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Drone Laws in Michigan

Summary of Drone Laws in Michigan

Hobbyist Drone Laws For Residents of Michigan and USA

Drone Operations in Michigan are regulated.


  • Hobbyist drone flights are allowed
  • Hobbyist drone pilot license may be required for certain operations.
  • A TRUST Test is required.
  • Hobbyist Drone registration is required for hobbyists flying a drone of more than 0.55 lbs.
  • Drone Remote ID is required for hobbyists.
  • Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for hobbyists’ drone operations

Read below for more details on Hobbyist Drone Laws in Michigan and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Commercial Drone Laws For Residents of Michigan and USA

Drone Operations in Michigan are regulated.


  • Commercial drone flights are allowed
  • A commercial drone pilot license is required
  • Commercial Drone registration is required in Michigan
  • Drone Remote ID is required for Commercial Drone Operators.
  • Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for commercial drone operations

Read below for more details on Commercial Drone Laws in Michigan and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Drone Laws For Foreign Visitors To Michigan (not USA Residents)

Drone Operations in Michigan are regulated.


  • Foreign visitor drone flights are allowed in Michigan
  • Foreign visitor drone pilot license is required
  • Drone registration is required for visitors/tourists
  • Drone Remote ID is required in Michigan for tourists..
  • Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for tourist drone operations

Read below for more details on Drone Laws in Michigan for Visitors (Tourists) and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Drone Laws For Government Drone Operators

Drone Operations in Michigan are regulated.


  • Government drone flights are allowed in Michigan
  • Government drone pilot license is required
  • Drone registration is required for Government operations
  • Drone Remote ID is required in Michigan for Government operations..
  • Drone Insurance is not required for Government drone operations

Read below for more details on Drone Laws in Michigan for Government Drone Operations and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in Michigan

Drone Regulator in the USA: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Contact Information

If you need additional details we have not covered or specific case assistance, you can contact the FAA directly at:

  • Address: 800 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20591
  • Phone: 844-FLY-MY-UA (+1 844-359-6982) (Some users have indicated that this number tells you to use the email below and hangs up)
  • EmailUAShelp@faa.gov

Please continue reading for more details on USA Drone Laws.

Link to: Michigan State Bill 992


UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Michigan

Drone operation in Michigan is broadly governed by The Federal USA agency responsible for drone safety, the FAA. Click here for details on FAA USA Drone Laws.

In addition, the Michigan legislature has enacted several supplemental rules specific to Michigan drone operations. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the links above and search for unmanned aircraft

Are drones allowed in Michigan?

Drones are allowed in Michigan for recreational and commercial use, subject to FAA regulations and flight controls put in place by local governments. Read on for details.

Specific additional drone use laws by the Michigan State legislature

Michigan Senate Bill SB 992 (2016), Act 436 of 2016

SB 992 prohibits local authorities from regulating UAS operations. The only exception is for regulated drones belonging to the locality. This law also allows FAA-qualified commercial and recreational drone pilots to fly in the state who comply with federal laws.

No UAS pilot shall operate drones in a manner that interferes—or has the potential to cause issues—with the following:

  • Emergency responders
  • Individual’s right to safety and reasonable expectation to privacy
  • Restraining order violations
  • Capture images that infringe on personal privacy


Moreover, committed sex offenders cannot use drones to communicate, stalk, photograph, film, or record persons the law prohibits them from contacting.

Drone pilots who violate this law are guilty of an offense.

Senate Bill SB 54 (2015)

Drone operators are prohibited from flying UAVs in a way that interferes with persons engaged in fishing or hunting activities.

Act 451​ – ​Hunting & Fishing Restrictions

Illegal to use drones to aid in hunting or fishing activity.

Illegal to use drones to interfere with or disrupt lawful hunting or fishing activity.

Specific additional UAV laws by local governments or within Michigan

Many cities or towns within Michigan may have specific restrictions within their jurisdictions. We recommend checking the local jurisdiction for the latest regulations.

Town of West Bloomfield | Municipal Ordinance (2016)

This city ordinance states that all the town’s parks are no-fly zones.

