Baseline requirements
Federal Rules That Apply in Every State
These FAA rules apply everywhere in the United States. State law can add more restrictions, but it cannot replace the federal baseline.
Recreational flyers
- Register drones at or above 0.55 lbs with the FAA.
- Pass the free TRUST safety test before recreational flight.
- Follow FAA recreational rules, including visual line of sight and airspace limits.
Commercial pilots
- Fly for business under 14 CFR Part 107 with a Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Register drones used for commercial work with the FAA.
- Request LAANC or FAA authorization for controlled airspace operations when needed.
Always check before flight
- Review B4UFLY, TFRs, NOTAMs, airport restrictions, and Remote ID requirements.
- Stay clear of national parks, military areas, stadium restrictions, and other FAA-prohibited locations.
- Verify waivers or airspace approvals before operations that are outside standard Part 107 limits.
Federal resources: FAA UAS FAA Commercial Operators Part 107 Airspace Authorizations B4UFLY FAA DroneZone
State-specific rules
State-Specific Rules in Washington
Washington follows federal FAA rules, but Washington statutes also address commercial UAS registration and statewide UAS coordination. Ordinary trespass and stalking laws still matter, and public-land or park-specific policies can add site-level restrictions.
Key Restrictions
- 14 CFR 107: Maximum altitude 400 feet AGL (above ground level)
- RCW 47.68.250: Washington requires registration of aircraft, including commercial unpiloted aircraft systems, with the state department
- RCW 47.68.420: Washington establishes statewide unpiloted aircraft system coordinator duties for policy, agency, and public-safety coordination
- Washington trespass and stalking laws can still apply to threatening, repeated, or property-invasive drone conduct
- Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife: Wildlife areas and protected lands may have site-specific access or operating restrictions
- Seattle-Tacoma International: Class B airspace LAANC required
- Mount Rainier National Park: Launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited without written approval
- Schools, hospitals, and utilities: Property-owner rules and site-specific safety policies can still limit operations
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.
Project and permit planning
Insurance
Statewide requirement
No statewide commercial drone insurance requirement identified.
Public property / permit situations
Insurance may still be required by clients, venues, public-property permits, or local film and operations permits.
Practical takeaway
Verify local permit conditions before flight and confirm insurance language in every contract or venue requirement.
Resources for Flyers
- FAA UAS: faa.gov/uas
- FAA DroneZone: faadronezone.faa.gov
- LAANC / authorizations: FAA airspace authorization
- B4UFLY: Check airspace restrictions
- TFR checker: tfr.faa.gov