Wyoming Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Wyoming maintains a generally permissive stance toward drone operations with limited state-specific regulations beyond federal FAA requirements. Recent 2025 legislation addressed critical infrastructure protection and low-altitude flight safety, while long-standing restrictions apply to hunting and wildlife use, correctional facilities, and resource data collection on private land.
State Drone Laws
W.S. 19-13-503 (SF 132)Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Systems from Drones
Makes it unlawful to operate a drone over or near critical infrastructure or critical systems to intentionally photograph, loiter, or in furtherance of any crime. Covered facilities include refineries, chemical plants, water/wastewater treatment, dams, power generation/substations, transmission lines, communication towers, natural gas facilities, railroads, courts, jails, military installations, hospitals with air-ambulance service, and mining infrastructure. Authorizes law enforcement to take reasonable actions to disable, damage, or remove violating drones. Exempts FAA-authorized operators, government agencies, infrastructure owners/agents, and emergency/law enforcement agencies. Passed by Legislature and enacted despite gubernatorial veto.
W.S. 10-4-303 (amended by SF 132)Low Flight and Landing - Unlawful Operation
Prohibits operating a drone so low that it interferes with existing use of land below, or in a manner that is imminently dangerous to persons or property. Landing a drone on another's land or water without consent is unlawful, except in case of forced landing. The 2025 amendment added a criminal penalty for unlawful low or dangerous flight operations.
W.S. 6-5-214 (SF 32)Unmanned Aircraft Over Correctional Facilities
Makes it unlawful to operate a drone over or on the grounds of a penal institution to photograph, surveil, record, or convey contraband. Using a drone to deliver a deadly weapon is punishable as a felony. Applies to all Wyoming prisons and jails.
W.S. 6-3-414 (criminal) / W.S. 40-27-101 (civil)Trespass to Unlawfully Collect Resource Data
Makes it unlawful to enter private land without permission to collect resource data (agriculture, minerals, geology, habitat, water, soil). Drones used to photograph or record such data are covered. A Tenth Circuit federal court ruling (Western Watersheds Project v. Michael) struck down subsections that would have applied to collecting data from public land overlooking private land. The surviving provisions cover direct entry onto private land to collect data. Both criminal and civil liability apply.
Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Chapter 2, Section 12Prohibition on Using Aircraft to Scout Game
Prohibits using any aircraft (including drones) with intent to spot, locate, or aid in the taking of big game animals from August 1 through January 31. Prohibits use of aircraft for any trophy game animal during any open season. Wyoming Game and Fish has explicitly confirmed that 'aircraft' includes drones. Scouting elk, mule deer, or antelope with a drone during the regulated period is illegal even without carrying a weapon.
Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Chapter 2, Section 20Real-Time Video and Imaging Devices in Hunting
Prohibits use of real-time video and transmitting imaging devices used to aid in taking big game or trophy game animals.
SF 170 (W.S. 10-4-...)Wyoming Aeronautics Commission Authority Over Unmanned Aircraft
Requires the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission to promulgate reasonable rules governing where unmanned aircraft may take off and land in coordination with the UAS industry and local governments. The commission may develop rules governing UAS operation unless prohibited or previously provided for in federal law. Explicitly prohibits the commission from regulating unmanned aircraft operation in navigable airspace (federal domain).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating drone over critical infrastructure to photograph, loiter, or further crime (first offense) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 6 months | County and District Attorneys; Local Police, Sheriff, Wyoming Highway Patrol | W.S. 19-13-503; Applies to refineries, substations, dams, prisons, military sites, hospitals, and other infrastructure listed in statute |
| Operating drone over critical infrastructure (second or subsequent offense) | Felony | Up to $5,000 | Up to 2 years | County and District Attorneys; Local Police, Sheriff, Wyoming Highway Patrol | W.S. 19-13-503 |
| Unlawful low or dangerous drone flight | Misdemeanor | Up to $750 | Up to 6 months | Local Police, Sheriff, Wyoming Highway Patrol | W.S. 10-4-303; Flight that interferes with land use or is imminently dangerous to persons or property |
| Landing drone on another's property without consent | Misdemeanor | Up to $750 | Up to 6 months | Local Police, Sheriff, Wyoming Highway Patrol | W.S. 10-4-303; Exception for forced landings due to equipment failure |
| Operating drone over correctional facility to photograph, surveil, or record | Misdemeanor to Felony | Varies by conduct | Up to 1 year (basic violation); enhanced for contraband/weapon delivery | Local Police, Sheriff, Wyoming Highway Patrol | W.S. 6-5-214; Felony penalties apply for delivering contraband or deadly weapons |
| Trespass to collect resource data on private land without permission | Criminal Trespass / Civil Trespass | Determined by court | Varies | Local Police, County Attorney | W.S. 6-3-414 (criminal); W.S. 40-27-101 (civil); Federal court struck down adjacent-land provisions |
