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Drone Authority

Drone laws by state

Washington drone laws

Start with Washington's state, local, and land-manager rules. Then use the federal baseline as the floor before you launch.

Primary sources reviewed September 18, 2026Local rules may apply
Golden coastal aerial landscape seen from drone altitude, used as regional context for Washington drone lawsSTATE · WASHINGTON
All states
By Reviewed September 18, 2026State and agency primary sources checked claim by claim

State answer first

What changes in Washington

You can generally fly a drone in Washington if you follow the FAA rules and then add the state, local, and land-manager restrictions below.

Federal FAA rules apply across Washington, and no broad statewide UAS preemption was identified in the reviewed official sources, so local and property rules require separate review. Washington also has a commercial-aircraft registration rule, strong drone-assisted hunting restrictions, privacy laws, and a permit-first policy for state-park operations.3145678

Local rules
Local rules may apply
Parks and land
Verify each launch site
Airspace
FAA rules still control

Washington drone laws at a glance

Can I fly here?Yes, generally. Follow the FAA rules, then add the Washington restrictions on this page.
Local ordinancesLocal rules may apply
State parks & landWhen the operator is inside a Washington State Park, or the drone takes off from or lands on park property, an approved remote-controlled-aircraft permit and flight map are required. Commercial imagery also needs the filming authorization.78
License & registrationFederal, same in every state: Part 107 or TRUST, plus registration and Remote ID when the aircraft must be registered.
Where to flyFlying sites, clubs, and FRIAs in Washington
Last reviewedSeptember 18, 2026 · claim-level primary sources below

State-specific rules to check

  • 01

    No broad statewide UAS preemption was found. RCW 47.68.420 contemplates coordination with local governments rather than overriding their rules.3

  • 02

    Through December 31, 2026, RCW 47.68.250 requires annual Washington registration and a $15 fee for covered commercial UAS operated or based in the state. From January 1, 2027 the registration fee is $30 and RCW 82.48.030, as amended by ESHB 2711 (2026 c 255 § 406), adds a $120 annual excise tax on commercial unpiloted aircraft systems, for $150 a year, rising 2 percent annually from 2028.12

  • 03

    WAC 220-413-070 prohibits using drones to spot or report wildlife for hunting, hunting from a drone, pursuing or harassing wildlife, and hunting game on a day the person operated a drone.4

  • 04

    RCW 9A.44.115 covers specified nonconsensual intimate viewing or imaging, while RCW 9.73.030 generally requires consent before recording private conversations, subject to statutory exceptions.56

  • 05

    WAC 352-32-130 requires a permit when the operator is inside a state park or the drone takes off from or lands on park property. Commercial imagery also requires the filming portion of the permit.78

Launch-day workflow

Before you fly in Washington

Work through these state-specific checks before the usual FAA airspace, weather, aircraft, and crew review.

  1. 01

    Check local and property rules

    Confirm city and county ordinances, landowner authorization, and any site-specific closures because Washington has no broad statewide UAS preemption.3

  2. 02

    Carry the park permit

    For a state-park operation, carry the approved permit and flight map and confirm that commercial filming authorization is included when applicable.78

  3. 03

    Verify state registration

    Determine whether Washington's commercial-aircraft registration applies, carry current proof when required, and budget $150 a year from January 1, 2027: the $30 registration fee plus the $120 excise tax.1

  4. 04

    Protect wildlife and private communications

    Keep the flight separate from hunting or wildlife harassment, and do not record private conversations without the consent required by state law.456

Beyond the airspace layer

Land access and wildlife are separate decisions

Managed land

When the operator is inside a Washington State Park, or the drone takes off from or lands on park property, an approved remote-controlled-aircraft permit and flight map are required. Commercial imagery also needs the filming authorization.78

Compare public-land managers

Wildlife and hunting

Do not use a drone to spot or report wildlife for hunting, hunt from the aircraft, pursue or harass wildlife, or hunt game on a day you operated a drone.4

Read the wildlife guideCheck recovery rules
Local preemptionLocal rules may apply
There is no statewide preemption, so individual cities and counties may set their own drone rules on top of federal rules.
Parks and launch sitesCheck the land manager
When the operator is inside a Washington State Park, or the drone takes off from or lands on park property, an approved remote-controlled-aircraft permit and flight map are required. Commercial imagery also needs the filming authorization.

Primary sources

These sources support the material state claims above. State laws, local park rules, and emergency restrictions can still change faster than a static guide.