Filming and Photography

Updates to Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording Policy

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234) and has been codified at 54 U.S.C. 100905. Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming, photography, and audio recording in park areas.

Key elements of the new law include:

• 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 National Park Service.

• 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.

Who Needs a Permit?

You will need a permit for your filming, still photography, or sound recording activity in the following situations:

• Large groups (9+ people): if your group has nine or more people participating in the activity.

• Certain filming activities: if your activity doesn’t meet the requirements for an incidental activity or a small group, a permit will be required. This includes situations where the filming involves equipment other than handheld or a tripod, or if the activity is likely to disrupt the park experience, harm natural or cultural resources, or occur in a highly congested area.

• Special Conditions: if your filming could potentially cause damage to resources, create unreasonable disruptions to the park experiences, or post a health or safety risk, a permit will be necessary.

Process for Permits

Please note that filming and photography applications and payments must be received a minimum of 21 days before the requested date. Applications cannot be rushed for any reasons. Larger or more complex filming project applications must be received at least 30 days in advance.

Production groups that have never worked at Mount Rushmore National Memorial before are also required to complete a site visit before submitting an application. This ensures that all parties are aware of the possible filming locations and that these locations are specifically listed on the permit application.

How to Apply

Submit a Filming and Still Photography Permit Application to:

Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Special Use and Filming Permit Coordinator
8075 Old Sauk Pass Road
Cross Plains, WI 53528

To get more information about permits and these activities view the NPS Guidelines for Filming and Still Photography.