Summary of Drone Laws in New York City
Hobbyist Drone Laws For Residents of New York City and USA
Drone Operations in New York City are regulated.
- Hobbyist drone flights are allowed
- Hobbyist drone pilot license may be required for certain operations.
- A TRUST Test is required.
- A Drone Permit 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, although full implementation is delayed
- Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for hobbyists’ drone operations
Read below for more details on Hobbyist Drone Laws in New York City and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!
Commercial Drone Laws For Residents of New York City and USA
Drone Operations in New York City are regulated.
- Commercial drone flights are allowed
- A commercial drone pilot license is required
- A Drone Permit is required.
- Commercial Drone registration is required in New York City
- Drone Remote ID is required for Commercial Drone Operators. However, full implementation has been delayed
- Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for permitting commercial drone operations
Read below for more details on Commercial Drone Laws in New York City and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!
Drone Laws For Foreign Visitors To New York City (not USA Residents)
Drone Operations in New York City are regulated.
- Foreign visitor drone flights are allowed in New York City
- A Drone Permit is required
- Foreign visitor drone pilot license is required
- Drone registration is required for visitors/tourists
- Drone Remote ID is required in New York City for tourists. However, full implementation has been delayed.
- Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for tourist drone operations
Read below for more details on Drone Laws in New York City for Visitors (Tourists) and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!
Drone Laws For Government Drone Operators
Drone Operations in New York City are regulated.
- Government drone flights are allowed in New York City
- Government drone pilot license is required
- Drone registration is required for Government operations
- Drone Remote ID is required in New York City for Government operations. However, full implementation has been delayed.
- Drone Insurance is not required for Government drone operations
Read below for more details on Drone Laws in New York City for Government Drone Operations and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!
Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in New York City
Federal Aviation Administration
FAA Drone Website: https://www.faa.gov/uas/
NY State Assembly – Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation – Regulating Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Parks Application for use of an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in NY City
Drone operation in NY City is broadly governed by The Federal USA agency responsible for drone safety, the FAA. Click here for details on FAA USA Drone Laws
The NY State and NY City legislatures have enacted several supplemental rules specific to NY City drone operations. Click here for details on NY State Drone Laws.
The highlights of NYC UAS regulations are enumerated below.
Can you fly a drone in New York City?
Drones are allowed in NY City for recreational and commercial use, subject to NYPD Permits, FAA regulations and flight controls put in place by local governments. Read on for details.
Specific additional NYC Drone Laws
New York City Drone Regulations
NYC Administrative code requires a drone operator to take off or land in specific places designated by the department of transportation or the port of New York authority. The code also makes it unlawful for a drone operator navigating drones to take off or land, except in an emergency, at any other place within the city’s limits. The rule serves to limit take-off and landings to regulated heliports and airports. In July 2023, the city removed restrictions and created a new permitting system for drone flights in New York City.
How To Get a Permit to Fly a Drone in NYC
How To Get a permit to Fly A Drone in NYC
- Create an account
Go to https://www.nyc.gov/DronePermits. You’ll need a valid email and password. Click “Sign up now.”
Enter a valid email address and click “Get verification code.” You will be emailed a temporary verification code.
Enter the verification code and click “Verify.”
Enter your first and last names.
Choose a password that is between 8 and 64 characters. Valid passwords must have at least 3 of the following: (a lowercase letter, an uppercase letter, a digit, a symbol).
Click the “Create” button, then “Continue” to be taken to your Profile Page.
- Apply for a New Permit
Applicants must submit, at minimum, mandatory information regarding the Applicant, Proposed Operator(s), Visual Observer(s), and all required certifications and other attachments for a UA permit application to be considered complete and ready for review. You should provide as much information as possible, as additional details may help UA permit application reviewers make the proper determinations.
Start a new application by clicking the blue “Create” button at the top right.
Click the “Begin” button to start your new permit application. In the “Applicant Details” section:
Select “yes” if the Applicant is a Business Entity, such as a business, school, or organization.
NOTE: If you select “yes” to mark the Applicant as a Business Entity, additional fields will appear below.