| Using drone to scout or locate big game (Aug 1 - Jan 31) or trophy game during open season | Wildlife Regulation Violation | Determined by Game and Fish Commission | None typically | Wyoming Game and Fish Department Wardens | Game and Fish Chapter 2, Sections 12 and 20 |
| Drone operation in National Park (Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Devils Tower, etc.) | Federal Petty Offense | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service; Federal Court | 36 CFR § 1.5 / NPS Policy; Equipment confiscation possible; Serious, consistent enforcement across all NPS units |
Operating drone over critical infrastructure to photograph, loiter, or further crime (first offense)
W.S. 19-13-503; Applies to refineries, substations, dams, prisons, military sites, hospitals, and other infrastructure listed in statute
Operating drone over critical infrastructure (second or subsequent offense)
W.S. 19-13-503
Unlawful low or dangerous drone flight
W.S. 10-4-303; Flight that interferes with land use or is imminently dangerous to persons or property
Landing drone on another's property without consent
W.S. 10-4-303; Exception for forced landings due to equipment failure
Operating drone over correctional facility to photograph, surveil, or record
W.S. 6-5-214; Felony penalties apply for delivering contraband or deadly weapons
Trespass to collect resource data on private land without permission
W.S. 6-3-414 (criminal); W.S. 40-27-101 (civil); Federal court struck down adjacent-land provisions
Using drone to scout or locate big game (Aug 1 - Jan 31) or trophy game during open season
Game and Fish Chapter 2, Sections 12 and 20
Drone operation in National Park (Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Devils Tower, etc.)
36 CFR § 1.5 / NPS Policy; Equipment confiscation possible; Serious, consistent enforcement across all NPS units
Registration, Fees & Taxes
No additional state registration or fees in Wyoming
Only standard federal FAA registration applies. No state registration, licensing, or drone-specific fees on record.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
Wyoming does not require a separate state-level drone registration beyond the federal FAA registration ($5 for three years for any drone over 250 grams). The Wyoming Aeronautics Commission has statutory authority to make reasonable rules governing where drones may take off and land, but has not imposed any state registration, licensing, or fee requirements. Commercial operators must obtain FAA Part 107 certification; recreational operators must pass the free TRUST test. Wyoming businesses operating drones follow ordinary state business and tax laws with no UAS-specific licensing or permits beyond federal requirements.
No state-level drone permit required. Individual state parks may require prior written permission from park superintendent for flights on park property.
Wyoming does not mandate insurance for drone operations. Insurance is recommended for commercial operations but not required by state law.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Remote Pilot Certificate required for all commercial drone operations in Wyoming
Commercial drone operators in Wyoming must obtain FAA Part 107 certification. The certificate requires passing a knowledge test ($175 fee) and maintaining aeronautical recency. Wyoming has PSI testing centers in Cheyenne, Casper, and a few other cities. Part 107 operations are subject to 400-foot AGL altitude limit, Visual Line of Sight requirement, and daylight/civil twilight restrictions (unless waivered). Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) operations require specific FAA waivers; Part 108 (BVLOS rule) is still in proposed rulemaking.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Free online test required for all recreational drone flights in Wyoming
Any person flying a drone for recreational purposes (not for business or compensation) in Wyoming must pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). The free, online test is available through FAA-approved test administrators. Completion certificate must be carried when flying. There is no separate Wyoming state recreational license; TRUST certification alone meets state requirements.
FAA Drone Registration
$5 three-year registration required for drones over 250 grams
All drones weighing more than 250 grams (0.55 pounds) must be registered with the FAA through FAA Drone Zone. The registration number must be visible on the aircraft. Registration is valid for three years and costs $5. Wyoming does not impose additional state-level registration fees or requirements.
Remote ID Requirement
Remote ID broadcasting mandatory since March 16, 2024
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information or operate inside a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). This applies to both recreational and commercial flights. Three compliance methods: Standard Remote ID (broadcast), Remote ID module (broadcast), or operation inside a FRIA.
National Park Service Drone Ban
Complete prohibition on launching, landing, or operating drones in NPS units
Wyoming contains multiple National Park Service units including Yellowstone National Park (2.2 million acres), Grand Teton National Park (310,000 acres), Devils Tower National Monument, Fossil Butte National Monument, and others. The NPS has a complete drone ban across all units (36 CFR § 1.5 / NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05). Violations are federal misdemeanors carrying up to 6 months in jail, $5,000 fines, and equipment confiscation. Enforcement is consistent and serious.
