Missouri Drone Laws
Federal requirements, Missouri statutes, local restrictions, and official resources — in one place, with primary-source citations, for recreational and commercial drone pilots.
Verified & Published
Last reviewed 2026-08-24 · Next review 2026-09-23 · 4 official sources
Missouri does not have a comprehensive state drone code, instead relying on targeted criminal statutes to protect sensitive locations. While the state is generally permissive for both recreational and commercial pilots, it strictly regulates operations near correctional facilities and large public venues to ensure safety and security.
Are drones legal in Missouri?
Drone operations are generally allowed in Missouri when pilots follow FAA requirements plus all applicable state, local, and property rules. Check airspace authorization and launch or landing restrictions before every flight.
Rules, airspace restrictions, and temporary conditions can change. Check current airspace and official requirements before every flight.
At a Glance
Recreational pilots must follow FAA guidelines; there are no additional state-level registration requirements.
Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107; Missouri does not require a separate state commercial drone license.
RSMo § 565.090 General harassment and voyeurism statutes apply to the use of drones for surveillance or emotional distress.
RSMo § 217.850 Flight is prohibited within 400 feet of correctional centers and large open-air facilities like stadiums.
3 CSR 10-11.110 The Missouri Department of Conservation requires special-use permits for drone operations within conservation areas.
Drone use in state parks is generally restricted and typically requires prior authorization from the park manager.
Municipalities like St. Louis and Kansas City have enacted local ordinances regulating drone takeoffs and landings.
RSMo § 577.800 Unauthorized flight over restricted facilities is a Class A misdemeanor; weapon delivery via drone is a Class B felony.
How the Three Layers Work Together
Every flight is governed by all three layers at once. A rule in one layer does not cancel or replace the others — you must satisfy each layer that applies to where and how you fly.
FAA requirements that apply nationwide — registration, Remote ID, airspace, and operating categories.
State statutes, regulations, agency policies, and rules for state-owned property.
Municipal and county rules, parks, public-property launch/landing limits, filming permits, and property policies.
Our Pre-Flight Recommendations
- Check airspace & get LAANC authorization via B4UFLY before every flight.
- Confirm Remote ID compliance — broadcast module or FAA-registered drone.
- Search the local municipal code for park, launch, and landing restrictions.
- Carry proof of FAA registration and your Part 107 certificate when flying commercially.
- Respect private property — get written permission before flying over private land.
- When layers conflict, follow the most restrictive rule that applies.
Court decisions are shown separately under “Developing Law & Court Decisions.” They inform how rules may evolve but do not replace Layer 3.
Federal Baseline (Applies Everywhere)
These FAA requirements apply nationwide, in addition to any state and local rules below. Federal updates appear automatically on every state page.
- Choosing the Correct Operating Category. Before flying, decide whether you're flying recreationally under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations or commercially under Part 107. The category determines which rules apply to you.
- Recreational Flying and TRUST. Recreational flyers must pass the free TRUST test, carry proof of passage, register drones over 0.55 lb, and follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community-based organization.
- Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. Commercial drone operations require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, earned by passing the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test.
- Drone Registration and Exterior Markings. Drones weighing 0.55 lb (250 g) or more must be registered with the FAA, and the registration number must be displayed on the exterior of the aircraft.
- Remote ID. Most drones that require registration must also broadcast Remote ID — a digital 'license plate' — either built-in or via an add-on broadcast module.
- Visual Line of Sight. You must keep your drone within unaided visual line of sight at all times, unless you hold a specific FAA waiver.
- General Altitude Limits. The general altitude ceiling is 400 feet above ground level, with specific allowances near structures under Part 107.
- Controlled and Uncontrolled Airspace. Flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or surface E) near airports requires prior FAA authorization; uncontrolled Class G generally does not.
Missouri State Laws
Verified state statutes, regulations, and agency policies. Each item links to its official source.
Voyeurism, Harassment & Stalking
Invasion of Privacy (Voyeurism)
VerifiedUsing a drone to peek into windows or film someone where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy is a crime.
