See below for information on obtaining a Commercial Use Authorization, Filming Permit, Special Use Permit, or Research Permit.
Commercial Use Authorizations
A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a permit that authorizes suitable commercial services to park area visitors in limited circumstances. A CUA may be issued only to authorize services that
(1) are determined to be an appropriate use of the park;
(2) will have minimal impact on park resources and values; and
(3) are consistent with the purpose for which the unit was established, as well as all applicable management plans and park policies and regulations.
The following services in Death Valley National Park will need a permit. If your service/activity is not listed here, please contact the Concessions Management Office at 760-786-3241.
Guided Hiking
Guided Bicycle
Horse & Pack Animal
Backcountry Camping
Guided Motorcycle
Photography & Art Workshops
Drive-in Campground (Commercial Tour)
Guided 4-Wheel Drive
CUAs are also required for all commercial tours in Death Valley National Park. A Commercial Tour is defined as "consists of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure/recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of this service."
Commercial Tours
2011 Commercial Use Authorizations
CUA holders from 2011 are required to submit a Year end-Report which is due when all trips have been completed for 2011. Reports can be returned via mail.
2012 Commercial Use Authorizations Applications for 2012 Commercial Use Authorizations are currently being accepted. Application forms, application instructions for CUA activities can be downloaded below. Please contact the CUA Program Manager at 760-786-3241, or click here to email, if the requested activity does not fall into the above designated categories or if you need further information.
Filming Permits
Commercial filming or photography requires a filming permit. Permits are not required for visitors using cameras and/or recording devices for personal use, and they are not required for film or video news crews at breaking news events.
The application for photography and filming is required to evaluate a permit request. Click here for the short form (smaller productions) and here for the long form(more detailed productions).
The completed form should be mailed to the Special Park Uses Coordinator at the address shown on the application form.
The Filming Guidelines (48k PDF) is designed to answer specific questions about the permit process, fees, bonds, insurance, and closures/restrictions.
For questions about commercial filming/photography permits, call the Special Park Uses Coordinator at 760-786-3241 or to email, click here.
Special Use Permits
A special-use permit is required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large, and that require some degree of management from the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest.
Special-use permits are required for events such as: weddings, ceremonies, First Amendment activities, festivals, concerts, cultural programs, sporting events, and public spectator attractions. You may download an Application for Special Use Permit (67k PDF).
For information on sporting events, click on the following links, depending on the event:
Sporting Events - Bicycle
Sporting Events - Running
For questions about special-use permits, call the Special Park Uses Coordinator at 760-786-3241 or to email, click here.
Research Permits
To apply for a scientific research and collecting permit on the National Park Service's "Research Permit and Reporting System" website, go to http://science.nature.nps.gov/research. The RPRS website has information on the necessary procedures and requirements.
