Wyoming Drone Laws
Federal requirements, Wyoming 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
Wyoming's drone laws are a combination of federal FAA regulations and targeted state statutes focusing on public safety and wildlife protection. While the state maintains an open environment for most pilots, recent legislation has significantly restricted operations near critical infrastructure and correctional facilities.
Are drones legal in Wyoming?
Drone operations are generally allowed in Wyoming 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 rules and obtain site-specific permission for state parks.
Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 and state-level infrastructure restrictions.
W.S. § 6-5-214 State law prohibits using drones for unauthorized surveillance of correctional facilities and sensitive data collection.
SF 0132 A 2025 law prohibits drone operations over critical infrastructure or critical systems.
Chapter 2, Section 12 Using drones to scout, locate, or aid in the taking of wildlife is prohibited.
Drone use in state parks requires prior written permission from the park superintendent.
Local governments may regulate drone takeoff and landing on property they own.
W.S. § 6-5-214 Penalties range from misdemeanors to felonies for delivering contraband to prisons via drone.
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.
Wyoming State Laws
Verified state statutes, regulations, and agency policies. Each item links to its official source.
Trespass & Nuisance
Airspace Ownership and Right of Flight
VerifiedYou can fly over private property, but you must not interfere with the owner's use and enjoyment of their land.
- Citation
- Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 10-4-303
- Enforcement
- Local Law Enforcement / Civil Courts
- Last verified
- 2026-08-02
Penalties: Civil liability for trespass or nuisance if flight interferes with property use.
Hunting, Fishing & Wildlife
UAS Use in Hunting and Fishing
VerifiedUsing a drone to find, scout, or harass animals for hunting is strictly illegal.
- Citation
- Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 23-3-306
- Enforcement
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department
- Last verified
- 2026-08-02
Penalties: A violation is a low misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $1,000 and potential loss of hunting licenses.
Law-Enforcement Drone Use
Law Enforcement UAS Restrictions
VerifiedPolice generally need a warrant to use a drone to gather evidence against you.
- Citation
- Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 7-2-106
- Enforcement
- Wyoming Judicial System
- Last verified
- 2026-08-02
Penalties: Evidence gathered in violation of this statute may be suppressed in court.
State Parks & Public Lands
State Park Aviation Restrictions
VerifiedDo not fly in Wyoming state parks unless you have received a permit from the park office.
- Citation
- Rules and Regs. Ch. 4 § 13
- Enforcement
- Wyoming State Parks Rangers
- Last verified
- 2026-08-02
Penalties: Ejection from the park and potential misdemeanor citations.
Registration & Permitting
Aeronautics Commission Rulemaking Authority
VerifiedThe state has an official commission that sets the standards for drone safety and registration in Wyoming.
- Citation
- Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 10-4-304
- Enforcement
- Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) Aeronautics Division
- Last verified
- 2026-08-02
Penalties: Administrative penalties or fines as determined by the Commission.
Local & Property Rules
Federal authorization does not automatically grant permission to launch, land, or operate from a particular property.
State Parks
Drone flight within Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites is not governed by a flat ban but requires prior written permission from the individual park superintendent. Decisions are made on a site-by-site basis, and sensitive cultural or natural areas are typically off-limits.
Local Government Authority
Wyoming does not have a statewide preemption law, meaning local municipalities retain the authority to regulate drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property. However, they cannot regulate the navigable airspace, which remains under FAA jurisdiction.
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 Wyoming
Turn the rules into a flight plan — find a place to fly, hire a local professional, or join the CityDrones pilot directory.
Wyoming Drone Laws FAQ
Quick answers for recreational and commercial pilots.
Are drones legal in Wyoming?
Drone operations are generally allowed in Wyoming 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 Wyoming?
FAA registration is a federal requirement and applies nationwide, including Wyoming. Whether registration is required depends on the aircraft and type of operation.
Can I fly a drone in Wyoming state parks?
Drone flight within Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites is not governed by a flat ban but requires prior written permission from the individual park superintendent. Decisions are made on a site-by-site basis, and sensitive cultural or natural areas are typically off-limits.
Can cities in Wyoming make their own drone rules?
Wyoming has not enacted a state-level preemption statute, allowing local governments to set rules for drone operations on their own property.
What do commercial drone pilots need in Wyoming?
Commercial pilots generally need to comply with FAA Part 107 requirements as well as applicable Wyoming, 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.