- Citation
- RSMo § 565.252
- Enforcement
- Local Law Enforcement
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Violations are generally prosecuted as Class A misdemeanors but can be elevated to Class E felonies under certain circumstances (e.g., prior convictions or age of the victim).
Critical Infrastructure
Unmanned Aircraft Prohibitions near Critical Infrastructure
VerifiedDo not fly a drone within 250 feet of a prison or critical infrastructure facility like a power plant with the intent to monitor or interfere.
- Citation
- RSMo § 577.800
- Enforcement
- Local Law Enforcement / Missouri State Highway Patrol
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: A violation is a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class E felony for subsequent offenses or if the drone is used to facilitate another crime.
Hunting, Fishing & Wildlife
Wildlife Code UAS Restrictions
VerifiedYou cannot use a drone to hunt, find animals for hunting, or bother anyone who is legally hunting.
- Citation
- 3 CSR 10-7.410
- Enforcement
- Missouri Department of Conservation
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Violation of the Wildlife Code is typically a Class A misdemeanor and may result in the revocation of hunting privileges.
State Parks & Public Lands
State Park Operations Control
VerifiedDrones are restricted in Missouri State Parks; you must ask the park manager for permission before flying.
- Citation
- 10 CSR 90-2.040
- Enforcement
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources (Park Rangers)
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Ejection from the park and potential fines for violating administrative rules.
Local & Property Rules
Federal authorization does not automatically grant permission to launch, land, or operate from a particular property.
State Parks
Drone flight within Missouri State Parks is restricted. Operators are generally required to obtain a special use permit or explicit permission from the individual park manager before launching or landing a drone on park property.
Local Government Authority
Missouri does not currently have a state-level preemption law, meaning local municipalities retain the authority to regulate drone operations, particularly regarding takeoffs and landings on city-owned land.
Detailed local guides are being developed for selected cities — covering local parks, city- and county-owned property, filming permits, special events, public facilities, and property-manager rules.
Plan Your Next Flight in Missouri
Turn the rules into a flight plan — find a place to fly, hire a local professional, or join the CityDrones pilot directory.
Missouri Drone Laws FAQ
Quick answers for recreational and commercial pilots.
Are drones legal in Missouri?
Drone operations are generally allowed in Missouri when pilots follow FAA requirements plus all applicable state, local, and property rules. Always verify airspace and launch or landing restrictions before flying.
Do I need to register my drone in Missouri?
FAA registration is a federal requirement and applies nationwide, including Missouri. Whether registration is required depends on the aircraft and type of operation.
Can I fly a drone in Missouri state parks?
Drone flight within Missouri State Parks is restricted. Operators are generally required to obtain a special use permit or explicit permission from the individual park manager before launching or landing a drone on park property.
Can cities in Missouri make their own drone rules?
Missouri law does not explicitly preempt local drone ordinances, allowing cities like St. Louis and Kansas City to implement their own flight restrictions.
What do commercial drone pilots need in Missouri?
Commercial pilots generally need to comply with FAA Part 107 requirements as well as applicable Missouri, local, and property rules. Additional permits may apply to filming or operations on managed property.
Sources & Methodology
NCSL — Current Unmanned Aircraft State Law Landscape
Primary-source enacted state statutes and bill numbers.
UAV Coach — State Drone Laws Directory
State statutes + municipal local ordinances.
FlyUSI — US Drone Laws Guide
Federal / State / Local three-layer tracker, updated quarterly.
Drone Launch Academy — 50-State Directory
Commercial nuances: privacy torts, hunting, critical infrastructure.
CityDrones uses AI-assisted research to draft state law summaries, cross-checked against the authoritative directories above. Every claim is sourced to an official government or legislature page before publication, and all content is reviewed by a human editor before going live. This is educational information, not legal advice.
The 3-Layer Pre-Flight Compliance Guide
A printable checklist that walks federal, state, and local rules in the same order every time — so you can clear a legal flight before you leave the driveway.
Get it firstCityDrones provides general educational and flight-planning information, not legal advice or flight authorization. Drone laws, property rules, airspace restrictions, and temporary conditions may change. Always verify current requirements with the FAA and the appropriate government or property authority before flying.