Drone Information Center
Is there currently a "drone ban" in the U.S.? As of now, all current drone models are legal to use and purchase. There are no bans on current models of drones. You can still use whatever you have, and purchase current models of foreign drones for use.
NOTE: This page is for information ONLY, and in no way is to be taken as legal advice.
ℹ️ SUMMARY: As of now, all current drone models are legal to use and purchase. There are no bans on current models of drones. You can still use whatever you have, and purchase current models of foreign drones for use. Any models introduced after December 22, 2025 are subject to the new regulations. All future, foreign-made drones and components will be added to the FCC "covered list", which means you will not be able to purchase them in the US going forward. There is an exception to this. Any drone on the Blue UAS list (see https://www.diu.mil/blue-uas-cleared-list) is exempt from this scrutiny. Also, "critical components" that qualify as ‘domestic end products’ under the Buy American Standard are exempt.
If you work on projects which are federally funded, the rules are a little different. As of December 22, 2025, you are not allowed to use drones on the "covered list" for federally funded projects, which includes any drones you currently own. DJI and Autel are on the "covered list", so this may affect quite a few people since they are widely used.
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Federally Funded Projects
Previously Authorized Products
New Drones & Critical Components
Product Exceptions
Regulations For Federally Funded Projects
This section is regarding the procurement or use of foreign drones for federal government agencies or on federally funded projects.
If you work on projects which are federally funded, the rules are a little different. As of December 22, 2025, you are not allowed to use drones listed on the "covered list" for federally funded projects, which includes any drones you currently own. DJI and Autel are on the "covered list", so this may affect quite a few people since they are widely used drones.
📆 August 2023
American Security Drone Act of 2023 - Bill (PDF)
🌐https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/473/text
ℹ️ Summary: It didn’t pass as a standalone bill but was later incorporated into the NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 (NDAA FY24).
📆 December 22, 2023
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 (PDF)
🌐https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2670/text
ℹ️ Summary: Sections 1821-1832 (pages 691-699). Section 1825 prohibits using covered drones on federally funded projects. This became active 2 years after NDAA FY24 was enacted (enacted on December 22, 2023 - active on December 22, 2025).
📆 November 2025
MEMORANDUM TO THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES (PDF)
🌐https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/M-26-02-Ensuring-Government-Use-of-Secure-Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems-and-Supporting-United-States-Producers.pdf
ℹ️ Summary: Further guidance provided regarding the ban on foreign drones for government use.
Previously Authorized Products
This section is regarding the FCC expanding its authority to ban previously authorized products.
📆 October 2025
FCC FACT SHEET - Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain through the Equipment Authorization Program (PDF)
🌐https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/04/2025-21928/protecting-against-national-security-threats-to-the-communications-supply-chain-through-the
ℹ️ Summary: Gives the FCC the power to retroactively ban devices which were previously cleared for sale in the US, though they have not exercised this option as of now.
New Drones & Critical Components
This section defines the ban on new drones and critical components released to market after December 22, 2025.
📆 December 22, 2025
PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF UNCREWED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) AND UAS CRITICAL COMPONENTS PRODUCED ABROAD, AND EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES LISTED IN SECTION 1709 OF THE FY2025 NDAA, TO FCC COVERED LIST - Public Notice (PDF)
🌐https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-25-1086A1.pdf
ℹ️ Summary: Bans all future models of foreign drones and critical components along with associated software. This is accomplished by way of the FCC adding these products to the “covered list." Critical components are defined as:
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Data transmission devices
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Communications systems
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Flight controllers
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Ground control stations and UAS controllers
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Navigation systems
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Sensors and Cameras
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Batteries and Battery Management Systems
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Motors
This ban does not affect products currently in use or currently approved by the FCC. It only impacts new products introduced to market after December 22, 2025, which would require FCC approval prior to being released to market.
Product Exceptions
This section revises the previous ban by making exceptions for some products.
📆 January 7, 2026
PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN UNCREWED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) AND UAS CRITICAL COMPONENTS FROM FCC COVERED LIST - Public Notice (PDF)
🌐https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-22A1.pdf
FACT SHEET: FCC Updates Covered List to Exempt Certain Drones from Restrictions, Releases Additional FAQs (PDF)
🌐https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-417528A1.pdf
Buy American Statute (PDF)
🌐https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-D/part-25/subpart-25.1/section-25.101
ℹ️ Summary: Backpedal on total ban. Now drones and critical components on the Blue UAS list and critical components that qualify as ‘domestic end products’ under the Buy American Standard are exempt. These exemptions are currently active until January 1, 2027, but can be extended. The "Buy American standard" dictates that critical components must be manufactured in the United States, and the cost of domestic components shall exceed 65 percent for items delivered in calendar years 2024 through 2028 and 75 percent for items delivered starting in calendar year 2029.