Commercial Filming & Photography Permits

NPS Photo

 

 

Do I need a permit to film?

Effective October 28, 2022, the National Park Service (NPS) has rescinded interim guidance that was in place during litigation regarding commercial filming and has returned to longstanding laws and regulations governing commercial filming in parks.

NPS Filming and Still Photgraphy Information

Application Form

Submit a Still Photography Application to the Division of Permits Management in person or via mail or FAX:

Email Special Use Permit Coordinator

Mailing Address for Permit Applications:

Attn: Special Use Permit Coordinator
Flight 93 National Memorial
P.O.Box 911
Shanksville, PA 15560

Applications can be delivered Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, by mail or email. Applications are accepted up to one year in advance and a minimum of two weeks from the activity.

Permit applications for locations in the park are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and are date and time stamped upon arrival for documentation of order received.

Application Processing Cost

A non-refundable application processing cost of $50 is required with the submission of the Still Photography Application. Follow the instructions on the application form for submitting a payment by credit card, check, or money order.

Laws and Regulations

All activities in park areas – including filming even if a permit is not required – must comply with all visitor use regulations in 36 C.F.R., including but not limited to those prohibiting resource damage (36 C.F.R. § 2.1), protecting wildlife (36 C.F.R. § 2.2) or mitigating audio disturbances (36 C.F.R. § 2.12), and any restrictions on visitor use in the park’s compendium, such as restrictions on the use of unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones). Filming of any kind may not occur in closed areas without written authorization. Filming activities may not violate applicable laws, such as the Endangered Species Act, the Archeological Resources Protection Act, or the Wilderness Act. All filming must comply with laws protecting the NPS’s intellectual property, such as laws and regulations governing the use of the NPS Arrowhead and images of NPS employees.The organizer of any other type of filming activity must provide written notice to the Superintendent at least 10 days prior to the start of the proposed activity. Based upon the information provided, the Superintendent may require the organizer to apply for and obtain a permit if necessary, to:
• maintain public health and safety.
• protect environmental or scenic values.
• protect natural or cultural resources.
• allow for equitable allocation and use of facilities; or
• avoid conflict among visitor use activities.

If the Superintendent determines that the terms and conditions of a permit could not mitigate the concerns identified above in an acceptable manner, the Superintendent may deny a filming request without issuing a permit.

The Superintendent will provide the basis for denial in writing upon request.The NPS will consider requests and process permit applications in a timely manner. Processing times will vary depending on the complexity of the proposed activity.

If the organizer provides the required 10-day advance notice to the NPS and has not received a written response from the NPS that a permit is required prior to the first day of production, the proposed filming activities may occur without a permit.

The following are prohibited:

(1) Engaging in a filming activity without providing advance notice to the Superintendent when required.
(2) Engaging in a filming activity without a permit if [the activity takes place in areas managed as wilderness or if the Superintendent has notified the organizer in writing that a permit is required.
(3) Violating a term and condition of a permit issued under this action.