Padre Island National Park
Commercial Use Applications
Section 418 of the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998, Public Law 105-391 (Section 418), authorizes the National Park Service (NPS) 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). Prior to 2007, these services were typically authorized by the Incidental Business Permit (IBP).
The permit system will apply to all companies providing commercial visitor services to units of the National Park System.
Available documents:
Commercial Use Authorization Program
Information for Applicants
List of Fishing and Nature Oriented Guides Operating within Padre Island National Seashore
Frequently Asked Questions
(1) What is a Commercial Service?
This type of service means accommodations, facilities and services the NPS has determined to be necessary and appropriate for public use and enjoyment of a park area provided to park area visitors for a fee or charge by a person. The fee or charge paid by the visitor may be direct or indirect as part of the provision of comprehensive visitor services.
(2) How do I know if I need this authorization?
You must obtain this authorization if your business will provide a commercial visitor service in national park areas and the service originates and terminates outside of the park unit.
(3) Under what authority can the NPS issue this authorization?
The issuance of a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is authorized by Section 418 of the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998, Public Law 105-391 and Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations 5.3.
(4) Who do I contact if I have questions?
We recommend that you contact the CUA Coordinator at 361-949-9238, extension 33 or write to CUA Coordinator, P.O. Box 181300, Corpus Christi, Texas 78480-1300 if you have questions relating to the application process.
(5) How do I apply?
First read the entire application packet for full details. Applicants must complete the application form in full, include payment, insurance and other applicable documentation and mail it to National Park Service, CUA Coordinator, P.O. Box 181300, Corpus Christi, Texas 78480-1300. Applications will be processed upon receipt and if approved, a permit will be issued after all required documentation has been submitted. Permits are not automatically renewed, applicants must reapply each year.
(6) How long does it take to process my application?
The time to process an application can vary. It may take up to 1 month if your application is incomplete, the fees are not included with your submission, the insurance verification is not received by our office and/or if you are applying for a service that has not been pre-determined to be necessary and appropriate.
(7) May I apply without having all required documentation such as proof of insurance?
Yes. If you are in the process of obtaining insurance or other required documentation, please send in your completed application and fee payment. Your application will be processed and if approved, the permit will be issued at the time we receive all required documentation.
(8) Are annual reports due?
Yes. An annual report must be submitted each year that the permit is active reporting on the previous year’s activities. The reporting form will be attached to your permit.
(9) Are there any special requirements pertaining to visits to the National Park Service sites?
Yes. Each park has special requirements that will be attached to your permit. The requirements will be sent based on which park/s you select for your permit.
