Do you want to start a drone photography business in USA? If YES, here is a detailed guide on how to get a drone license in Texas, California, Florida. In the United States and in some countries of the world, businesses have started embracing drone technology, hence it will be right to say that a drone related business is a viable business. The first thing to consider before launching any drone related business is to know how to secure the required license and permits.
Drones are unmanned but controlled aircraft (aerial vehicle or unpiloted vehicle), used in the military during war to attack the enemy’s camp and also for surveillance and to gather intelligence. Drones are also used by the military to deliver foods to front line troops during war. Drones come in handy when the risk and difficulty involved in any military operation is high and unsafe for soldiers.
In recent time, the civilian community has started making use of drones to carry out tasks like surveying of vast farm lands, for delivery of parcels, to monitor and count wildlife and livestock, for geographical mapping, for search and rescue operations, for monitoring pipelines, for road patrol and for general commercial photography and motion picture filmmaking.
The commercial segment of the industry only represents an estimated 3.5 percent of industry revenue and relies mostly on the recreational use of small UAVs. The FAA is currently working on rules for the integration of commercial UAVs into national airspace, but it missed its December 2014 deadline for rule proposals. As a result, those wanting to use UAVs for commercial applications in the United States would have to apply for special FAA permission and license, a slow and limited process.
It might interest you to know that in the United States of America, the laws regulating the use of drones/unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are constantly changing as the technology develops and gains broader adoption. If you are not sure about the laws governing the use of drone in your state or have a particular legal need with respect to getting a license to fly drones, consider meeting with an attorney licensed to practice in your state.
A Detailed Guide on How to Get a Drone Photography License
In every state that allows drone operators to operate in the USA, it compulsory to obtain a drone license before you can participate in any drone related business and it might interest you to note that despite the fact that there is standard procedure to follow in obtaining a drone license, it involves several steps and forms. If you are not careful, you risk the possibility of having your application denied.
Generally, the process of getting your license involves purchasing a drone dealer bond if you want to go into the sale of drones You are expected to fulfill the condition as stipulated by your state and then register your business, meet the zoning requirements, attend a pre-licensing seminar, provide proof of insurance and of course pass a background check.
Other standard steps that you are expected to follow through before getting your drone licensed in the United States of America are filling of a drone license application and lastly, submit your drone license application alongside your proof of insurance, and all other necessary papers to your local Licensing Service Department and wait for feedback. You will be contacted to come collect your drone license once it is out.
Standard Laws Governing the Use and Licensing of Drones in US
Please note that the US government has standard laws that regulate the licensing and use of drones and here are drone laws that apply to every state in the U.S. as created by the federal government;
- To fly a drone as a commercial pilot in the US (i.e. for work / business purposes) you are required to follow the requirements of the FAA’s Part 107 Small UAS Rule (Part 107), which includes passing the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate.
- To fly a drone as a hobbyist in the US (i.e. for fun / pleasure) you are required to register your drone with the FAA and follow the FAA’s Special Rule for Model Aircraft.
- To fly a drone as a government employee in the US (i.e., for a police or fire department) you may either operate under the FAA’s Part 107 rule or obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA).
Please note that in addition to federal drone regulations, states that allow for the use of drones have passed laws regulating the use of drones by individuals, businesses, law enforcement, and other interests. Here are summaries of drone laws by state as it relates to obtaining a drone license in each state of USA;
How to Get a Drone License in Each State of USA
1. Alabama
State licenses are not currently available and if you are interested in securing a drone license in Alabama, you might have to wait or visit your local Licensing Service Department to get more information about applying and securing a drone license.
2. Alaska
Alaska is another state in the US that is currently not issuing drone license.
Please note that we are not ruling out the fact that there may, however, be licensing requirements at the local level, so make sure to check these before you start flying your drones in Alaska especially if you work in an oil field.
3. Arizona
State licenses are not currently available and if you are interested in securing a drone license in Arizona, you might have to wait or visit your local Licensing Service Department to get more information about applying and securing a drone license or operating a drone in Arizona.
