Overview
Washington follows federal FAA Part 107 regulations for commercial and recreational drone operations. Private property trespass and harassment laws apply.
Key State Laws & Restrictions
The following laws and regulations apply to drone operations in Washington. Federal FAA rules apply in addition to all state requirements listed below.
- 14 CFR 107: Maximum altitude 400 feet AGL (above ground level)
- 14 CFR 107.19: Remote Pilot must maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times
- 14 CFR 107.21: Remote Pilot must not fly in a manner that interferes with manned aircraft
- 14 CFR 107.39: No flight over moving vehicles or people
- Private property trespass laws apply — unauthorized flight over private land is illegal
- Check B4UFLY and LAANC for airspace restrictions before every flight
- Recreational drones: No commercial purpose; must register with FAA
- Washington Revised Code § 9A.52.070: Trespass
- Washington Revised Code § 9A.46.110: Stalking
- Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife: Wildlife protection
- Seattle-Tacoma International: Class B airspace LAANC required
- Mount Rainier National Park: Federal airspace restrictions
- Washington Department of Education: School airspace protection
- Washington Department of Health: Hospital airspace protection
- Washington Public Utility Commission: Utility infrastructure protection
- RCW 47.68.250: Registration of aircraft including commercial unpiloted aircraft systems — Requires registration of aircraft, inclusive of commercial unpiloted aircraft systems, with the department.
- RCW 47.68.420: Unpiloted aircraft system coordinator — Creates statewide coordinator duties relating to unpiloted aircraft systems.
State-Enacted Drone Statutes
The following statutes expressly reference drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), UAVs, or unpiloted aircraft and have been enacted into law in Washington.
Requires registration of aircraft, inclusive of commercial unpiloted aircraft systems, with the department.
View StatuteCreates statewide coordinator duties relating to unpiloted aircraft systems.
View StatutePermits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.
Recreational Flying in Washington
Recreational drone pilots in Washington must comply with federal Community Based Organization (CBO) safety guidelines and:
- Register their drone with the FAA (if 0.55 lbs or heavier)
- Pass the TRUST test (free, online at trust.faa.gov)
- Fly only within approved airspace — use B4UFLY to check before each flight
- Maintain visual line of sight at all times
- Fly below 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace
- Never fly over people, moving vehicles, or emergency response scenes
- Respect all state and local privacy and trespass laws
Commercial Operations (Part 107) in Washington
Commercial drone operations in Washington require an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. Key requirements:
- Pass the FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center
- Register all drones used for commercial purposes with the FAA
- Carry proof of Remote Pilot Certificate during all flights
- Request LAANC authorization for controlled airspace operations
- Comply with all state-specific statutes listed above
- Obtain any required local permits for filming, events, or public land use
- Secure appropriate liability insurance for commercial operations
Airspace & Restricted Areas
Beyond state-specific restrictions, drone pilots in Washington must respect federal airspace designations:
- Class B/C/D airspace — Surrounds major and regional airports. LAANC authorization required.
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) — Check tfr.faa.gov before every flight.
- National Parks & Monuments — Generally prohibited without NPS permit (NPS UAS policy).
- Military installations — No drone flight without DoD authorization.
- Stadiums & sporting events — Prohibited within 3 nautical miles during game time.
- Wildfire TFRs — Immediately prohibited if a TFR is issued.
Use the B4UFLY app and LAANC system to verify airspace before every flight.