Permits for Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

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Do I need a permit?

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.

 

 

NPS Photo / B. Dhunjisha

Things to know

• 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. There are no entrance fees at Valley Forge National Historical Park.

• Authorizations will permit filming, still photography or audio recording to be held in areas open to the public with the following restrictions:

  • The Washington’s Headquarters area and Muhlenberg Huts areas are not available between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM each day.

  • The grounds surrounding the PC Knox Estate are not available between April 1 and October 31.

  • Use of the Betzwood area is not authorized on Saturdays and Sundays unless participants park in an alternative location (such as the lower visitor center parking lot) and arrive to Betzwood on foot.

  • The Washington Memorial Chapel is private property, the park cannot permit any uses on their grounds.

• Please include in the list of equipment anything that you are planning to bring to the park to support your project including but not limited to: photography/video equipment, tripods, lighting, sound equipment, tracks, props, tents for changing or pop-up’s for cover, RV’s, trailers and other support equipment.

When will filming, still photography, or audio recording NOT be permitted?

• Damage to natural, cultural, and/or recreational resources, which cannot be mitigated is expected.

• Other activities are planned or expected to occur at the same time and place.

• The request involves access to areas normally closed for reasons of resource protection or visitor safety.

• The level of activity within the park is already so high that staff would be unavailable to work with or monitor the film crew.

• The project includes a portrayal of activities that are not permitted within a national park.

How to apply for a permit?

Step 1

Depending on the complexity of your still photo shoot or filming plan, you will need to choose between two forms, the Short Filming/Photography Form and the Long Filming/Photography Form.

• The Short Filming/Photography Form is acceptable for most uses.

• The Long Filming/Photography Form should be used in cases where a large infrastructure is required (major motion picture filming, etc.)

Step 2

Applications must be submitted by mail together with the application fee (check or money order made out to the National Park Service) and sent to the address listed at the top of the first page of the application paperkwork. The park does not currently process electronic payments by credit card, venmo, or other electronic payment platform. The park is working on an update to include electronic payment processing in 2025.

Once your application is mailed and received by the park, the rest of the process can be managed by email to complete and issue your permit or authorization.

What does it cost to get a permit or authorization?

Filming, photography, and audio recording permit applications require a $75 application fee paid by check or money order made out to the National Park Service. Additional location and cost recovery fees may apply for filming, still photography, and audio recording permits. Contact [e-mail] for details.