Special Park Use Permits
A permit is required for any activity that provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than to the park or the public at large. These activities may include: events, regattas, First Amendment activities, commercial filming, and photography. Many of these require permits and some degree of oversight from National Park Service staff. Application processPermittee will download, complete, and submit a special Park Use Application form to the park. Application forms may be sent via mail (address listed below) or e-mail (preferred) to: masi_special_park_use@nps.gov. Once the Permit Coordinator receives the application, the permittee will receive a follow up e-mail with a link to pay the $50 application fee online, unless previous arrangements are made for payment via check or money orders. Filming2022 Changes to Commercial Filming Permits on Park LandsEffective October 28, 2022 and following a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on October 21, 2022, the National Park Service (NPS) functionally reinstated previous laws and regulations related to commercial filming in national parks. The NPS has rescinded the interim guidance that was in place during litigation and has returned to longstanding laws and regulations governing commercial filming in parks. This means that all commercial filming that occurs within a unit of the National Park System requires a permit. "Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Individual parks may require a permit for non-commercial filming if a permit is necessary to manage the activity to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. More details about filming and permits in parks are available online: Filming & Still Photography Permits (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) What is Commercial Filming?"Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Examples include, but are not limited to, feature film, videography, and documentaries. Commercial filming may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props. Does commercial filming by individuals or small groups require a permit?Federal law requires a permit for all commercial filming, no matter the size of the crew or the type of equipment. This includes individuals or small groups that don’t use much equipment, but generate revenue by posting footage on websites, such as YouTube and TikTok. The primary focus of the NPS, however, is on commercial filming that has the potential to impact park resources and visitors beyond what occurs from normal visitor use of park areas. Examples of this type of filming are productions that use substantial equipment such as sets and lighting, productions with crews that exceed 5 people, and filming in closed areas, wilderness areas, or in locations that would create conflicts with other visitors or harm sensitive resources. All filmers, no matter the size, must comply with all rules that apply in park areas, just like other visitors. Does non-commercial filming require a permit?Individual parks may require a permit for non-commercial filming if necessary to manage the activity, to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. Examples of non-commercial filming include, but are not limited to, filming for tourism bureaus, convention and visitor bureaus, student filming, and filming for personal use and enjoyment. If you have questions about whether a non-commercial film project requires a permit, please contact the park where you intend to film in advance.In most cases, a permit is not necessary for visitors filming for personal enjoyment. Do I need a permit to film?A special use permit is required for any individual, business, or organization (including nonprofit groups and educational institutions) filming for a market audience or receiving compensation associated with footage or recordings made in the park. Some examples insclude:
What fees will I have to pay?The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for Motion Pictures/Videos. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application. In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedule: Motion Pictures/Videos
Filming Permit Application Forms:Governors Island National Monument Filming Application FormCastle Clinton National Monument Filming Application Form Federal Hall Naitonal Memorial Filming Application Form African Burial Ground National Monument Filming Application Form Stonewall National Monument Filming Application Form Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site Filming Application Form General Grant National Memorial Filming Application Form Hamilton Grange National Memorial Filming Application Form Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site Filming Application Form Still PhotographyWhen is a permit needed?In most cases, still photography does not require a permit. A permit is required for still photography only when:
A “model” means a person or object that serves as the subject for still photography for the purpose of promoting the sale or use of a product or service. Models include, but are not limited to, individuals, animals, or inanimate objects, such as vehicles, boats, articles of clothing, and food and beverage products. Portrait subjects, such as wedding parties and high school graduates, are not considered models. What fees will I have to pay?The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for still photography permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application. In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following still photography fee schedule:
Are there other permit requirements?You may be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary. What about photography workshops?If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization. See the commercial use authorization page for more information. How do I apply for a permit?Submit a completed application along with the application fee to the park where you want to film or photograph as far in advance of your planned date as possible. In addition, you should request a meeting with park staff if your proposed activity is unusual or complex. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application in a timely manner. Filming Permit Application FormsGovernors Island National Monument Still Photography Permit Application FormCastle Clinton National Monument Still Photography Permit Application Form Federal Hall National Monument Still Photography Permit Application Form African Burial Ground National Monument Still Photography Permit Application Form Stonewall National Monument Still Photography Permit Application Form Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace N.H.S. Still Photography Permit Application Form General Grant National Memorial Still Photography Permit Application Form Hamilton Grange National Memorial Still Photography Permit Application Form Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site Still Photography Permit Application Form Special Park Use PermitsA special park use is an activity that takes place on park land or waters and meets the following criteria:
Generally, The NPS encourages special park uses that accomplish any or all of the following:
The NPS will not issue special park use permits that:
What Fees are required?The NPS may recover from the permittee all agency costs incurred in processing the application, and monitoring the permitted activity if the request is approved. Costs include, but are not limited to: a $50 non-refundable application fee, staff monitoring, adminstrative costs, electricity use. The permit coordinator will provide the permittee with a cost quote upon request. Actual costs will be billed after the event. Permittees may pay all fees via check, money order or online wiht a credit/debit card. Requesting a Special Use Permit For a Special EventRequests for special use permits for events should be made by submitting an application at least 10 days prior to the date of the planned event. More advance notice is recommended. Please return the appropriate application form from the selection below to request a permit as soon as possible. All questions should be answered as accurately and completely as possible. If hosting an event, please include floor plans, run of shows and specifics on what equipment is needed. This will assist the park in determining the appropriateness of the planned activities and help to estimate NPS costs that may be incurred in managing, facilitating, or supporting the use. Submission of the application form and fee payment does not imply permission for any special use or event. For more information please read the instructions.
Special Park Use Permit Application FormsAfrican Burial Ground National Monument Application Castle Clinton National Monument Application Federal Hall National Memorial Application General Grant National Memorial Application Governors Island National Monument Application Hamilton Grange National Memorial Application Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site Application Stonewall National Monument Application Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site Application First Amendment ActivitiesFirst Amendment activities include freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly. All of these are constitutional rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities and rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources. Each Park has a designated area for First Amendment activities thats listed in the Superintendent's compendium. Requesting a Special Park Use Permit for a First Amendment ActivityA small group, defined as "25 people or less," is not required to obtain a First Amendment permit if it is located within a park designated site and have no more than leaflets, booklets and/or hand held signs.
A large group, defined as "more than 25 people," is required to obtain a First Amendment Permit even if it is utilizing a park designated First Amendment site. Please email the Special Park Use Coordinator (masi_special_park_use@nps.gov) regardless whether a permitted is required. Are there fees associated with First Amendment Activities?There are no cost recovery fees associated with First Amendment permits. First Amendment Permit Application forms:African Burial Ground National Monument Application Castle Clinton National Monument Application Federal Hall National Memorial Application General Grant National Memorial Application Governors Island National Monument Application Hamilton Grange National Memorial Application Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site Application Stonewall National Monument Application Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site Application |
Last updated: April 15, 2024