4. Arkansas
Arkansas happens to be amongst the states that issue license or if you like, permit to drone operators, however aside from meeting the requirements above, you are expected to abide by the strict rules and regulations of the state.
Here are the laws governing the use of drones is Arkansas;
Act 293: Prohibits the use of drones to commit video voyeurism (invasion of privacy). Class B misdemeanor; Class A misdemeanor if images were distributed or transmitted to another party, or posted to the Internet.
Act 1019: Prohibits the use of drones for surveillance and/or the gathering of information on “critical infrastructure” (oil refinery, chemical manufacturing facility, power plant, etc.) without written consent.
So, if you ready to abide by the rule; then you can visit the states’ Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries of the requirements.
5. California
California is yet another states that issue license to drone operators and aside from meeting the basic requirements of flying drones in the US airspace, you are expected to abide by the strict rules and regulations of the state.
According to the California Department of Transportation and the California General Assembly, California has three state-wide laws concerning the use of drones in the state.
SB 807 // 2016: This law provides immunity for first responders who damage a UAS that was interfering with the first responder while he or she was providing emergency services.
AB 1680 // 2016: This law makes it a misdemeanor to interfere with the activities of first responders during an emergency.
AB 856 // 2015: This law prohibits entering the airspace of an individual in order to capture an image or recording of that individual engaging in a private, personal or familial activity without permission. This legislation is a response to the use of UAS by the press in covering celebrities and other public figures.
If you meet the requirements and you are ready to abide by the states’ rules and regulations, then you can send in your applications and supporting documents to the California Department of Transportation and the California General Assembly.
6. Colorado
Aside from the general rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and usage of drones in the United States, Colorado does not have a state specific law hence you would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
7. Connecticut
Connecticut is one of the states does not have a state specific law, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
8. District of Columbia
Aside from the general rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and usage of drones in the United States, District of Columbia does not have a state specific law hence you would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
9. Delaware
Apart from the general rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and usage of drones in the United States, Delaware does not have a state specific law hence you would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
10. Florida
In order to apply and get a drone license in Florida, you must meet the standard application requirements and you must abide by the rules and regulations governing the usage of drones in the state.
Please note that all drone pilots operating commercially in the state of Florida are subject to the FAA’s Part 107 rules. Learn more about the FAA’s certification process to obtain a commercial drone license
Florida has three state-wide laws concerning the use of drones in the state.
HB 1027 // 2017: This law pre-empts local regulation of UAS so that only the Florida Legislature can make laws concerning the use of drones in the state, but allows local governments to enact drone ordinances related to nuisances, voyeurism, harassment, reckless endangerment, property damage, or other illegal acts. This law also prohibits the operation of drones over or near critical infrastructure.
SB 766 // 2015: This law prohibits the use of a drone to capture an image of privately owned property or the owner, tenant, or occupant of such property without consent if a reasonable expectation of privacy exists.
SB 92 // 2013: This law defines what a drone is and limits the use of drones by law enforcement. Under this law, law enforcement may use a drone if they obtain a warrant, there is a terrorist threat, or “swift action” is needed to prevent loss of life or to search for a missing person. This law also enables someone harmed by an inappropriate use of drones to pursue civil action.
To check your eligibility for obtaining a drone license and to apply, you can visit Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Legislature.
11. Georgia
Georgia happens to be one of the states that does not have a state specific law, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
12. Hawaii
In Hawaii, if you are eligible to obtain a drone license, you will be issued a license but you must abide by the states’ rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and usage of drones within the airspace of the state.
13. Idaho
Apart from the general rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and usage of drones in the United States, Idaho does not have a state specific law hence you would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
14. Illinois
If you are eligible to obtain a drone license having met the standard requirements as stipulated by the US government, you will be issued a license in Illinois.
20 ILCS 5065: This act creates the Unmanned Aerial System Oversight Task Force Act, which is tasked with the regulation of both commercial and private use of drones. These will include considerations of landowner rights, privacy rights, and rules for safe and lawful operation of drones.