The University of Michigan | University Policy (2017)

The University of Michigan ordinance bans drone operations over campus and property.

Exceptions may be granted through an official application process.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are not permitted to operate, take off or land from, on or over University of Michigan property. 

U-M property is defined as any building or property owned or controlled by the university. 

The law is described in Article XVI in the U-M Regents’ Ordinance

Violations of the ordinance can result in a civil infraction, misdemeanor, fine and/or impoundment of the drone.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE REGENTS’ ORDINANCE

  1. Use of UAVs for law enforcement purposes by law enforcement officers
  2. Use of UAVs indoors, provided that such use
    1. occurs in a university space or building that has established policies and procedures to permit the safe operation of UAVs and 
    2. is conducted in accordance with those policies and procedures
  3. Use of UAVs in any outdoor campus locations that have been designated by the University for such use, provided that such use is conducted in accordance with the policies and procedures applicable to those locations 
  4. A written waiver from the Ann Arbor campus Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer or their written designee(s) or Dearborn and Flint campus Chancellor or the Chancellor’s designee 

U-M has established the faculty-led Institutional Autonomous Systems Committee (IASC) to provide a review and approval mechanism for anyone wishing to operate a drone on U-M property.

UAS operation rules in Parks, Recreation and Cultural Preserves

Order 5.1 | State Parks & Recreation Areas (2019)

Order 5.1 stipulates that drone pilots must never intentionally interfere with department personnel (or their designees) while performing official duties. The law also prohibits operating drones in a way that interferes or hinders search and rescue operations. Nor shall UAS pilots fly within 100yds of historical or cultural structures.

Other flight restrictions under Order 5.1 include:

  • No flying over occupied beach areas
  • No flying over equestrian facilities
  • No flying over or close to restrooms and open changing courts


Commercial drone operators must have prior written permission to operate.

What you must know about Michigan No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones

You need to know if you can operate your drone. Under what limitations? Will you need flight authorizations? And, if so, how do you get those authorizations?

We encourage you to read our explainer. It provides more details here: Explainer – What You Must Know About No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones

How do I check for no-fly zones, no-drone zones, and uncontrolled or controlled airspace in Michigan?

The FAA has partnered with several partners to develop B4UFLY mobile apps. Theses app can tell you if there are any airspace restrictions where you want to fly.

If you are looking for a drone no-fly zone map, then B4UFLY is a good place to start.

The app provides situational awareness to recreational flyers and other drone users. You will need airspace authorizations to fly in controlled airspace. This app does not allow you to get airspace authorizations. Authorizations are available through the FAA’s Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC).

The B4UFLY app is available to download for free:

B4UFLY Desktop and Mobile Applications

Approved Service  Provider (click on name to go to website)App on iOSApp on AndroidDesktop
Airspace LinkYesYesYes
AutoPylotYesYes
AvisionYesYesYes
UASidekickYesYesYes

How do I get authorization to fly in controlled airspace in Michigan?

The FAA runs Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC). It is the only way to get permission to fly in controlled airspace.

LAANC is available to drone pilots. It applies if you are operating under the Small UAS Rule Part 107. And it applies if you are operating under the exception for Recreational Flyers.

You can get access through one of the FAA-approved LAANC UAS Service Suppliers. Some providers have apps that can be used to apply for approval in near-real time.

The companies above (with B4UFLY capabilities) are also FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers of the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability.

There are two ways to use LAANC:

  • Submit a near real-time authorization request for operations. Applies to flights under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports. This is available to Part 107 Pilots and Recreational Flyers.
  • Submit a “further coordination request.” This applies if you need to fly above the designated altitude ceiling in a UAS Facility Map, up to 400 feet.
  • You can apply up to 90 days before a flight. The approval is coordinated manually through the FAA. This is available to Part 107 pilots only.

LAANC is available at 726 airports. Use the manual process to apply for authorizations for airports not offering LAANC.


Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Michigan

If you have a small drone of less than 55 pounds, you can fly recreationally by following Drone Laws in the USA defined by 49 USC 44809.