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability)
Real-time authorization system for operations in controlled airspace below 400 feet
Wyoming has LAANC coverage at major airports (Cheyenne, Casper, Jackson Hole). Part 107 pilots and recreational flyers can request near-real-time authorizations for flights under 400 feet in controlled airspace. Part 107 pilots can also submit 'further coordination requests' to fly above designated UAS Facility Map ceilings, up to 400 feet, with up to 90 days advance notice. LAANC is available through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers.
Controlled Airspace - Cheyenne
Class D airspace plus national-defense airspace around F.E. Warren Air Force Base
Cheyenne Regional Airport has Class D controlled airspace. Additionally, F.E. Warren Air Force Base (home to an ICBM missile wing) adds restricted national-defense airspace. Much of Cheyenne reads as a zero-foot ceiling on FAA maps, requiring LAANC approval or specific FAA authorization. Flying near F.E. Warren without authorization invites confiscation and serious federal consequences.
Controlled Airspace - Casper
Class D airspace around Casper/Natrona County International Airport
Casper sits in Wyoming's energy corridor and is covered by Class D controlled airspace. LAANC authorizations are required for flights in the rings. The surrounding area has high concentrations of critical infrastructure (refineries, substations, pipelines), making compliance with W.S. 19-13-503 (critical infrastructure law) essential for any commercial work.
Jackson Hole Airport - Unique Situation
Only commercial airport in the US located inside a national park
Jackson Hole Airport sits within Grand Teton National Park boundaries. This creates overlapping constraints: NPS complete drone ban (no launching/landing/operating) plus controlled airspace from the airport. Legal drone flying near Jackson requires flying from private property well outside the park boundary, obtaining LAANC if in controlled rings, and avoiding all park airspace. Tourism, film, and real-estate demand is high but nearly all scenic areas are off-limits.
Wyoming Critical Infrastructure - Federal Coordination
Wyoming has extensive energy, mining, and military infrastructure with federal implications
Wyoming's critical infrastructure (oil/gas refineries, coal mines, dams, power substations, uranium facilities, and military installations) is subject to both state law (W.S. 19-13-503) and federal laws. The 2025 critical-infrastructure law was passed after unexplained 'mystery drone' sightings over infrastructure in late 2024. Federal authorities coordinate with state law enforcement on critical-infrastructure protection. Commercial inspection work on these assets requires clear FAA authorization and documentation.
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 is available at major Wyoming airports including Cheyenne Regional Airport (Class D), Casper/Natrona County International Airport (Class D), and Jackson Hole Airport (Class D, which sits inside Grand Teton National Park). The national-defense airspace around F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne requires specific FAA authorization and is effectively a no-fly zone for civilian drones.
Major Airports
CYS — Cheyenne Regional AirportCPR — Casper/Natrona County International AirportJAC — Jackson Hole Airport (inside Grand Teton NP)GCC — Gillette Campbell County AirportLAR — Laramie Regional AirportSHR — Sheridan County Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) may be issued around major events and incidents. Check current TFRs via FAA Flight Service or B4UFLY app. War Memorial Stadium in Laramie may have TFRs during university athletic events.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Yellowstone Osprey Nest Drone Incident
enforcementA tourist flew a drone near an osprey nest at a turnout parking area in Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, causing the osprey pair to panic and abandon the nest. A witness photographed the incident and confronted the drone operator. The pilot then landed the drone on the witness's vehicle and flew it above his head in an apparent intimidation attempt. National Park Service rangers cited the individual for violating the NPS drone ban.
Grand Prismatic Spring Drone Crash - $3,200 Fine
enforcementA Dutch tourist lost control of his drone over Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Spring and watched it drop into the largest hot spring in the country, more than 120 feet deep. Rangers never recovered the aircraft. The operator was fined $3,200 and ordered to pay restitution. This high-profile case established strong NPS enforcement of the complete drone ban.
DJI Removes Yellowstone Promotional Video
enforcementDJI removed a promotional video for the Mavic 4 Pro after viewers identified illegal footage shot inside Yellowstone, including shots of Grand Prismatic Spring. The incident underscored serious enforcement of the complete NPS drone ban.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wyoming | University of Wyoming requires coordination with campus police and risk management for any drone operations on university property. War Memorial Stadium has a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) during athletic events. Restrictions: Prior coordination with Risk Management and Campus Police required. War Memorial Stadium TFR during athletic events (football games, etc.). Drone flights must not interfere with university operations or events. | Yes | Risk Management / Campus Police — (307) 766-4700 |
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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