Yes, you can fly a drone in Vermont. 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. Since 2024, hobby pilots can't fly lower than 100 ft over private land without the owner's written consent. State parks and forests need written approval for takeoff and landing, and recreational drones aren't allowed on Fish and Wildlife land.
Do you need a drone license in Vermont?
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: Burlington International is Class C, and the Vermont Air National Guard flies from it. Use LAANC and stay at or below 400 ft.
Vermont state drone laws (20 V.S.A. chapter 205)
- Private property (20 V.S.A. 4626, 2024): you may not fly for hobby or recreational purposes lower than 100 ft over privately owned land without the owner's prior written consent. You also can't use a drone to record private property or the people on it without written consent, in violation of their reasonable expectation of privacy. Violations carry civil penalties.
- Prisons (4625): knowingly flying over a correctional facility or its marked grounds is a civil violation with a fine of up to $500. FAA-authorized commercial operators are among the exceptions.
- FAA compliance (4623): all drone use must comply with FAA rules.
- Police drones (4622): law enforcement generally needs a warrant to use drones in criminal investigations and can't use them to surveil peaceful protests.
- Wildlife: Fish and Wildlife rules ban using drones to hunt, to locate or surveil an animal you plan to take, or to drive or harass wildlife.
Where you can fly in Vermont
- State parks and state forests: the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation doesn't allow drones to take off or land without the Commissioner's written approval through a special use permit or license. Commercial work always needs a permit.
- Fish and Wildlife lands: recreational drone use is prohibited on wildlife management areas and fishing access areas.
- Green Mountain National Forest: generally allowed outside wilderness areas and TFRs. Drones are banned on the Appalachian Trail corridor.
- Town land: some towns, such as Colchester, restrict drones in town parks.
Before you fly in Vermont
- Check airspace and TFRs in B4UFLY or Aloft.
- Get written consent before flying under 100 ft over private land.
- Launch from land where takeoff is allowed, not a state park or WMA.
- Carry your TRUST certificate or Part 107 card.
Fall foliage is a popular time to fly, so plan launch spots early. A sub-250 g drone like the DJI Mini 5 Pro or Mini 4 Pro needs no recreational registration. Read the chapter at the Vermont Legislature, and see drone laws by state.
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 →