- Provide Information for Applicant and Business (If applicable)
The Applicant – Required fields include Applicant’s Full Name, date of birth (DOB), address, email address and phone number.
The Business Entity, if applicable – Required fields include: Name, address, email address, and phone number.
- Attach files for all required documentation
Include the Applicant’s Valid government‐issued photo identification, Insurance policies, Data privacy policies, Cybersecurity policies
NOTE: If a UA on any of the proposed flights will record video, still images, or audio during its operation, a copy of the proposed community notice must be submitted.
Click the “Next” button at the bottom of the page to proceed to the next section.
- Add Operators
In the “Proposed Operator” section, click the “Add Operator” button to add each individual UA operator or pilot.
On the next screen:
Provide all required information for UA Operator(s), including full name(s), date of birth (DOB), address(es), email address(es), telephone number(s).
Attach a copy of each Operator’s government‐issued photo identification (ID) and a copy of the Operator’s FAA‐issued pilot certificate.
When all Operators are entered, click the “Submit” button at the bottom of the page.
Click the “Next” button at the bottom of the page to proceed to the next section.
- Add Visual Observers
In the “Visual Observer” section, click the “Add Observer” button to add each individual Observer.
On the next screen:
Provide all required information for Visual Observer(s), including full name(s), date of birth (DOB), address(es), email address(es), telephone number(s).
Attach a copy of each Observer’s government‐issued photo identification (ID).
When all Observer(s) are entered, click the “Submit” button at the bottom of the page.
Click the “Next” button at the bottom of the page to proceed to the next section.
- Add Drone Details
In the “Drone Details” section, click the “Add Drone” button to add each individual UA device.
On the next screen:
Provide all required information for the Drone(s), including make, model, year of manufacture, weight, registered owner name, serial number, and FAA registration number.
Remember to attach a copy of the FAA‐issued Small UAS Certificate of Registration for each Device, if applicable. Additionally, attach all required FAA‐issued waivers and authorizations in this section. (You will also be asked about 107 Waivers in the Flight Details section later in the application.)
When all Devices are entered, click the “Submit” button at the bottom of the page.
Click the “Next” button at the bottom of the page to proceed to the next section.
- Add Flight Details
In the “Flight Details” section, click the “Add Flight Details” button to add each proposed flight.
On the next screen:
Provide all required information for each proposed flight, including take‐off location and date/time, landing location and date/time, flight path, altitude, and flight operations.
When all Flight Details are entered, certify the affirmation statements at the bottom of the page and then click “Submit.”
A system message will confirm when your permit application has been submitted successfully. You will also receive an email confirming your submission along with an invoice for the nonrefundable application fee.
- Check before flying
Before a UA takes off or lands in New York City, it is the responsibility of the Applicant and UA Operators to:
Print their NYC‐issued UA Take‐off/Landing permit
Log into the Application Portal to confirm the approved status of their UA Permit directly prior to take‐off or landing a drone
Print Your Permit
UA operators must keep their NYC‐issued permit for take‐off and landing readily available and present them to law enforcement personnel upon request. For approved applications, printable UA Take‐off/Landing Permits will be made available for the Applicant to print within 48 hours of the first proposed flight listed on the approved permit application.
Check Immediately Before Your Flight
Operators must log into the Application Portal to confirm the approval status of their UA Permit directly prior to take‐off. Additionally, in accordance with flight safety best practices, operators are responsible for checking weather and conditions prior to operating a UA.
What you must know about New York City No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones
You need to know if you can operate your drone. Under what limitations? Whether you will need authorizations? And, if so, how to 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 New York City?
The FAA has partnered with Aloft to develop the B4UFLY mobile app. The 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:
Get the B4UFLY at the App Store for iOS. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/b4ufly-drone-airspace-safety/id992427109
Get the B4UFLY at the Google Play store for Android. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.faa.b4ufly2&hl=en_US&gl=US
B4UFLY is also available as a desktop version for preflight planning and research. https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/ (“B4UFLY App | Federal Aviation Administration”)
How do I get authorization to fly in controlled airspace in New York City?
