Drone Regulations in Wyoming: 2025 Guide

Wyoming drone operators must follow a three-layer ruleset: FAA federal rules apply to every flight, SF 32 (2023) bans flights over prisons, and SF 132 (2025) adds criminal penalties for flying over critical infrastructure. Wyoming does not have a state drone permit system. Begin with FAA registration, then verify state and local prohibitions before flying.

Quick Answer: What Drone Rules Apply in Wyoming?

Wyoming drone law consists of federal, state, and local rules. Federal regulations are the foundation, state statutes add specific criminal prohibitions, and local ordinances can add further restrictions.

Federal baseline: FAA rules under 14 CFR Part 107 govern all drone flights in Wyoming. The FAA has exclusive sovereignty over U.S. airspace under 49 U.S.C. § 40103. While Wyoming cannot override FAA operational rules, it can criminalize ground-level conduct related to drone use.

State layer: Wyoming has two drone-specific statutes. SF 32 (2023), enrolled as Chapter 131, prohibits operating drones over state penal institutions. SF 132 (2025), enrolled as Chapter 112, creates criminal liability for drone operations that interfere with or surveil critical infrastructure. Neither law creates a state permit; both establish criminal offenses.

Local layer: Wyoming law does not preempt municipalities from enacting their own drone ordinances. Consult the Wyoming Attorney General's office for a current preemption analysis. Cities and counties may have rules restricting drone use in parks or public spaces. Check local ordinances before flying within any incorporated area.

Federal vs. State vs. Local Jurisdiction at a Glance

FAA Requirements That Apply to Every Wyoming Drone Flight

All drone operations in Wyoming must comply with federal regulations.

Registration

Any drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA through the DroneZone portal. The fee is $5 for a three-year term. Recreational flyers register under the Exception for Recreational Flyers; commercial operators register under Part 107 (14 CFR Part 107.13).

Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Commercial Use)

Flying for any business purpose requires a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. To obtain one, an applicant must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center, pass a TSA security screening, and complete biennial recurrent training to maintain currency (14 CFR Part 107.65). Consult testing providers for current exam fees.

TRUST Test (Recreational Flyers)

Recreational flyers must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). The test is free, administered online by FAA-approved providers, and required before flight.

Core Operational Rules Under Part 107

• Maximum altitude: 400 feet above ground level (AGL), or within 400 feet of a structure (14 CFR Part 107.51).
• Daylight and civil twilight operations only; anti-collision lighting is required for civil twilight flights (14 CFR Part 107.29).
• The pilot must maintain a visual line of sight (VLOS) with the drone at all times, unless an FAA waiver is obtained (14 CFR Part 107.31).
• No flight over moving vehicles or people without a waiver or specific operational category authorization (14 CFR Part 107.39, 107.145).

LAANC Authorization for Controlled Airspace

Flights in controlled airspace near airports require authorization. The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system provides automated authorization for flights below published altitude ceilings. Wyoming airports in controlled airspace include Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS), Casper/Natrona County International Airport (CPR), and Sheridan County Airport (SHR). Check the FAA UAS Data Delivery System or a LAANC-enabled app for current airspace data before flying near any airport.

Waivers for BVLOS and Night Operations

Beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations and certain night operations require a manual FAA waiver. Applications are submitted through the FAA DroneZone. Processing times average 90 days, so apply well in advance of the planned operation.

Remote ID Compliance

All drones required to be registered must comply with the FAA's Remote ID rule. Drones must either have built-in Remote ID broadcast capability or be equipped with an FAA-accepted Remote ID broadcast module. Drones without Remote ID capability are restricted to flight within FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs).

Wyoming State Drone Statutes: What the Law Actually Says

SF 32 (2023), Chapter 131: Drones Over Penal Institutions

SF 32 prohibits operating an unmanned aircraft over a Wyoming penal institution. The statute covers state correctional facilities operated by the Wyoming Department of Corrections. The specific definitions of covered facilities, applicable penalties, and any altitude or distance restrictions are detailed in the enrolled act. For compliance, consult the official text of Chapter 131 at wyoleg.gov or contact the Wyoming Attorney General's office.

SF 132 (2025), Chapter 112: Critical Infrastructure Protections

SF 132 creates criminal prohibitions on using drones to interfere with, surveil, or operate over critical infrastructure. The precise statutory definition of "critical infrastructure," the specific prohibited acts, and the associated criminal penalties are defined in the enrolled act. This text must be reviewed for compliance. Do not rely on summaries.

Key details to verify from the enrolled text of Chapter 112:

• Whether the law establishes a fixed distance or altitude buffer around facilities or if liability depends on operator intent.
• The criminal penalty classification (misdemeanor or felony) and fine amounts.
• The statute's effective date.

Enforcement authority for SF 32 and SF 132 likely resides with state and county law enforcement. Consult the enrolled acts for specific enforcement provisions.

Privacy and Surveillance

Wyoming does not have a drone-specific privacy or surveillance statute. However, general criminal statutes related to trespass and surveillance may apply to drone operations. Consult Wyoming Statutes Title 6 (Crimes and Offenses) and Title 7 (Criminal Procedure), and contact the Wyoming Attorney General's office for guidance.

