Commercial Use Authorizations

New Application Process for 2024

Redwood is now using the online application system to process applications for the 2024 season. For more information, please visit the Commercial Use Authorization Portal.

Road-based commercial tours will still apply using the form and will move into an online system in 2025.

 

What is a Commercial Use Authorization?

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service. It authorizes you to conduct commercial activities and to provide specific visitor services within a national park. We will only issue CUAs for activities that:

• are an appropriate use of national park areas;
• will have minimal impact on park resources and values; and
• are consistent with the park’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.

You must have a CUA if you or your organization provide services that:

• take place at least in part in the national park area,
• use park resources, and
• result in monetary gain.

PL 105-391, Section 418 and 36 CFR 5.3 require NPS to issue and charge a reasonable fee for CUAs. You may not conduct commercial activities in the park without a valid CUA or in a manner inconsistent with the terms of the CUA.

What are the Fees?

Application Fee:
$350

Market Price Fee Schedule:

If your gross receipts are:

<$250,000, there will be 3% fee of gross receipts (minus the application fee) 

$250,000 to $500,000 - 4% fee of gross receipts (minus application fee) 

>$500,000 - 5% fee of gross receipts (minus application fee)

These fees will be calculated from the annual report form, due on January 31st of each year. If applying through the online portal, you will need to upload your annual data there.

Forms and Contact Information

Commercial Use Application

CY22 Annual Report Form

CY23 Annual Report Form

Visitor Acknowledgement of Risk Template


Permit Coordinator
[e-mail]

How do I apply for a CUA?

Applying and Paying:

• All applicants except road-based commercial tours: Please apply through the online portal
  • For a preview of the portal, view this video: Video (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
• Road-based commercial tours: E-mail your completed, signed application and a legible copy of your certificate of insurance to [e-mail].
• Once your application and insurance have been received, instructions for paying all applicable fees at Pay.gov will be forwarded via email. Please allow 14 business days to process your application once all application materials and fees have been processed.

Insurance and Risk Waivers:

• Download the visitor acknowledgement of risk form (VAR) if you provide high-risk services. You may advise visitors of risks associated with the activity through the use of the VAR but CUA holders cannot require visitors to sign a waiver of liability statement, insurance disclaimer, or indemnification agreement.
• Please note that all CUA holders must carry appropriate liability insurance and provide the NPS with proof of that insurance. You also may be required to hold other types of liability insurance depending on the type of CUA you have (e.g., commercial automobile insurance). Refer to the CUA insurance guidance for more information regarding these additional requirements and refer to the application materials for the specific type of CUA for which you are applying for more information.