15. Indiana
Apart from the general rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and usage of drones in the United States, Indiana does not have a state specific law hence you would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
16. Iowa
Apart from the general rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and usage of drones in the United States, Iowa does not have a state specific law hence you would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
17. Kansas
Apart from the general rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and usage of drones in the United States, Kansas does not have a state specific law hence you would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
18. Kentucky
Kentucky is one of the states that does not have a specific law for drone licensing and usage. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly a drone in any part of the state.
19. Louisiana
In Louisiana, if you are eligible to obtain a drone license having met the standard requirements as stipulated by the US government, you will be issued a license but you must abide by the states’ rules and regulations.
Here is the law; La. Revised Statutes, section 3:41, et seq.: This law regulates the use of drones for agricultural purposes (monitoring, etc.); operators must be licensed and registered (renewal every three years).
20. Maine
If you are eligible to obtain a drone license having met the standard requirements as stipulated by the US government, you will be issued a license but you must abide by the states’ rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and of course the usage of drones within the airspace of the state.
21. Maryland
In Maryland, if you are eligible to obtain a drone license having met the standard requirements as stipulated by the US government, you will be issued a license, but you must abide by the states’ rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and of course the usage of drones within the airspace of the state.
22. Massachusetts
Massachusetts does not have a state specific law, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
23. Michigan
In Michigan, if you are eligible to obtain a drone license having met the standard requirements as stipulated by the US government, you will be issued a license but you must abide by the states’ rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and of course the usage of drones within the airspace of the state.
Here are the laws;
Mich. Compiled Laws Section 324.40112: Prohibits the use of drones to harass or interfere with a hunter
Mich. Compiled Laws Section 324.40111c: Prohibits the use of drones to take game or fish (i.e., locating, hunting, catching, or trapping animals).
24. Minnesota
Minnesota does not have a state specific law, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
25. Mississippi
In Mississippi, if you are eligible to obtain a drone license having met the standard requirements as stipulated by the US government, you will be issued a license but you must abide by the states’ rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and of course the usage of drones within the airspace of the state.
26. Missouri
Missouri is amongst the states that does not have a state specific law, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
27. Montana
In Montana, there are no state specific laws, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
28. Nebraska
Nebraska is amongst the states does not have a state specific law, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
29. Nevada
In Nevada, if you are eligible to obtain a drone license having met the standard requirements as stipulated by the US government, you will be issued a license but you must abide by the states’ rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and of course the usage of drones within the airspace of the state.
Here is the law;
Amendments 362, 640, and 746: prohibits the use of weapons on drones and the use of drones within a specified distance of airports and other “critical” facilities, while limiting the use of drones by law enforcement.
30. New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, if you are eligible to obtain a drone license having met the standard requirements as stipulated by the US government, you will be issued a license but you must abide by the states’ rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and the usage of drones within the airspace of the state.
Here is the law;
RSA 207:57: Prohibits the use of drones to interfere with lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping activities.
31. New Jersey
In New Jersey, there are no state specific laws, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
32. New Mexico
In New Mexico, there are no state specific laws, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
33. New York
In New York, there are no state specific laws, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
34. North Carolina
In North Carolina, if you are eligible to obtain a drone license having met the standard requirements as stipulated by the US government, you will be issued a license but you must abide by the states’ rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license.
Here is the law;
Section 7.16(e) of S.L. 2013-360: Gives the state’s Chief Information Officer authority to approve (or disapprove) the operation of drones by state agencies, requires a test for the operation of drones, establishes permitting process for the commercial use of drones, conforms to federal FAA guidelines.
35. North Dakota
In North Dakota, if you are eligible to obtain a drone license having met the standard requirements as stipulated by the US government, you will be issued a license but you must abide by the states’ rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and of course the usage of drones within the airspace of the state.
