Permits

The mission of the National Park Service is to preserve park resources "unimpaired" for the enjoyment of future generations. Therefore, any activities that would cause degradation of or detract from the values and purposes for which a park has been established cannot be permitted.

In order to coordinate special park use events it is necessary to require permits for certain activities. The Special Use Permit (SUP) program authorizes activities that provide benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large; and that require written authorization and some degree of management control in order to protect park resources and the public interest. These activities include, but are not limited to:

• Special events

• Sporting Events

• Military Ceremony

• Public assemblies, including first amendment right activities

• Operating a public address system or other sound amplified audio devices

• Weddings

• Photography

• Filming

• Scatter Cremains

Applying for a Permit

The permit systems helps assure that the large amount of events that may be taking place on any given day will not conflict with each other and with general visitor activities. All application, unless determined to be a First Amendment activity, must be accompanied by a payment for initial processing.

1. Please contact the George Washington Memorial Parkway Permits Office at [phone] first to determine if the location is availability and if your event is permittable.

2. Access Pay.gov website to make a payment and complete the application. Your permit may require the payment of cost recovery.

3. Permit fees, including permit monitoring and film location fees, can now be paid by credit card. (Check or money orders are still accepted.) Paying by credit card offers the advantage of convenience and speed, and also makes it simpler to complete a reimbursement should one be necessary.

4. The Permits Specialist will confirm receipt and review application.

Applications

Public Gathering Permit Applications (Special Events or Demonstration) (PDF)

Special Use Permit Application (PDF)

Filming Permit Application, Short (PDF)

Filming Permit Application, Long (PDF)

First Amendment, Filming/Photography and Public Events Permits

Permits for first amendment rights demonstrations, public events, and/or commercial filming and photography that take place along the George Washington Memorial Parkway are required by C.F.R., Title 36, Chapter 1, Section 7.96 to be processed through the National Capital Region (NCR) Park Programs Division.

To obtain a Regional Office Permits application and additional information, contact the NCR Park Programs Division office at [phone] or visit the Regional Office website. To determine if your event will be processed by the park or region, please contact the Special Park Use Coordinator at [phone].