Minnesota Commercial Drone Aircraft Registration Requirements

Minnesota is one of the few states requiring state aircraft registration for commercial drones. Under Minn. Stat. 360.55, every aircraft including UAS used for commercial purposes must be registered annually with the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics, with a registration tax based on value. Operators must hold an FAA Part 107 certificate, follow Part 107 operating limits, and obtain waivers for night, beyond-line-of-sight, or over-people operations. State law preempts local airspace regulation but allows local governments to restrict drone takeoff and landing from city-owned land. Failure to register is a misdemeanor under Minn. Stat. 360.075.

Unregistered commercial UAS operations may face misdemeanor charges, FAA enforcement, and back registration tax with penalties under Minn. Stat. 360.55 and 360.65.