In Michigan, recreational UAS operations (i.e., flying for recreational purposes) are approved under law, specifically 49 USC 44809. Please check the specific state jurisdiction for additional permissions, licensing, or clearance requirements.

Following these rules will keep you and your drone safe. And that helps keep the airspace available to everyone.

All recreational flyers must pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test. The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) meets this rule. If law enforcement or FAA personnel ask, you must provide proof of passage. 

TRUST provides education and testing on important safety and regulatory information. If you fly your drone recreationally under the Exception for Recreational Flyers, you must pass the test before you fly. 

Note: If your drone weighs more than .55 pounds (lbs), you must register your drone through the FAA’s Drone Zone.

For a complete discussion on drone registration, see our Drone Registration Explainer.

To fly your drone as a recreational flyer, it’s as easy as 1-2-3

  1. Understand recreational flying requirements.
    • Note: Non-recreational drone use is when you fly drones for business or to help out, not just for fun. For example, real estate agents may use drones to photograph houses they sell. Roof inspectors might use drones to get a closer look at roofs. A high school might have someone fly a drone to record football games and post videos on their website. Doing volunteer work with drones also counts as non-recreational use. So, non-recreational drone use is any time you operate a drone for useful work. Or help others out. It is when you are not just doing it to enjoy flying it for hobby or sport. If you’re unsure which rules apply to your flight, fly under Part 107 (See below).
    • Visit the Recreational Flyers page to learn about the rules for recreational flyers.
    • Download the FAA’s B4UFLY mobile app for more recreational drone flying resources.
  2. Take TRUST
    • You may take the free online test through any FAA-approved test administrators.
    • All FAA-approved TRUST test administrators offer the test free.
    • All test questions are correctable to 100% before issuing your completion certificate.
    • After completing TRUST, you must download, save, or print your completion certificate.
    • If you lose your certificate, you will need to retake TRUST.
    • View a list of TRUST Test Administrators
  3. Receive your certificate
    • After you pass the test, you will receive a certificate. The test administrator you selected gives you your certificate.
    • Test administrators will not keep a record of your certificate. If law enforcement officers ask, you must present a copy of your certificate.

General Rules for Recreational Flyers

USC44809 is the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft. The law describes how, when, and where you can fly drones for recreational purposes. Following these rules helps keep people, your drone, and our airspace safe:

  1. Fly only for recreational purposes (personal enjoyment).
  2. Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community-Based Organization (CBO). Read Advisory Circular 91-57C. It provides more information on how to become an FAA-recognized CBO, 
  3. Keep your drone within the visual line of sight. Or use a visual observer who is physically next to you and directly communicating with you.
  4. Give way to and do not interfere with other aircraft.
  5. Fly at or below FAA-authorized altitudes in controlled airspace with prior FAA authorization. Controlled airspace is Class B, C, D, and surface Class E designated for an airport. Get your FAA authorization using LAANC or DroneZone.
  6. Fly at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace. Note: Flying drones in restricted airspace is not allowed. Before the flight, drone pilots should always check for airspace restrictions. You can do so on the B4UFLY app or the UAS Facility Maps webpage.
  7. Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage when flying.
  8. Have a current FAA registration. Mark (PDF) your drones on the outside with the registration number. And carry proof of registration when flying. Starting September 16, 2023, registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information. The FAA temporarily delayed enforcement to March 16, 2024. That law is now in place and being enforced.
  9. Do not operate your drone in a manner that endangers the safety of the national airspace system.

Recreational drone pilots must not violate safety requirements. Nor should they operate their drone flight carelessly or recklessly. You could be liable for criminal and/or civil penalties if you do.

You do not need a drone license if your drone use is recreational and falls within the scope of 44809. But, to fly your drone commercially, you must first get a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC). This is also true for flights under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107). The RPC is also known as a drone license or a Part 107 certificate. You may want to get your drone license for the flexibility it allows in your drone flights.

For more details on drone licensing, please see our Drone License Explainer.