Here is the law;
North Dakota Code Sec. 29-29.4-01: Limits the use of drones for surveillance, crime investigation, and other uses by law enforcement
36. Ohio
In Ohio, there are no state specific laws, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
37. Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, there are no state specific laws, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
38. Oregon
In Oregon, if you are eligible to obtain a drone license having met the standard requirements as stipulated by the US government, you will be issued a license but you must abide by the states’ rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and of course the usage of drones within the airspace of the state.
Here is the law;
State Fish and Wildlife Commission: Law prohibits the use of drones for fishing, hunting, or trapping, including the use of drones to locate game or to interfere with the lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping of another party.
39. Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, there are no state specific laws, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
40. Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, there are no state specific laws, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
41. South Carolina
In South Carolina, there are no state specific laws, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
42. South Dakota
In South Dakota, there are no state specific laws, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
43. Tennessee
In Tennessee, if you are eligible to obtain a drone license having met the standard requirements as stipulated by the US government, you will be issued a license but you must abide by the states’ rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and of course the usage of drones within the airspace of the state.
Here is the law;
Tenn. Code Section 39-13-903(a): Prohibits the use of drones to capture images at open-air events where 100 or more people are gathered for a ticketed event (statute specifically refers to fireworks events). The law also prohibits the use of drones over prison grounds.
44. Texas
In Texas, if you are eligible to obtain a drone license having met the standard requirements as stipulated by the US government, you will be issued a license but you must abide by the states’ rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and of course the usage of drones within the airspace of the state.
Here are the laws;
Gov. Code Section 423.0045: Prohibits the use of drones over a “critical infrastructure facility,” such as a chemical plant, power plant, or dam; violations are charged as a Class B misdemeanor.
45. Utah
In Utah, if you are eligible to obtain a drone license having met the standard requirements as stipulated by the US government, you will be issued a license but you must abide by the states’ rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and of course the usage of drones within the airspace of the state.
Here is the law;
Utah Code Title 63G, Chapter 18: Authorizes police to use drones for data collection at testing sites and to find missing persons in areas where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy.
46. Vermont
In Vermont, there are no state specific laws, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
47. Virginia
In Virginia, if you are eligible to obtain a drone license having met the standard requirements as stipulated by the US government, you will be issued a license but you must abide by the states’ rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and of course the usage of drones within the airspace of the state.
Here are the laws;
Virginia Code Section 19.2-60.1: Requires that police obtain a warrant prior to using a drone for criminal investigations or surveillance (unless it for an Amber Alert, Senior Alert, or Blue Alert).
Executive Order No. 43: Creates a commission to regulate the procurement and use of drones within the state.
48. Washington
In Washington, there are no state specific laws, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
49. West Virginia
In West Virginia, if you are eligible to obtain a drone license having met the standard requirements as stipulated by the US government, you will be issued a license but you must abide by the states’ rules and regulations governing the issuance of drone license and of course the usage of drones within the airspace of the state.
Here is the law;
West Va. Code Section 20-2-5: Prohibits the use of drones for hunting, killing, or otherwise taking a wild animal.
50. Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, there are no state specific laws, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
51. Wyoming
In Wyoming, there are no state specific laws, the general rules and regulations governing the issuance and usage of drones in the United States applies to the state. You would have to visit the local Licensing Services Department to make further enquiries if you want to fly drone in any part of the state.
Quick Check
Lastly, here is a quick check of the requirements of applying and getting a drone license in the United States;
- A copy of registration of business and/or fictitious trade name(s) with The Secretary of State, Division of Corporations in your state
- If you are applying as a corporation, the Articles of Incorporation, copies of corporate papers and corporate meeting minutes showing the election of corporate directors
- If you are applying as a limited liability company, the Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement
- If you are applying as a partnership, the Partnership Agreement
- A sales tax number, available through the State of Florida, Department of Revenue
- A federal employer identification number, available from the IRS.
- Fingerprints and applicable fees ($54.25 per person)
If all documents are in order, the license will be submitted to and issued by the Licensing Services Department, Regional Office. At the same time, the electronic fingerprints submitted with the application will be processed through the State Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Normal processing time is dependent of each state.