Commercial Filming & Still Photography

 

A special use permit is required for all commercial filming activities and certain still photography activities occurring within a unit of the National Park System. The regulation governing these activities is found at 43 CFR part 5; this regulation based on Public Law 106-206 applies to all land management agencies in the Department of the Interior.

Those interested in commercial filming activities at Padre Island National Seashore should contact the park for more information about filming and to discuss how to minimize potential impacts to visitors and sensitive park resources.

 

Filming

 

When is a permit needed?

All commercial filming activities taking place within a unit of the National Park System require a permit.  

"Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. 

What fees will I have to pay?

Padre Island National Seashore will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for all filming permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application. 
 
In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedule: 

• 1 – 2 people, camera and tripod only $0/day 

• 1 - 10 people $150/day 

• 11 - 30 people $250/day 

• 31 - 49 people $500/day 

• Over 50 people $750/day 

Are there other permit requirements?

You may be required 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 may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary. 

 

Still Photography

 

When is a permit needed?

Still photographers require a permit only when: 

1. the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or 

2. the activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or 

3. a park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity. 

What fees will I have to pay?

Padre Island National Seashore will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for still photography permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application. 
 
In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedule: 

• 1–10 people - $50/day 

• 11–30 people - $150/day 

• Over 30 people - $250/day 

Are there other permit requirements?

You may be required 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 may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary. 

 

How to Apply

Download and complete the commercial filming and still photography permit application form appropriate for your activity. If you are unsure of what form to use, contact us. Send your completed application, any associated documentation, and the $125 non-refundable application fee via check or money order to the seashore’s Special Use Permit Coordinator.

Commercial Still Photography Application (Short Form) [PDF 733 KB]
Commercial Filming Application (Long Form) [PDF 941 KB]

All applications must be received 45 days or greater prior to the start date of the proposed activity to be conducted in the seashore. The non-refundable application fee for commercial filming and still photography may be paid by check or money order payable to "National Park Service."

Applications are handled in the order they are received. Priority will not be given to urgent requests, nor will the park reply by express mail. Requests which involve multiple locations, complex logistics, environmental compliance, or coordination with multiple NPS divisions or visitor activities will require a minimum of 45 days to process.

Requests for permits are evaluated based on the information in the application. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to attach maps, description of activity, check in points, what support will be provided, etc. to assist the park staff in evaluating your request.

The application packet must include:

• Detailed production schedule and proposed locations

• Detailed cast & crew list including name and role

• Detailed equipment list including model of equipment

 

No Drone Zone

Launching, landing or operating uncrewed or remote-controlled aircraft at Padre Island National Seashore is prohibited.

Uncrewed Aircraft defined: The term "uncrewed aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. Read more about uncrewed aircraft in the national parks.

 

Contact Us

Contact us for questions or more information about commercial filming and still photography in the park or send completed applications to the addresses below. 

Email
[e-mail]

Phone
[phone]

Mail
Special Use Permit Coordinator
Padre Island National Seashore
P.O. Box 181300
Corpus Christi, TX 78480