct communication. Maximum altitude is 400 feet AGL in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace; LAANC/airspace authorizations may allow higher altitude in controlled airspace.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Wyoming 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 coverage available at 726 FAA airports including Cheyenne Regional Airport and Jackson Hole Airport. Cheyenne airspace is complex due to Class D airspace from Cheyenne Regional Airport, F.E. Warren Air Force Base restricted military airspace, and Regional Medical Center helipad zones. Jackson airspace is heavily restricted due to overlap with Grand Teton National Park's complete NPS drone ban.
Major Airports
CYS — Cheyenne Regional Airport (Class D airspace)JAC — Jackson Hole Airport (within Grand Teton National Park boundaries)CPR — Casper Natrona County International AirportGCC — Gillette Campbell County Airport
TFR Notice
Yellowstone National Park (2.2 million acres) — complete NPS drone ban since June 2014. Grand Teton National Park (310,000 acres) including John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway — complete NPS drone ban. Devils Tower National Monument — NPS drone ban. War Memorial Stadium (University of Wyoming) — TFR during athletic events. All Wyoming state correctional facilities — no-fly zones under SF 32. Wyoming state parks — generally allow drones (no blanket ban); check individual park policies.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Yellowstone Osprey Nest Drone Incident - Park Ranger Citation
enforcementA tourist flew a drone near an osprey nest in Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, causing the osprey pair to panic and abandon the nest. After confrontation with a witness who photographed the incident, the operator landed the drone on the witness's vehicle and then flew it above the witness's head in an apparent intimidation attempt. Park rangers cited the operator for NPS drone ban violation, with penalties up to 6 months jail and $5,000 fine.
Grand Prismatic Spring Drone Crash and Fine
enforcementA Dutch tourist crashed a drone into Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park. The operator was fined $3,200 for violating the NPS drone ban. This was one of the first high-profile drone enforcement actions in a U.S. national park.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wyoming | UW requires advance coordination with campus police and risk management for any drone operations on university property. War Memorial Stadium is subject to TFR restrictions during athletic events. Restrictions: All drone flights on campus require prior approval from Risk Management and Campus Police. War Memorial Stadium has active TFR during events. Operators cannot fly over buildings, crowds, parking areas, or other sensitive campus locations without explicit authorization. | Yes | University of Wyoming Risk Management / Campus Police — risk@uwyo.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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