Commercial Use Authorizations

Woman kayaking through icy Alaskan waters
A kayaker maintains a safe distance while navigating the icy waters in front of Bear Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.

NPS Photo/Fiona Ritter-Davis

Section 418 of the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998, Public Law 105-391, authorizes the National Park Service to issue Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) to persons (referring to individuals, corporations, and other entities) to provide commercial services to park area visitors in limited circumstances. CUAs provide a means to authorize suitable commercial services to visitors in park areas. The CUA is used to provide for incidental use of park area resources by operators who provide commercial services originating and terminating outside of the park area (Out-of-Park-Services). The term of a CUA may not exceed two years and no preferential right of renewal or similar provisions for renewal may be provided.

CUA Program Updates & Fee Changes

Visit CUA Program Updates for park-specific program announcements, updates, and fee changes.

How to Apply for a CUA

NPS is excited to announce the development of an online CUA system designed to standardize, modernize, and streamline the CUA application process. The system allows potential CUA applicants and CUA holders to view all available CUA opportunities, apply for CUAs, submit required CUA reports (Annual Report Form 10-660), and pay CUA fees. (See notification letter for details specific to Interior Region 11 - Alaska.)

Beginning in the 2025 season, CUA applicants must use the online system to apply for a CUA in Interior Region 11 - Alaska park units. Links and details will be provided in the fall of 2024.

Application Period - November 1st through April 30th
  • CUA applications will be accepted through the new CUA Online Application System beginning November 2024 until April 30, 2025.

  • Watch this instructional video to learn more about the new online application system.
  • Stipulations for Operating Under a CUA - Commercial Use Authorizations are subject to permit conditions/stipulations. Review the National, Regional, and Park-specific conditions for operating under a CUA.

CUA Reporting

Each permit year, CUA holders are required to submit two types of reports, the Annual Report (Form 10-660) and Activity Reports for each park unit in which the holder was authorized to operate. Beginning with the 2023 season, CUA holders in Alaska will use the online Visitor Use Reporting system (VURn) to submit Activity Report information as required by CUA permit conditions.

Visit the CUA Reporting webpage to access the online system, user guides, visitor use area maps, and more.

Laws, Regulations, Policies









Doing Business with the Parks

Please visit the individual park websites below for more information about operating in the National Parks.

Last updated: August 28, 2024