Filming Permits

 

Changes to Commercial Filming Permits on Park Land

Effective October 28, 2022, the National Park Service rescinded interim guidance that was in place during litigation regarding commercial filming and has returned to longstanding laws and regulations governing commercial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

Under federal law, all commercial filming that occurs within a unit of the National Park System requires a permit.

 

What is Considered Commercial Filming?

"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. Examples include, but are not limited to, feature film, videography, and documentaries. Commercial filming may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props.

 

Does commercial filming by individuals or small groups require a permit?

Federal law requires a permit for all commercial filming, no matter the size of the crew or the type of equipment. This includes individuals or small groups that don’t use much equipment, but generate revenue by posting footage on websites, such as YouTube and TikTok. The primary focus of the NPS, however, is on commercial filming that has the potential to impact park resources and visitors beyond what occurs from normal visitor use of park areas. Examples of this type of filming are productions that use substantial equipment such as sets and lighting, productions with crews that exceed 5 people, and filming in closed areas, wilderness areas, or in locations that would create conflicts with other visitors or harm sensitive resources.

All filmers, no matter the size, must comply with all rules that apply in park areas, just like other visitors.

 

Does non-commercial filming require a permit?

Individual parks may require a permit for non-commercial filming if necessary to manage the activity, to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. Examples of non-commercial filming include, but are not limited to, filming for tourism bureaus, convention and visitor bureaus, student filming, and filming for personal use and enjoyment. If you have questions about whether a non-commercial film project requires a permit, please contact the park where you intend to film in advance.

 

Are filmers still required to pay fees to film in parks?

Federal law requires the National Park Service to recover its administrative costs for commercial filming and still photography activities that require a permit. 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 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 commercial filming and for still photography requires a permit. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedules for Commercial Filming:

  • 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

Permits issued for non-commercial filming may be subject to cost recovery charges, including an application fee, but a separate location fee will not be charged

 

How do I apply for a permit?

If your proposed activity is unusual or complex, you should request a meeting with park staff prior to submitting your application. Early consultation with park staff will help you submit a complete application that they will be able to process in a timely manner.

Permit applications are available below. Send a completed application along with the application fee as far in advance of your planned date as possible to:

Tule Lake National Monument

PO Box 1240

Tulelake, CA 96134

Attn: Special Use Application

Special Park Use Short Form (Used for simple special events, filming, etc.)

Special Park Use Long Form (Use for more complex special events, filming, etc.)

Last updated: November 10, 2022

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 1240
Tulelake, CA 96134

Phone:

(530) 664 4015
or call (530) 667 8113 for the Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Center between October to May.

Contact Us