Do You Need a Permit to Fly a Drone in NYC?

The Short Answer

If you want to take off or land a drone anywhere in New York City outside of the five designated model aircraft fields, you need an NYPD Unmanned Aircraft Permit. This applies regardless of whether your flight is commercial or recreational, regardless of the size or weight of your drone, and regardless of how brief the flight will be.

What the Permit Covers

The NYPD permit authorizes a specific takeoff and landing site on specific dates and times. It does not grant blanket authorization to fly anywhere in NYC. Each approved application results in the Department of Transportation temporarily designating the proposed ground location as an authorized takeoff and landing site under Admin Code 10-126.

A single application may include up to five combinations of proposed dates, times, and locations.

Who Is Exempt

Under 38 RCNY 24-02(b), a permit is not required for:

• Designated model aircraft fields: Calvert Vaux Park (Brooklyn), Marine Park (Brooklyn), Flushing Meadows Corona Park (Queens), Forest Park (Queens), and LaTourette Park (Staten Island)
• Government operations: Public aircraft operated by government agencies under an FAA Certificate of Authorization
• Emergency response: Operations by government agencies or volunteer fire departments during emergencies

If you are a private individual or business, the designated fields are the only exemption available to you.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the NYPD Unmanned Aircraft Application Portal at nyc.gov/dronepermits. The process requires:

• A completed application with personal identification
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate for every proposed operator
• FAA aircraft registration
• Proof of insurance meeting the $2M/$4M threshold
• A data privacy policy and cybersecurity policy
• Description of the proposed operation, including purpose, location, altitude, and duration

The Insurance Requirement

The insurance threshold is the most demanding element. You need Commercial General Liability plus Drone Aviation Liability coverage with minimum limits of $2,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate. The City of New York must be named as additional insured at 1 Police Plaza, New York, NY 10038. The insurer must carry an A.M. Best rating of at least A- / VII.

This requirement is substantially higher than many other U.S. jurisdictions and represents a significant cost for operators, particularly those planning only occasional flights.

Timeline and Fees

• Standard track: Submit at least 30 days before the earliest proposed flight date
• Expedited track: 14-day review available if every proposed operator was listed on a previously issued permit within the preceding 180 days, and no prior permits were revoked for non-compliance
• Application fee: $150, non-refundable
• Advance limit: Applications may be filed up to 180 days before the proposed date

What Happens After Approval

On the day of the flight, every operator must carry the permit, FAA Part 107 documentation, FAA registration certificate, and insurance policy, all available for inspection on request by any law enforcement officer.

If the operation involves capturing images, video, or audio, the permit holder must notify the relevant community board and post physical notices within 100 feet of the site at least 48 hours before the flight.

What If Your Application Is Denied

The NYPD must provide the basis for denial. Grounds include incomplete applications, material misrepresentation, proposed violations of law, insufficient FAA credentials, and unreasonable danger to health or safety. Applicants may file a written appeal within 30 days of the denial through the portal or by contacting DronePermits@nypd.org.