How to Apply for an NYPD Drone Permit Step by Step (2026)
Quick Answer: Apply at dronepermits.nypdonline.org (reachable via NYC.gov/DronePermits). Create an account, then complete the seven portal sections — Applicant Details, Operators, Visual Observers, Drone Details, Flight Details, Affirmation, and the $150 payment. File at least 30 days before your flight (14 days if you qualify as a repeat applicant).
The NYPD Unmanned Aircraft (UA) Take-off/Landing Permit application is filed entirely online. This guide walks through the official portal workflow documented in the NYPD Applicant User Guide, from creating your account to receiving your submission confirmation. Have every supporting document ready before you begin — the NYPD only reviews complete applications, and reviewing each application in the order received.
Before You Start: Gather Your Documents
Incomplete applications are not reviewed (38 RCNY § 24-03(f)). Assemble these items first:
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate for every operator and alternate operator
- FAA aircraft registration certificate (FA3XXXXXXX) for each drone weighing 0.55 lb (250 g) or more
- Aviation liability insurance certificate: $2,000,000 per occurrence / $4,000,000 aggregate, naming the City of New York as Additional Insured
- LAANC authorization screenshot or FAA DroneZone authorization for your location and altitude
- Data privacy policy and cybersecurity policy (or a description of practices for each)
- Government-issued photo ID for the applicant and each operator
- A proposed community notice draft if any drone will capture images, video, or audio
Step 1 — Create Your Portal Account
Navigate to NYC.gov/DronePermits, which redirects to dronepermits.nypdonline.org. Click "Sign up now," enter a valid email address, and request a verification code. Enter the code, then your first and last names, and choose a password of 8–64 characters that includes at least three of: a lowercase letter, an uppercase letter, a digit, and a symbol. Click "Create," then "Continue" to reach your Profile Page. Create the account well in advance — reviewers use your profile to reach you if your application needs correction.
Step 2 — Begin a New Application
After logging in you will see four areas: My Applications in Draft, My Submitted Applications, Begin an Appeal, and Appeals in Progress. Click the blue "Create" button at the top right, then "Begin" to enter the workflow. The application is divided into sequential sections.
Step 3 — Work Through the Seven Sections
| Section | What You Provide |
|---|---|
| 1. Applicant Details | Name, date of birth, address, contact info; upload photo ID, insurance policies, data privacy policy, cybersecurity policy, and the proposed community notice (if capturing imagery). Indicate whether you are applying on behalf of a business entity. |
| 2. Proposed Operator(s) | For each operator and alternate: name, DOB, address, contact, photo ID, and FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. |
| 3. Visual Observer(s) | For each VO: name, DOB, address, contact, and photo ID. |
| 4. Drone Details | Make, model, year of manufacture, weight, registered owner, serial number, FAA registration number; attach the registration certificate and any Part 107 waivers. |
| 5. Flight Details | Take-off and landing location, date and time, flight path, maximum AGL altitude (must match your LAANC/DroneZone authorization), and purpose. A single application allows up to 5 date/time/location combinations. |
| 6. Affirmation | Confirm all answers are complete and accurate, that the operator is responsible for safe operation, and that all operators will comply with federal, state, and local law. |
| 7. Payment | Pay the $150 non-refundable fee via the secure payment gateway. |
Add each operator, observer, and drone individually with the "Add" buttons, clicking "Submit" after each entry, then "Next" to advance.
Submission Is Not a Permit
After payment, the portal confirms submission and sends an automated confirmation email with an invoice. Your application appears under "My Submitted Applications" with a reference number. This acknowledges receipt only — do not plan to fly until the official permit is issued. Printable permits become available in the portal within 48 hours of your first proposed flight, and you must log in to confirm your permit is still approved immediately before take-off.
Common Mistakes That Delay Approval
- Submitting fewer than 30 days before the flight (14 days only if you qualify as a repeat applicant)
- An insurance certificate that omits "City of New York" as Additional Insured or shows limits below $2M/$4M
- Missing a data privacy or cybersecurity policy — a requirement unique to NYC
- A name mismatch between the FAA certificate and the applicant
- Altitude requested that exceeds the LAANC ceiling without a DroneZone authorization
Submit 5–7 days earlier than the minimum deadline so you have time to correct any deficiency notice before your flight date.
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