Permit RequirementsAll commercial filming* requires a permit (36 CFR 5.5 referencing 43 CFR 5.2). *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, television broadcast, or documentary, or other similar projects. Commercial filming activities may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props (43 CFR 5.12). Non-commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit when one or more of the following is true:
(CFR §1.6, Superintendent’s Compendium). Designated Wilderness:Roughly 93% of Death Valley National Park is designated Wilderness. On this Wilderness map, designated Wilderness is shaded purple, non-wilderness is white. You can type “Death Valley National Park” or specific locations (ie “Zabriskie Point”) into the search bar or zoom in manually. Still photography does not require a permit unless:
(36 CFR 5.5 referencing 43 CFR 5.2) *Model means a person or object that serves as the subject for commercial filming or 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, placed on agency lands so that they may be filmed or photographed to promote the sale or use of a product or service. For the purposes of this part, portrait subjects such as wedding parties† and high school graduates are not considered models, if the image will not be used to promote or sell a product or service (43 CFR 5.12). †Wedding ceremonies require a Special Use Permit. Audio Recording does not require a permit unless:
(36 CFR 5.5) News-gathering activities involving filming, videography, or still photography do not require a permit unless:
A permit issued for news-gathering activities is not subject to location fees or cost recovery charges. (43 CFR 5.4) Before ApplyingA complete application is required at least 30 days in advance of your requested dates in order to process a permit. Applicants are encouraged to start the application up to 60 days before their requested date. An application will not be considered complete without dates, times, locations, and equipment. If your application is missing these details, or if they change during the application process, a new application must be submitted. The 30 day window may restart when this happens. Commercial filming and still photography are generally prohibited in designated Wilderness.The Wilderness Act of 1964 authorizes Congress to designate wilderness areas, which are "protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions" and which provide for “outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation”. To meet these goals, the Wilderness Act prohibits certain activities, including many commercial enterprises. Generally, still photography and filming that require a permit under 36 CFR 5.5 are prohibited in the roughly 93% of Death Valley National Park that is designated Wilderness. On this Wilderness map, designated Wilderness is shaded purple, non-wilderness is white. You can type “Death Valley National Park” or specific locations (ie “Zabriskie Point”) into the search bar or zoom in manually. Exceptions may be granted. Areas outside of Wilderness where commercial filming and still photography are generally permitted include:
After reviewing the Wilderness map, contact the Office of Special Park Uses at DEVA_Permits@nps.gov or 760-786-3241 with additional questions. When filming or photographing in Death Valley with a permit, you are subject to all the laws and regulations that apply inside the park. Please read all regulations carefully as your permit application will be denied if it contains any activities prohibited by regulation. Examples of frequently requested activities that are not permitted in a National Park:
You must also comply with the following:
Your permit may require full-time or intermittent monitoring for the protection of resources and visitor experience. This will be determined by the Office of Special Park Uses based on your application. If full-time monitors are required:
See below for fees associated with monitoring. Applying for a Permit
After reviewing your application, we will send you information on insurance requirements for your specific request. However, most film, photography, and audio recording permits require the following:
Note: If your insurance company requires an address for ‘United States of America’, they can list the additional insured as: United States of America
If your activity is approved, a permit containing applicable terms and conditions will be sent you. The permit must be signed by the responsible person and returned to the park for final signature by the Park Superintendent. A fully executed permit containing both signatures is required before the permitted activity may begin. Please have a hard copy or downloaded digital copy of the entire document with you while you are in the park. It is your responsibility to have read and follow all of the conditions listed in your permit. After your permitted activity is concluded, the Office of Special Park Uses will send information on paying remaining cost recovery and location fees. Cost RecoveryNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the National Park Service may recover all costs of providing necessary services associated with special use permits. This amount will vary depending on the size and complexity of your permit but an estimate will be provided to you beforehand and will be included in your signed permit. The following may apply:
Location FeesIn addition to the standard cost recovery the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a location fee for commercial filming, still photography and audio recording permits to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. Location fees do not apply to non-commercial filming or news gathering permits. Still Photography and Audio Recording Location Fee Schedule:1-10 people: $50/day Motion Picture/Video Location Fee Schedule:1-2 people: $0/day Frequently Asked Questions Can't find the answers to your question here? Contact the Office of Special Park Uses at DEVA_permits@nps.gov or 760-786-3241.
The party getting married or conducting a ceremony must have a Special Use Permit. The photographer or videographer does not need a separate permit. Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Death Valley National Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent (approval is usually only granted in extreme or emergency situations). The term “unmanned aircraft” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, and drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. WeatherMake sure to check the weather forecast before your arrival! From May to October, temperatures average over 100o F. All times of the year, temperatures can vary by nearly 40oF depending on your location in the park. The park may average less than 2 inches of rain per year but even a small amount of rain can cause significant damage including road closures. High wind events (30 – 50 mph) are extremely common and will impact what equipment can be used effectively and safely. High winds also cause dust storms that impact visibility and views, as well as power and cell-phone service outages. Internet and Cell ServiceCellphone access within the park is limited. Visitors with certain major carriers find service (though slow and limited) can be found in Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells. Phones typically need to be set to allow for roaming, as the cellphone towers are third-party operated. WiFi is not available at any NPS facility. WiFi can be purchased at The Oasis at Death Valley in Furnace Creek and the Death Valley Lodging Company in Stovepipe Wells. Other helpful linksPhotography Workshops at Death Valley National Park require a Commercial Use Authorization. |
Last updated: October 4, 2024