It is recommended that recreational drone operators consult the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations on the proper use of recreational drones and use common sense when operating these devices around crowded public areas, wildlife, or historic resources.


Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Michigan

If you have a small drone that is less than 55 pounds, you can fly for work or business by following the Drone Laws in the USA defined by FAA Part 107 guidelines.

Commercial drone operations in Michigan are approved under the FAA Part 107. Please check the specific state jurisdiction for additional permissions, licensing, or clearance requirements.

For a complete review of the FAA Part 107 regulation, please see our comprehensive FAA 107 Explainer.

Note: The Operations Over People rule became effective on April 21, 2021. Drone pilots operating under Part 107 may fly at night, over people and moving vehicles without a waiver as long as they meet the requirements defined in the rule. Airspace authorizations are still required for night operations in controlled airspace under 400 feet.

If you have a small drone of fewer than 55 pounds, you can fly for work or business by following the Part 107 guidelines. There are three main steps to fly under Part 107 rules.

Step 1: Learn the Rules

Ensure you understand what is and is not allowed under Part 107 rules.

If you are unsure if Part 107 rules work for you and your intended operation, check our user identification tool.

Some operations will need a waiver. Here are the regulations specified in §107.205 that are subject to waiver:

Learn more about Part 107 Waivers.

Drone operators should avoid flying near airports. It is difficult for crewed aircraft to see and avoid a drone while flying. Remember that the drone operator must avoid manned aircraft. You are responsible for any safety hazard your drone creates in an airport environment.

Step 2: Become an FAA-Certified Drone Pilot by Passing the Knowledge Test

For more details on drone licensing, please see our Drone License Explainer.

To be eligible to get your Remote Pilot Certificate, you must be:

  • At least 16 years old
  • Able to read, write, speak, and understand English
  • Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a UAS

Study for the Knowledge Test

Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)

Schedule an Appointment

Complete FAA Form 8710-13

Step 3: Register your Drone with the FAA

For a complete discussion on drone registration, see our Drone Registration Explainer.

Registration costs $5 and is valid for three years. You’ll need a credit or debit card and the make and model of your drone handy to register. Learn more about registering your drone.

  • Create an account and register your drone at FAADroneZone. Select “Fly sUAS under Part 107.”
  • Once you’ve registered, mark your drone (PDF) with your registration number. The number will be helpful in case it gets lost or stolen.

Useful published information on flying drones in Michigan

We have partnered with the FAA and other drone enthusiasts in supporting an internet educational campaign called Know Before You Fly. The tips, pointers, and resources apply to Michigan Drone Users also. Please visit the site for additional information: Know Before You Fly


Authoritative Sources of Information on Michigan Drone Laws

We will attempt to keep an updated list of online authoritative links to regulators and other official websites here:



NOTE: This page is about the Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.


Find out why

We think you must use a Drone Preflight Checklist

And a Drone Post-flight checklist

Free Drone Flight Checklist PDF

This Drone Flight Checklist is better than others.

It’s free!

It includes both the preflight checklist and post-flight checklist

It’s an easy-to-use printable PDF that covers all your bases.


Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.



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19 responses to “Drone Laws in Michigan”

  1. Linda Rutter

    Just looking for a quick answer, is it legal to fly drones at night?

    1. Editorial Team

      Yes, drones can be flown at night without a waiver since April 2021. The drone must have anti-collision lights visible from three miles. There may be additional requirements for commercial drone flights at night.

  2. Dave

    Do I have to register my 3″ drone if I keep it well under 400 feet and within my farmland?

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Dave, our understanding is that you will need to register

  3. Jeremy

    Operating a drone by state owned public land, am I allowed to fly over the state land at all to view parts of the park with pictures and or a video? The park never has anyone in it because of its swamps that are quite interesting I feel and would love to get some shots. Any thoughts?

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Please see section of regulations in Parks above. Looks like you should be able to fly in most cases. We recommend you check the local park to make sure they do not have any recent restrictions.

  4. Cm

    I’ve seen drones in the sky at night. I live in Oxford, Michigan and there are actually many of them on different nights. I think they are here from a recent school shooting for security but I’m now sure how the police do surveillance like that. Do you think they are flying drones for surveillance?

