What is a Commercial Use Authorization?A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service. It authorizes you to conduct commercial activities and to provide specific visitor services within a national park. We will only issue CUAs for activities that:
You must have a CUA if you or your organization provide services that:
PL 105-391, Section 418 and 36 CFR 5.3 require NPS to issue and charge a reasonable fee for CUAs. You may not conduct commercial activities in the park without a valid CUA or in a manner inconsistent with the terms of the CUA. Application Fee:
$350 Market Price Fee Schedule [charged in the system after submitting an annual report]: If your gross receipts are: <$250,000, there will be 3% fee of gross receipts (minus the application fee) $250,000 to $500,000 - 4% fee of gross receipts (minus application fee) >$500,000 - 5% fee of gross receipts (minus application fee) Risk Waivers:Download the visitor acknowledgement of risk form (VAR) if you provide high-risk services. You may advise visitors of risks associated with the activity through the use of the VAR but CUA holders cannot require visitors to sign a waiver of liability statement, insurance disclaimer, or indemnification agreement.InsurancePlease note that all CUA holders must carry appropriate liability insurance and provide the NPS with proof of that insurance. You also may be required to hold other types of liability insurance depending on the type of CUA you have (e.g., commercial automobile insurance). Refer to the CUA insurance guidance for more information regarding these additional requirements and refer to the application materials for the specific type of CUA for which you are applying for more information.Questions: Permit Coordinator redw_special_use_permits@nps.gov Questions:
Permit Coordinator redw_special_use_permits@nps.gov Applying and Paying:
Application Period:CUAs are issued from October 15th of the preceeding year to August 31st of the operating year. Please note, authorizations are issued for an operating year from January 1st until December 31st and application fees are not prorated. |
Last updated: March 27, 2025