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) is run by the FAA. 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.
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 NYC
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. However, NY City has specific restrictions listed below.
In NY City, recreational UAS operations (i.e., flying for recreational purposes) are approved under law, specifically 49 USC 44809, but restricted in NY City as per local rules (see permitting process above). Please check the specific city and 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. You must provide proof of passage if asked by law enforcement or FAA personnel.
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
- 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 take photos of houses they are selling. 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 to do 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.
- Take TRUST
- You may take the free online test through any of the 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
- 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. It is the law that describes how, when, and where you can fly drones for recreational purposes. Following these rules helps keep people, your drone, and our airspace safe:
- Fly only for recreational purposes (personal enjoyment).
- 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,
- 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.
- Give way to and do not interfere with other aircraft.
- 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.
- 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.
- Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage when flying.
- 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 has delayed enforcement to March 16, 2024.
- 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.
Hobbyist rules in Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The recreational flying of toy or model rockets or aircraft (types of UAS) is subject to 9 NYCRR Section 372.7(j) and in the Palisades Region to 9 NYCRR Section 409.1(j). Under these regulations and this procedure, the launching, landing, or operation of a UAS for recreational purposes from or on lands and waters administered by OPRHP is an activity that requires an operator to apply for a special UAS permit that shall include conditions outlining the time, place and manner of use.
Locations listed by New York City Parks with more details on where drones are allowed or not: NY City Parks Drone Website
Designated areas for model aircraft fields are limited to the following five parks in the City:
- Brooklyn – Calvert Vaux Park and Marine Park
- Queens – Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Forest Park
- Staten Island – La Tourette Park
Check your county park for similar restrictions.
Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in NYC
If you have a small unmanned aircraft 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, however, NYC Drone Laws have specific restrictions listed below.
Commercial drone operations in NY State are approved under the FAA Part 107 but allowed in NY City as per local rules (see permitting process above). 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:
- Operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft – §107.25
- Operation at Night – §107.29(a)(2) and (b)
- Visual line of sight aircraft operation – §107.31
- Visual observer – §107.33
- Operation of multiple small unmanned aircraft systems – §107.35
- Yielding the right of way – §107.37(a)
- Operation over human beings – §107.39
- Operation in certain airspace – §107.41
- Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft – §107.51
- Operations Over Moving Vehicles – §107.145
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
- Review Knowledge Test Suggested Study Materials provided by the FAA.
Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
- Create an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile. Then, register for the knowledge test.
Schedule an Appointment
- Take the Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center.
Complete FAA Form 8710-13
- Once you’ve passed your test for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application), log in to the FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application System (IACRA)* to complete FAA form 8710-13.
- Review the entire process to get your Remote Pilot Certificate.
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 useful in case it gets lost or stolen.
Commercial rules in Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The use of a UAS for commercial purposes is authorized by PRHPL Section 3.09(2) and 9 NYCRR Sections 372.7(b) and 409.1(c) where, generally, a permit is required for any commercial activity in OPRHP facilities (i.e., the selling or offering for sale, hire or lease of any merchandise, service, or other things of value).
Useful published information on flying drones in NY City
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 NY City Drone Users also. Please visit the site for additional information: Know Before You Fly
Authoritative Sources of Information on New York City Drone Laws
We will attempt to keep an updated list of online authoritative links to regulators and other official websites here:
- Drone Regulator Website: FAA Drone Website: https://www.faa.gov/uas/
- Link To SUAS Laws: 49 USC 44809 or 14 CFR Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
- State-Specific Laws: See sections above.
- No Fly Zone Maps/Locations: See No Fly Zone Section above – B4UFLY – https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/
- UAV Registration Site: FAADroneZone
- NYC Drone Permit Site: New York City Drone Permit Site https://www.nyc.gov/DronePermits
- Drone Operator Licensing Site: TRUST or FAA in person (see sections above)
- The Recreational UAS Safety Test: The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
- Others: Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International – Mostly for commercial drone service providers and users.
- Others: Academy of Model Aeronautics – Mostly for hobbyists
- Others: US Forest Service Recreational Drone Tips
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.
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