Drone laws in Arizona (2026)

You can fly a drone in Arizona if you follow FAA rules: pass the free TRUST test for fun flying, or hold a Part 107 certificate for paid work. Arizona adds one main statute, A.R.S. 13-3729, bans recreational drones in all state parks, and largely stops cities from writing their own drone laws.

Do you need a drone license in Arizona?

Arizona has no state drone license or registration. The FAA rules are what count:

Recreational: take the free TRUST test and carry the certificate. Register your drone with the FAA ($5, valid 3 years) if it weighs 250 g or more.
Commercial: any flight that supports a business (real estate, roof inspections, paid video) needs a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, and the drone must be registered at any weight.
Everyone: stay at or below 400 ft, keep the drone in sight, use Remote ID if your drone must be registered, and get LAANC authorization in controlled airspace. Most of metro Phoenix sits under Sky Harbor's Class B airspace, and Tucson is Class C.

Arizona state drone law

A.R.S. 13-3729 is the main statute. It makes it a misdemeanor to fly in a way federal law prohibits or that interferes with police, firefighters or emergency crews. Using a drone to photograph or loiter over a critical facility in furtherance of a crime is a felony. Critical facilities include power plants and substations, water treatment plants, railroads, prisons and jails, courts, military bases and hospitals with air ambulance service. There's no fixed distance in the law, but the safe habit is to keep well away.

The same statute preempts local drone laws. Cities, towns and counties can't regulate drone ownership or operation. They can only control takeoff and landing in parks and preserves they own.

Other state rules to know:

Privacy: Arizona's voyeurism and surreptitious recording laws apply to drones. Don't film into homes, yards or anywhere people expect privacy.
Wildlife: Arizona Game and Fish treats drones as aircraft under hunting rules. You can't use one to take, harass or scout game, including the 48 hours before a season opens.
Law enforcement: a 2025 law (HB 2755) lets police disable a drone used in a crime or carrying contraband, aimed largely at drone drops into prisons.

Where you can and can't fly

State parks: Arizona State Parks prohibits all recreational drone use. Commercial filming may be allowed with a filming permit, insurance and FAA registration. Details are on the Arizona State Parks FAQ.
National parks: drones are banned in the Grand Canyon, Saguaro, Petrified Forest and every other National Park Service unit. See flying at the Grand Canyon.
National forests and BLM land: generally open outside wilderness areas and temporary flight restrictions. Around Sedona, much of the red rock country is designated wilderness.
County and city parks: Maricopa County bans drones in its regional parks unless an area is designated for them. Scottsdale lets its parks director close specific parks and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to model aircraft (city code Sec. 20-142), so ask the city first.
Tribal land: tribal nations set their own rules. Ask before flying on reservation land.
Southern border: temporary flight restrictions have covered areas near the border. Check before you fly there.

Wildfire season brings frequent TFRs. Flying near a fire is illegal and grounds firefighting aircraft. Check B4UFLY or Aloft before every flight.

Before you fly in Arizona

Check the airspace and TFRs in an FAA-approved app.
Confirm the land manager allows drones where you plan to launch.
Carry your TRUST certificate or Part 107 card.
Plan for heat. Desert summer temperatures shorten battery life, so fly early or late.

For desert and canyon trips, a sub-250 g drone like the DJI Mini 5 Pro or Mini 4 Pro skips recreational registration and packs small for hikes. For the rules in other states, see drone laws by state, and read the full statute at the Arizona Legislature.

Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.