Part 107 in New York City: The NYPD Drone Permit

New York City adds a ground rule that catches many Part 107 pilots. Since July 21, 2023, you need a permit from the NYPD before taking off or landing a drone anywhere in the five boroughs. An FAA airspace authorization such as LAANC covers the airspace. It does not give you permission to launch from city ground, so a legal NYC job can need both.

How does the NYC permit process work?

According to the NYPD's announcement, the city's rules (38 RCNY Chapter 24) work like this:

1. Apply through the NYPD Online Services Portal at nyc.gov/dronepermits.
2. Include proof that each proposed operator is licensed by the FAA to fly drones.
3. Apply 30 days before the earliest proposed takeoff or landing, except in limited circumstances.
4. Approved permits are made available electronically 48 hours before the scheduled flight.

What do you need to carry?

When flying with a permit, the NYPD says operators must have these available for inspection on request:

The NYPD says operating without a permit, flying recklessly or using a drone in a crime can lead to a summons or arrest, and the drone may be seized.

Is this a New York State law?

No. This is a New York City rule. Outside the city, the city permit does not apply, though other local and park rules can. Before the 2023 rules, takeoffs and landings in the city were limited to locations designated by the Department of Transportation and to model aircraft fields designated by the Parks Department.

What federal rules matter in New York City?

The city sits under the New York Class B airspace around JFK, LaGuardia and Newark, so nearly every flight needs authorization under §107.41. The LAANC guide covers that step. Crowded streets bring operations over people into almost every shoot, and VIP movements and events generate temporary flight restrictions; see the restricted airspace post.

A worked example

A Brooklyn brand wants rooftop video in three weeks. You get LAANC for the altitude you need, but the NYPD asks for permit applications 30 days ahead, so on this timeline you either push the shoot back or rely on the limited circumstances the city allows. Plan NYC jobs a month out.

What this means for the exam

The NYC permit is not on the FAA test. The Class B airspace over the city is a classic sectional chart exercise.

Other states are compared in the state drone laws guide, and New Jersey's own rules are in the New Jersey post.

The city asks for insurance even though Part 107 does not; the drone insurance post explains the difference.