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Effective October 28, 2022, the National Park Service rescinded interim guidance that was in place during litigation regarding commercial filming and has returned to longstanding laws and regulations governing commercial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.
As result commercial filming in National Parks is once again an activity that requires a permit to be in place. For more information about if your filming activity requires a permit, visit the National Park Service's Filming and Photography Permits page.
How to Apply for a Commercial Filming Permit
- If you are interested in applying for a Commercial Filiming or Still Photography Permit, fill out the Commercial and Still Photography Permit application.
- Once a permit applicaiton has been completed, email your application to the permiting office: FOMC_permits@nps.gov
- All applications will have a non-refundable $100 application fee associated with them. Payments can be made via credit card or check. In your application email, specify which payment method is preferred.
- Once an application has been submitted and the application fee has been paid, the permits coordinator will review your application with the park management team to determine whether your permit application will be approved. Please allow at least six weeks for special use permit processing.
Commercial Filming Costs
Permit Application: $100 (non-refundable)
Location Fee:
| Number of People |
Location Fee Cost |
| 1-2 people, small equipment |
$0 |
| 1-10 People |
$150 per day |
| 11-30 People |
$250 per day |
| 31-49 People |
$500 per day |
| Over 50 People |
$750 per day |
: Cost recovery is charged at a dollar-in dollar-out ratio to the permittee, meaning whatever the cost is to the NPS to manage the permit is the exact cost that will be charged to the permittee. For permits that require park staff to monitor the permits, this price will be the hourly rate of the park staff. For planning purposes, the park recommends permittees plan for an estimated cost of $50 per ranger per hour.
Insurance Requirements
You may be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States of America 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.
Considerations for Permits
Federal procedures (31 USC7701) require your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number on the back of all checks accepted for deposit in the amount of $50 or more. You must supply one or the other in order for your check to be accepted and your application to be processed.
The information provided on the application will be used to determine whether a permit will be issued, so please provide as much detail as possible. You will be notified of the disposition of the application and the necessary steps to secure your final permit. If your request is approved, a permit containing applicable conditions and regulations will be sent to the person you have designated on the application. The permit must be signed and returned to the park prior to the event.
The mission of the National Park Service is to preserve and protect our resources as stated in the Organic Act… "The Service…shall provide and regulate the use of …National Parks.[its] purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such a manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."(16 USC 1)
It is the policy of Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine to accommodate requests for special use permits when and where possible, while adhering to this mandate. Therefore, our primary concern is to assess potential resource damage and disruption of normal public use prior to authorization of any special use activity.
