Kansas has no state drone license. Recreational pilots need the free FAA TRUST certificate, commercial pilots need a Part 107 certificate, and drones of 250 g or more must be registered with the FAA. Kansas law adds very little: repeated drone flights over someone's home can count as harassment, drones aren't permitted on state parks and wildlife areas, and you can't use a drone to hunt or locate game.
Do you need a drone license in Kansas?
Not from the state. FAA rules apply:
- Recreational: pass the free TRUST test. Register with the FAA ($5, 3 years) if your drone weighs 250 g or more.
- Commercial: a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate for real estate, ag, inspections and paid work.
- Airspace: Wichita's airport is Class C, McConnell and Fort Riley have military airspace, and the Kansas City Class B reaches into Johnson and Wyandotte counties. Use LAANC where needed and stay at or below 400 ft.
Kansas state drone laws
- Harassment (K.S.A. 60-31a02): since 2016, Kansas's protection-from-stalking law includes a course of conduct carried out with a drone over or near a home, occupied vehicle or other place where someone expects privacy. A single pass isn't enough, but repeatedly hovering over a neighbor can lead to a protection order.
- Hunting (K.S.A. 32-1003): you can't take game from an aircraft or use a device to locate game for taking it. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) says that includes drones, including locating wounded or harvested game.
- Government drones: a 2025 law bars state and local agencies from buying drones with critical parts from countries of concern. It doesn't limit private or commercial pilots.
Kansas has no drone-specific laws on prisons, stadiums or critical infrastructure. Federal rules still apply, including stadium flight restrictions.
Where you can fly in Kansas
- State parks and wildlife areas: under K.A.R. 115-8-13, drone use isn't permitted on land owned or managed by KDWP, including state parks and wildlife areas. KDWP has said it's working on designated drone areas at some parks. Violations are a misdemeanor.
- NPS sites: banned at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and other NPS units.
- Federal reservoirs: many lakes are U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land. Ask the project office.
- Cities: Wichita bans drones on or near airport property without consent, and some suburbs, such as Prairie Village, have their own rules on crowds and private property.
Before you fly in Kansas
- Check airspace and TFRs in B4UFLY or Aloft.
- Don't launch on state parks or wildlife areas.
- Avoid hovering over homes and people.
- Carry your TRUST certificate or Part 107 card.
Kansas wind is a real factor. Check gusts before launch and keep a larger battery reserve for the return leg. The DJI Mini 5 Pro and Mini 4 Pro weigh under 250 g and need no recreational registration. See flying in wind for tips, and the Kansas Legislature site for the statutes.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
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