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Drone Authority
Aerial landscape representing Washington drone airspaceSTATE · WASHINGTON

Drone laws by state

Washington drone laws

Federal FAA rules apply across Washington. There is no broad statewide preemption, so cities, counties, and state-land managers can set their own drone rules; check local ordinances and park rules.

All statesLocal rules may apply

The federal rules apply everywhere

No matter the state, the FAA owns the airspace. Start here, then add Washington's rules on top.

  • Register drones 250 g or heavier (and any commercial drone) at FAADroneZone.
  • Broadcast Remote ID if your drone must be registered.
  • Stay at or below 400 ft AGL and within visual line of sight.
  • Get LAANC authorization before flying in controlled airspace near airports.
  • No takeoff/landing in national parks, over critical infrastructure, or in TFRs.

What's specific to Washington

  • No statewide preemption we could verify, so individual cities and counties may have their own drone ordinances (parks, launch sites, events). Check local rules in addition to federal rules.

  • Some Washington cities and state-land/park areas restrict drones; verify with the locality or managing agency.

  • State-park and state-land drone rules vary by unit and can change; many state park systems restrict drone takeoff/landing without a permit. Verify with the managing agency before flying.

Local preemption: Local rules may apply

There is no statewide preemption, so individual cities and counties may set their own drone rules on top of federal rules.

Official source

Always confirm against the primary source; state laws change and rules differ by locality and by park.

Washington drone-law source

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License rules are federal and the same in every state. Answer two questions to find out what you need.

Check what you need →

Rules current as of June 2026; verify with the FAA (faa.gov/uas) and your state before flying. Educational, not legal advice.