Municipal Preemption

Wyoming law does not explicitly prohibit municipalities from enacting drone ordinances. Local restrictions may exist alongside state law. Consult the Wyoming Attorney General's office for a current legal analysis on preemption.

What Changed Recently: 2023–2025 Wyoming Drone Legislation

SF 132 (2025): The Big Change for Infrastructure Operators

SF 132, assigned Chapter 112, is a significant change for commercial drone operators in Wyoming, especially those in the energy, utility, and telecommunications sectors. The statute creates new criminal liability for drone operations near or over critical infrastructure. An FAA authorization to fly in a given airspace does not override a state criminal law prohibiting the flight's conduct. Operators must review the enrolled text of Chapter 112 before flying near any facility that could qualify as critical infrastructure. Confirm the statute's effective date from the official text.

SF 32 (2023): Now in Effect

The prohibition on drone flights over state correctional facilities has been in effect since 2023. Operators flying near a Wyoming Department of Corrections facility must ensure compliance with the statute's provisions. Contact the Wyoming Department of Corrections for facility boundary information if needed.

Federal Context: FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Pub. L. 118-63) extends FAA funding and includes provisions related to UAS integration, such as developing standards for beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Operators pursuing large-scale commercial BVLOS operations should monitor FAA rulemaking and contact the FAA Cheyenne Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) for guidance.

What to Watch

Monitor the Wyoming Legislature's future sessions for new drone-related bills via the legislative website (wyoleg.gov) or OpenStates. The Wyoming Aeronautics Division may also issue guidance; check the WYDOT website for updates.

No-Fly Zones and Restricted Areas in Wyoming

Controlled Airspace Around Wyoming Airports

Flights near airports in controlled airspace require LAANC or manual FAA authorization.

Always verify current airspace data using the FAA B4UFLY app or the FAA UAS Data Delivery System before flight.

National Parks: Yellowstone and Grand Teton

The National Park Service prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones in all national parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton, without a Special Use Permit (36 CFR § 1.5). Permits are granted infrequently for scientific research or commercial filming. Contact the specific park's permit office for information.

National Forests

Drone use is generally allowed on National Forest System lands, such as the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests, unless a specific closure order is in effect. Restrictions apply in designated wilderness areas and near active wildfires. Contact the relevant Forest Supervisor's office before flying to verify local conditions and restrictions.

BLM Land

Bureau of Land Management land is generally open to drone use. Site-specific restrictions apply near active fire operations, sensitive wildlife habitats, or in other specially managed areas. Check with the local BLM field office for current restrictions.

State-Created Restrictions

Wyoming's prohibitions on flights over penal institutions (SF 32) and critical infrastructure (SF 132) are not mapped in FAA systems like B4UFLY or LAANC. Operators are solely responsible for identifying these locations and complying with state law.

Temporary Flight Restrictions

Wildfires, common from June through September, often result in Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). TFRs are also used for public safety events and VIP movements. Check the FAA's TFR map at tfr.faa.gov before every flight.

How to Check Restrictions

• FAA B4UFLY app: General airspace information and advisories.
• LAANC: Authorization and airspace data for controlled airspace.
• FAA UAS Data Delivery System (udds.faa.gov): Authoritative airspace data.
• FAA TFR map (tfr.faa.gov): Active temporary restrictions.
• Wyoming Statutes (wyoleg.gov): For SF 32 and SF 132 restrictions.

Permit Fees, Timelines, and Requirements Comparison

Wyoming's SF 32 and SF 132 are criminal prohibitions, not permit systems. There is no state application or fee. Compliance requires avoiding the prohibited flight activity.

Next Steps and Who to Contact in Wyoming

Compliance Checklist

1. Register your drone with the FAA at faadronezone.faa.gov.
2. Obtain an FAA Part 107 certificate for commercial flights or complete the TRUST test for recreational flights.
3. Check airspace using FAA B4UFLY and obtain LAANC authorization if needed.
4. Review the enrolled acts of SF 32 (2023) and SF 132 (2025) to ensure your flight avoids prohibited areas.
5. Obtain a Special Use Permit before flying in a National Park or National Forest.
6. Check tfr.faa.gov for Temporary Flight Restrictions before every flight.
7. Check local city and county ordinances for additional restrictions.

Key Contacts

FAA Cheyenne Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) Use the official FSDO locator at faa.gov to find the current address and phone number for the office serving Wyoming.

FAA DroneZone faadronezone.faa.gov — For registration, waiver applications, and Part 107 certificate management.

Wyoming Attorney General's Office For legal interpretations of SF 132 and SF 32. Contact information is at ago.wyo.gov.

Wyoming Department of Corrections For information on the boundaries of facilities covered by SF 32. Contact via doc.wyo.gov.

Wyoming Aeronautics Division (WYDOT) For state-level aviation policy and guidance. Contact information is at dot.wyo.gov/aeronautics.

National Park Service: Yellowstone For Special Use Permit inquiries, contact the park's permit office via nps.gov/yell.

National Park Service: Grand Teton For Special Use Permit inquiries, contact the park's permit office via nps.gov/grte.

USFS Bridger-Teton National Forest Supervisor's office contact information is at fs.usda.gov/btnf.

USFS Shoshone National Forest Supervisor's office contact information is at fs.usda.gov/shoshone.