Nebraska has no state drone license. To fly legally, recreational pilots need the free FAA TRUST certificate and commercial pilots need a Part 107 certificate, plus FAA registration for drones of 250 g or more. Nebraska's own laws name drones in its trespass and unlawful intrusion statutes, ban harassing wildlife from aircraft, and require written permission to fly in state parks.
Do you need a drone license in Nebraska?
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 ag scouting, real estate, inspections and paid content.
- Airspace: Omaha and Lincoln have Class C airspace, and Offutt Air Force Base adds military airspace south of Omaha. Use LAANC and stay at or below 400 ft.
Nebraska state drone laws
- Trespass (Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-521): since 2022, it's a misdemeanor to knowingly send a drone onto or above someone's property to observe a person without consent in a place of solitude or seclusion. Ignoring an order to leave makes it more serious. Simple overflight isn't the target.
- Unlawful intrusion (28-311.08): intruding on someone in a place of solitude or seclusion, including by drone, is a misdemeanor, and recording someone's intimate areas without consent is a felony.
- Wildlife (37-509): using any aircraft, drones included, to shoot at or harass birds, fish or other animals is a Class II misdemeanor. Nebraska Game and Parks warns pilots not to flush the sandhill and whooping cranes on the Platte River each spring.
- Hunting: federal law and state rules ban using drones to hunt or harass game.
Where you can fly in Nebraska
- State parks and recreation areas: Nebraska Game and Parks rules prohibit launching, landing or operating aircraft in state parks, historical parks, recreation areas and trails without prior written permission from the Commission.
- National park units: banned at Scotts Bluff, Agate Fossil Beds, Homestead National Historical Park, the Niobrara National Scenic River and other NPS sites.
- National forests and grasslands: generally allowed outside wilderness areas and TFRs.
- Crane season: from late winter into spring, give the Platte River roosts near Kearney and Grand Island a wide berth.
Before you fly in Nebraska
- Check airspace and TFRs in B4UFLY or Aloft. Husker home games bring stadium restrictions in Lincoln.
- Don't fly over people's yards to watch them.
- Stay well away from cranes, eagles and other wildlife.
- Carry your TRUST certificate or Part 107 card.
Prairie wind is strong, so check gusts and keep a bigger battery reserve. A sub-250 g drone like the DJI Mini 4 Pro or Mini 5 Pro needs no recreational registration. See flying in wind, and read the statutes at the Nebraska Legislature.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Related guides
Not sure which to pick?
Tell us what you'll fly and your budget. One of our drone pilots will reply with a recommendation.
Buying drones for a business, agency or store? Get wholesale pricing →
