NPS National Mall and Memorial Parks feature some of the nation’s most iconic sites attracting amateur and professional photographers and videographers from around the world. Only commercial filming and photography require a permit, the visiting public photographing or recording their visit do not require a permit. The photography permit is used as a management tool so photography does not interfere with other permitted activities or park visitors. Any payment is cost recovery or goes to projects that keep the park scenic for the benefit of visitors and permittees.
The Division of Permits Management issues filming and photography permits for all National Park Service parkland managed by:
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park from DC to the Great Falls District George Washington Memorial Parkway Manassas National Battlefield Park National Capital Parks-East National Mall and Memorial Parks Presidents Park (White House and Ellipse) Rock Creek Park Prince William Forest Park Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. A permit is generally required under the following circumstances:
• Filming, videotaping, or still photography is intended for immediate or eventual sale. • Filming, videotaping, or still photography involves the use of a model (or any on-camera talent), set, or prop. • Filming, videotaping, or still photography/filming has potential to result in damage to park resources or significant disruption of normal visitor use. • The photographer/videographer wants to go into areas not open to the public or before or after normal visitation hours. • The National Park Service and/or US Park Police incur costs for providing on-site management and oversight to protect agency resources or minimize visitor use conflicts. When in doubt, contact the Division of Permits Management prior to going to the park to shoot photos or video. 36 CFR 5.5 governs how the National Park Service manages audio recording in parks. Audio recording generally does not require a permit unless any of the following situations apply:
• It takes place at a location where or when members of the public are generally not allowed. • It uses equipment that requires mechanical transport, such as dollies and cranks. • It uses equipment that requires an external power source other than a battery pack. • The National Park Service determines staff is required to monitor the recording activity for safety or to minimize potential impacts to park resources and other park visitors and permittees. Applying for a PermitApplication FormSubmit a Commercial Filming & Photography Application to the Division of Permits Management in person or via mail or FAX: National Mall and Memorial Parks Applications can be delivered Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, except federal holidays or other National Mall and Memorial Parks office closures. Commercial Filming and Photography Applications are not accepted via email. Applications are accepted up to one year in advance and a minimum of four days from the activity. Application Processing CostA non-refundable application processing cost of $90 is required with the submission of the Commercial Filming and Photography Application. Follow the instructions on the application form for submitting a payment by credit card, check, or money order. Location FeesLocation fees directly benefit park visitors and permittees through park beautification, interpretation, and maintenance projects. Commercial Filming & Photography permits are issued for a specific location or locations. Blanket permits for the entire National Mall & Memorial Parks are not issued. Please the list exact locations of the park in your application. (For example: not “on the Mall”, instead "National Mall between 3rd-4th Streets or "Washington Monument Grounds". Motion Pictures/Videos Location Fees
Still Photography Location Fees
Film Company A is filming a commercial with a total of 15 people at the following locations:
Thomas Jefferson Memorial (National Mall and Memorial Parks) Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Steps (National Mall and Memorial Parks) Lower level of Meridian Hill Park (Rock Creek Park) Application Processing Cost = $90.00 Location Fee = $500.00 ($250 for National Mall and Memorial Parks and $250 for Rock Creek Park) Next StepsA permits specialist will contact you if additional meetings, discussions, or documents are required and continue to walk you through the permit process. Commercial Filming & Photography permits must be issued prior to holding the activity in the park. Things to Know Before ApplyingA permits specialist will guide applicants through the permitting process and can also be contacted before applying to answer any questions. Please also review the Permits Resources related to your proposed activity. Additional Required Documents and StepsLarger or more complex photography and filming activities may require additional meetings and more in-depth plans prior to approving the permit, such as site layout, setup/cleanup schedule, equipment lists, etc. Locations and Location-Specific RequirementsCommercial filming and/photography permits are generally permitted in areas and times also open to the general public with some exceptions where activity is restricted due to visitation, safety, resource considerations. Please review the following areas with restrictions and copyright requirements. Restricted AreasFilming and photography are NOT permitted within the restricted areas in accordance with 36 Code of Federal Regulations 7.96 (g)(3)(ii)((E) and the Superintendent's Compendium:
Copyrights RequiredWhile many of the monuments and memorials are in the public domain, therefore free of copyright concerns, several are not in the public domain and the permittee will need approval from the artist or their conservator to use the images for commercial purposes.
Additional Associated CostsA refundable cost recovery deposit may be required to pay for costs incurred by the National Park Service resulting from the activity, such as administrative cost (permit monitoring, utilities, management of activity), restoration and/or rehabilitation, or cleanup of parkland. Cost recovery is based on the size and scope of the event and can range from $500 to $500,000 or more. Additional Planning Resources
A permits specialist will guide applicants through the permitting process and assist with event-specific details. Please also consult Permits Resources. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Yes. The Division of Permits Management issues Commercial Filming and Photography Permits for the following National Park Service parks in the DC area:
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park from DC to the Great Falls District George Washington Memorial Parkway Manassas National Battlefield Park National Capital Parks-East National Mall and Memorial Parks Presidents Park (White House and Ellipse) Rock Creek Park Prince William Forest Park Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts Park visitors documenting a visit to the park are not required to obtain a permit for a tripod; however, tripods are not permitted in restricted areas of the memorials. (See Restricted Areas information on this page for a listing)
As a rule, student filming is not producing a product that is intended to generate income, so it does not fit the definition of commercial filming. However, the National Park Service can issue a permit for student filming in order to manage the activity to minimize damage to park resources and potential conflict with other park users. In order to confirm that the project is for a class requirement, parks may require a confirmation letter from the school as part of the permitting process.
News-gathering activities involving filming, videography, or still photography do not require a permit unless:
(1) The National Park Service determines a permit is necessary to protect natural and cultural resources, to avoid visitor use conflicts, to ensure public safety, or to authorize entrance into a closed area; and (2) Obtaining a permit will not interfere with the ability to gather news. (b) Terms and conditions. All permits issued under this section will include only terms and conditions necessary to maintain order, ensure the safety of the public and the media, and protect natural and cultural resources. (c) Exemptions. A permit issued for news-gathering activities is not subject to location fees or cost recovery charges. (d) If a setup is more than a tripod and sound mic, such as a studio setup, and more than a total of five people. There are no cost recovery charges or location fees for permits issued for news gathering activities. For specific questions concerning the media please contact the National Mall and Memorial Parks Public Affairs Office. No, filming documentaries is not considered news gathering and requires a permit.
Application costs may be waived by the superintendent, however location fees cannot be waived.
Yes, if approved by the superintendent and the subject of the film/photography must directly relate to the theme or subject of the park.
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Last updated: March 6, 2020