Drones in Minnesota

Drones are Aircraft

All aircraft are subject to federal and state regulations. Technical literature may call drones: Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Remotely Piloted Vehicles, Autonomous Aircraft, or Model Aircraft. Regardless of what it is called, the key features are that the device is capable of controlled flight and does not have a pilot onboard.

Aircraft registration

MnDOT is the state-level regulator for aircraft in Minnesota.

MnDOT Aeronautics has prepared specific pages with information based on how you, your company, or your government agency operates or interacts with drones.

Commercial Operations

Under Minn. Stat. §360.55, subds. 9 and 10, drones used for commercial purposes must be registered. In addition, commercial drone operators are required to hold a Commercial Operations License to fly in Minnesota. For the definition of “commercial operations,” please see Minn. Stat. §360.013, subd. 45. The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Office of Aeronautics manages drone registration, and issues Commercial Operations Licenses.

A Commercial Operations License costs $30 and is valid for one year.

There are two options for registering drones in Minnesota:

• Annual drone registration: $25 per drone under 55 pounds, valid for one year of commercial drone operations. During registration, operators must also verify that they carry the required insurance coverage.
• Per-event registration: $2 per drone per day, registration is available for certain commercial drone operators. Effective August 1, 2025, a new law allows registration of Coordinated Unmanned Aerial System Fleet Events for Entertainment Purposes – such as drone swarms or drone light shows. Operators must verify required insurance coverage.

Operators may choose per-event registration at $2 per drone (for example, a 100-drone show would cost $200) or annual registration at $25 per drone for year-round use.

Although local government units are not required by statute to verify compliance, taking this step provides important safeguards. Confirming that operators are properly licensed by MnDOT, that drones are registered, and that insurance coverage is in place helps protect your community, helps ensure safe and responsible events, and reduces potential liability should an incident occur. A simple way to do this is by requesting both the operator’s license number and proof of current drone registration before approving the drone events in your community.

For questions please contact:

• Email:  ARForms.dot@state.mn.us
• Phone number: 651-234-7201

Sourced information from MnDOT Aeronautics and Aviation.