Filming and Still Photography Permits

In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:

• Occurs in areas open to the public;
• Uses hand-carried equipment only;
• Does not require exclusive use of a site;
• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.

Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.

All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.

When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.

Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.

Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

What fees will I have to pay for a permit?

Federal law requires the National Park Service to recover its administrative costs for filming and still photography activities that require a permit. Cost recovery includes the application fee and any additional charges to recover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring the permitted activities. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of the permitted activities. The application fee must be submitted with your application. In addition, Federal law also requires the National Park Service to collect a location fee that provides a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands for filming and for still photography requiring a permit. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography:

Motion Picture/Video:

• 1-2 people, camera & tripod only - $0/day
• 1-10 people - $150/day
• 11-30 people - $250/day
• 31-49 people - $500/day
• Over 50 people - $750/day

Still Photography/Audio Recording:

• 1-10 people - $50/day
• 11-30 people - $150/day
• Over 30 people - $250/day

Permits issued for filming or photography may be subject to cost recovery charges, including application fee, but a separate location fee will not be charged.

What terms and conditions will the permits have?

Filming and photography permits will contain terms and conditions that are necessary to protect park resources and visitors. They will specify the location and time of the activity and the number of personnel and equipment that may be used. The permits also may require you to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You also may be required to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary.

What about photography workshops?

If you are planning a photography workshop as part of a business, you may need a commercial use authorization.

How to ApplyApplying For a Permit:

• A complete application packet must be submitted a minimum of 10 days prior to the requested date
• A required, non-refundable application fee of $160.00 must be submitted with the application packet or you may pay by credit card through Pay.Gov by contacting the park for a Permit Number.
• Priority will not be given to urgent requests

The application packet must include:

• Detailed production schedule and proposed locations
• Detailed cast and crew list including name and role
• Detailed equipment list including model of equipment

If you have questions or would like to request a filming or still photography application, please email us at e-mail us or contact the Permit Office at 970-529-4611.

 

Applications

Please read the Filming Guidelines before contacting the Permit Office.
NPS 10-931 Application Film and Photography (Short Form)2024
NPS 10-932 Application for Film and Photography(Long Form) 2024