Nevada has no state drone license. 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. Nevada adds some of the strictest distance rules in the country: no flying within 5 miles of an airport without the airport operator's consent or FAA authorization, and no flying within 500 ft of a critical facility without written consent. State parks allow drones only in designated areas or with a permit.
Do you need a drone license in Nevada?
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 and a registered drone.
- Airspace: Las Vegas is Class B and Reno is Class C. Nellis, Creech, Fallon and the Nevada Test and Training Range bring large military restricted areas. See drones near Area 51.
Nevada state drone laws
- Airports (NRS 493.109): operating a drone within 5 miles of an airport is a misdemeanor unless you have the airport operator's consent or an FAA waiver, exemption or authorization, and you must carry that documentation. It covers public airports run by a city, county, town or airport authority, including small rural ones.
- Critical facilities (NRS 493.109 and 493.020): you can't fly within 500 ft horizontally or 250 ft vertically of a critical facility without the owner's written consent. That includes refineries, chemical plants, pipelines, water plants, mines, power plants and substations, some transmission lines, and jails and prisons.
- Trespass (NRS 493.103): a property owner can sue if you fly lower than 250 ft over their property after they've already told you not to. FAA-approved Nevada businesses and licensed surveyors flying within the scope of their work are exempt.
- Weapons (NRS 493.106): a weaponized drone is a felony.
- Police drones (NRS 493.112): police generally need a warrant to use a drone to gather evidence where people expect privacy.
Where you can fly in Nevada
- State parks: Nevada State Parks prohibits drones except in designated areas or with a special permit. See Valley of Fire.
- National park units: banned at Great Basin National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area and other NPS sites, plus the Nevada side of Death Valley.
- BLM land: most of Nevada is BLM land, which generally allows drones outside wilderness areas and TFRs. Some conservation areas, such as Red Rock Canyon, have their own rules.
- Las Vegas: Class B airspace and several airports cover the valley, so the 5-mile airport rule applies across much of the city. See drone laws in Las Vegas.
Before you fly in Nevada
- Check airspace, TFRs and military areas in B4UFLY or Aloft.
- Measure your distance to the nearest airport and critical facility.
- Get written consent before flying near mines and plants.
- Carry your TRUST certificate or Part 107 card.
Desert heat cuts battery life, so fly early or late. A sub-250 g drone like the DJI Mini 5 Pro or Mini 4 Pro needs no recreational registration. Read NRS chapter 493 at the Nevada Legislature site.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
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