Permits Office Contact Information

The National Mall and Memorial Parks Division of Permits Management manages more than 4,000 permitted activities each year. The office is located near park headquarters on Hains Point in Washington, DC.

Hours of Operation

The Division of Permits Management is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. The office is not open on federal holidays or during other times that National Mall and Memorial Parks offices are closed.

Phone/Email

For questions about permits, including applying, location availability, status, and regulations, please call 202-245-4715 or e-mail us.

Please note–Applications and payments are not accepted via email.

Address

Applications are accepted in person or by mail Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, except federal holidays or other National Mall & Memorial Parks office closures, at the following location:

National Mall and Memorial Parks

Division of Permits Management

1100 Ohio Drive, SW

Washington, DC 20242


Applicants and permittees may also be required to mail additional event documents or attend meetings at this location during the permitting process.

Fax

Special Use Permit applications for weddings and non-tournament sports and Commercial Filming/Photography applications can be faxed to 202-475-2216.

All other applications, including Demonstration and Special Events applications, must be mailed or submitted in person.

Payments

Application fee payments are accepted by credit card, check and money order. Payment instructions are included on the application; please call 202-245-4715 if further instructions are needed.

Any additional required payments and instructions will be discussed during the permitting process after the application is received.

Receiving Applications

Permit applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and are date and time stamped upon arrival for documentation of order received. Applications can be submitted no sooner than one year in advance of the activity.

Locations for permitted activities are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For best results and to ensure timely processing, permit applications should be submitted in person or via overnight carrier service. Normal postal delivery can take 7-10 days to arrive.

 

Other National Park Service Permit Offices

The National Mall & Memorial Parks Division of Permits Management issues permits for commercial filming/photography, First Amendment demonstrations, and some types of special events for other National Park Service sites in the greater Washington, DC, area; however, it is highly recommended that interested applicants contact those parks for more information about permitted activities within their sites.

 
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DC, MD & WV

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal NHP

The 184.5-mile C&O Canal and Towpath run along the Potomac River from Georgetown in DC, through Maryland, and into West Virginia.

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DC, MD & VA

George Washington Memorial Parkway

George Washington Memorial Parkway administers many National Park Service sites on or near the parkway.

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VA

Manassas National Battlefield Park

Manassas National Battlefield Park is located approximately 30 miles west of DC.

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DC & MD

National Capital Parks-East

National Capital Parks-East administers many National Park Service sites throughout DC and in nearby Maryland.

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DC

Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park runs north-south through the center of DC, with many roads, trails, and individual sites.

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DC

Presidents Park (White House)

Demonstrations and special events at Lafayette Park and the Ellipse near the White House often require a permit.

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VA

Prince William Forest Park

Prince William Forest Park is a forested park located approximately 30 miles south of DC.

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VA

Wolf Trap NP for the Performing Arts

Wolf Trap is a theater complex located approximately 15 miles west of DC with limited options for permitted activities.

 

QUICKLINKS

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Permits

Get more information about permits for special activities, First Amendment demonstrations, and commercial filming and photography.

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Permit Planning Resources

Review rules, regulations, and other important information to know if planning to get a permit.

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DC Area National Parks

Explore National Park Service sites and throughout the greater DC area.

Last updated: February 27, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1100 Ohio Drive SW
Washington, DC 20242

Phone:

202-426-6841

Contact Us