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Commercial Use Authorizations

What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)?

• A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service that authorizes an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park area. The National Park Service will only issue CUAs for commercial activities and visitor services that:
  • Are determined to be an appropriate use of the National Mall and Memorial Parks;
  • Will have minimal impact on National Mall and Memorial Parks’ resources and values; and are consistent with the National Mall and Memorial Parks’ purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.
• A CUA is required if you, as an individual, organization, or company, provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:
  • Take place at least in part in the National Mall and Memorial Parks,
  • Use park resources, and result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.
• Businesses and individuals may not conduct commercial activities in the park without a valid CUA or in a manner inconsistent with the terms of the CUA.

 

How much does a CUA cost?

• Authorized Commercial Activities
  • Annual Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee for CUAs is $200. This fee is due at application submission.

 

How do I apply for a CUA?

• Step 1
  • Download and complete the CUA Application. The National Mall and Memorial Parks only accepts CUA applications for the commercial activities listed below. Select an authorized activity to download the special conditions for each type of CUA:
    • Pedicab Tours and Transportation
    • Water Transportation Landing
• Step 2
  • Submit the signed application, authorized activity special conditions, and any additionally required documentation via email or mail to:
  • National Mall and Memorial Parks
    Concessions Management Department
    900 Ohio Drive SW
    Washington, DC 20024
  • Send the non-refundable application fee via pay.gov
    
    Incomplete applications will not be processed

How long does it take to get a CUA?

• The National Mall and Memorial Parks requires 5-7 business days to process a CUA application. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.
• The application cannot begin processing until the application, any other required documentation and payment are all received.