Film & Photography Permits

NPS/Josh Spice

Current Guidance - Updated March 2025

On March 14, 2025, the National Park Service (NPS) issued internal guidance about how the NPS must implement Section 125 of the EXPLORE Act (Public Law 118-234) as it relates to the management of filming, still photography, and audio recording in park areas. All filming, still photography, and audio recording activity is treated the same under Section 125 of the EXPLORE Act. It does not matter whether the activity is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.

When filming, photography, and sound recording activities occur in national parks, they must be consistent with the protection of park resources and avoid conflict with public use and enjoyment of the park.

Most questions regarding permitting for commercial filming and still photography are answered on the NPS national webpage for Filming & Still Photography. This is a great resource.

Please contact us with any questions or for an application.

 

No Drone Zone

Launching, landing or operating unmanned or remote controlled aircraft in Gates of the Arctic is prohibited.

Learn more about regulations pertaining to the use of unmanned aircraft in the national parks.

 

Looking for a different kind of use permit? See the options below.

• Research Permits
• Special Use Permits

  1. Other Special Use Permits - a catch-all category including but not limited to activities such as special assemblies, athletic events or races, temporary access requests, first amendment activities, groups with 12 or more participants, etc.