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Drone use by public safety organizations are not prohibited in Michigan, so its quite possible.

  5. Erin Vedrode

    Is it legal or illegal to fly a drone over someone else’s property?

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      It is not illegal if you are flying over, it’s not restricted airspace, you are not invading their privacy, and not operating dangerously.

  6. Michele Hayes

    We have a stalker that is not permitted to access our properties. He is flying illegal Drone invading privacy. OCSD states no laws on DRONES

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Please contact your local law enforcement.

      1. Nate

        So they can do nothing? The laws protect the drone operators in such a manner you would have to take it to the ground and prevent it’s contingency operations that will wipe the sd card. And then you have broken the law. I have personally watched this guy in Bedford with over 30 drones constantly on predefined routes. I keep track of them with my lidar. But does no good if you cannot provide proof. This is where the law is lacking because a drone can sit 1400 yards from your house and shoot video and if they have the right devices they can listen to your conversations as well.

        Invasion of privacy goes out the window with a drone because the rich guys have their hands deep in the law process.

        1. Merlin at Drone Laws

          Nate, there might be privacy laws in Michigan that deal with this type of situation. You should check with a local lawyer. Wish you all the best

  7. alexa marie peterson

    I have one in. Byron center mi harassing my teenaged nieces and elderly parents it flys low through yard at night pokes through windows

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Please contact your local law enforcement

  8. Julie Bliss

    My neighbor behind me flys a drone on my property after dark and the light shines in my bedroom windows. I’m gonna shoot it down period!

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Julie, you should contact your local law enforcement. In most parts of the USA, it’s illegal to shoot down drones.

    2. Adam

      Shooting at drones is a federal offense, by the way. It is the same penalty as shooting at passenger planes.

Leave a Comment

19 thoughts on “Drone Laws in Michigan”

    • Yes, drones can be flown at night without a waiver since April 2021. The drone must have anti-collision lights visible from three miles. There may be additional requirements for commercial drone flights at night.

      Reply
  1. Operating a drone by state owned public land, am I allowed to fly over the state land at all to view parts of the park with pictures and or a video? The park never has anyone in it because of its swamps that are quite interesting I feel and would love to get some shots. Any thoughts?

    Reply
    • Please see section of regulations in Parks above. Looks like you should be able to fly in most cases. We recommend you check the local park to make sure they do not have any recent restrictions.

      Reply
  2. I’ve seen drones in the sky at night. I live in Oxford, Michigan and there are actually many of them on different nights. I think they are here from a recent school shooting for security but I’m now sure how the police do surveillance like that. Do you think they are flying drones for surveillance?

    Reply
    • It is not illegal if you are flying over, it’s not restricted airspace, you are not invading their privacy, and not operating dangerously.

      Reply
  3. We have a stalker that is not permitted to access our properties. He is flying illegal Drone invading privacy. OCSD states no laws on DRONES

    Reply
      • So they can do nothing? The laws protect the drone operators in such a manner you would have to take it to the ground and prevent it’s contingency operations that will wipe the sd card. And then you have broken the law. I have personally watched this guy in Bedford with over 30 drones constantly on predefined routes. I keep track of them with my lidar. But does no good if you cannot provide proof. This is where the law is lacking because a drone can sit 1400 yards from your house and shoot video and if they have the right devices they can listen to your conversations as well.

        Invasion of privacy goes out the window with a drone because the rich guys have their hands deep in the law process.

        Reply
        • Nate, there might be privacy laws in Michigan that deal with this type of situation. You should check with a local lawyer. Wish you all the best

          Reply
  4. I have one in. Byron center mi harassing my teenaged nieces and elderly parents it flys low through yard at night pokes through windows

    Reply
  5. My neighbor behind me flys a drone on my property after dark and the light shines in my bedroom windows. I’m gonna shoot it down period!

    Reply
    • Julie, you should contact your local law enforcement. In most parts of the USA, it’s illegal to shoot down drones.

      Reply

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