Filming and Still Photography Permits on Park LandThe National Park Service conserves and protects areas of untold beauty, grandeur and historical importance for current and future generations. The tradition of capturing images of these special places started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or primitive cameras. Sharing these images helped inspire the creation of national parks. Today, visitors to national parks continue to memorialize their visits through filming and photography. On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234). Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming and photography in park areas. Questions and answers about filming and photography.
How Do I Apply for a Permit?Permit applications are available through each park's administrative office or website. You should submit a completed application along with the application fee to the park where you want to film or photograph as far in advance of your planned date as possible. In addition, you should request a meeting with park staff if your proposed activity is unusual or complex. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application in a timely manner. Please submit a completed NPS Form 10-931 [839 KB, fillable PDF] along with Pay.gov payment confirmation to the email address listed on the application. Permit FeesAPPLICATION FEE
A cost recovery fee will be charged for monitoring. The cost recovery fee is directly associated with monitoring the permit activity. Fees will be quoted upon issuance of the permit and calculated based on the monitor's salary, time spent on site, and travel to/from duty location and permit site.
Still Photography
QuestionsFor questions or additional information, please contact the Special Park Uses coordinator: email us. |
![]() |
![]() |
Last updated: February 6, 2025