If you are uncertain whether your project requires a permit, please contact the Permits Office (304-535-6232) or email harpersferry_permits@nps.gov for additional information.
If you already know that your project does not require a permit, you can call the office to check the park schedule and avoid conflicts with other activities.
In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
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Occurs in areas open to the public;
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Uses hand-carried equipment only;
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Does not require exclusive use of a site;
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Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
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Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.
Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.
To apply for a permit, download and complete the Word document application:
Application for Commercial Filming / Still Photography Special Use Permit
Application for Commercial Filming / Still Photography Special Use Permit Short Form
Mail to the address on the application, along with a non-refundable processing fee of $50 (check, cashier's check, or money order). You can also email the completed permit application to harpersferry_permits@nps.gov. Please submit a completed application to the park a minimum of one month in advance of your planned filming date.
If you have questions, please contact the Permits Office at 304-535-6232 or harpersferry_permits@nps.gov.
