Permits

Commercial Filming

Under federal law, all commercial filming that occurs within a unit of the National Park System requires a permit.

"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, and documentaries. Commercial filming may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props.

Federal law requires a permit for all commercial filming, no matter the size of the crew or the type of equipment. The primary focus of the NPS, however, is on commercial filming that has the potential to impact park resources and visitors beyond what occurs from normal visitor use of park areas. Examples of this type of filming are productions that use substantial equipment such as sets and lighting, productions with crews and personnel that exceed 5 people, and filming in closed areas, wilderness areas, or in locations that would create conflicts with other visitors or harm sensitive resources.

Still Photography

In most cases, still photography does not require a permit. A permit is required for still photography only when:

1. the activity takes place in an area closed to the public; or
2. the activity uses a model, set, or prop; or
3. the National Park Service would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

A “model” means a person or object that serves as the subject for 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. 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.

Learn more information about Filming & Still Photography Permits here.

Permits for the National Parks of New York Harbor

Should your activity require a permit the necessary permits for each unit of the National Parks of New York Harbor may be requested through the following means:

Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island:
Permit Office
[phone]

Gateway National Recreation Area:
Permit Information.

African Burial Ground National Monument:
Permit Office
212-825-6990
Email the Permit Office

Castle Clinton National Monument:
Permit Office
212-825-6990
Email the Permit Office

Federal Hall National Memorial:
Permit Office
212-825-6990
Email the Permit Office

General Grant National Memorial:
Permit Office
212-825-6990
Email the Permit Office

Hamilton Grange National Memorial:
Permit Office
212-825-6990
Email the Permit Office

St. Paul's Church National Historic Site:
Permit Office
212-825-6990
Email the Permit Office

Stonewall National Monument
Permit Office
212-825-6990
Email the Permit Office

Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site:
Permit Office
212-825-6990
Email the Permit Office