Permits & Reservations

 

Group Tour Reservations

Reservations are required for private, non-commercial groups of 10-18 individuals. The group size cannot exceed 18 individuals. Currently, the Birthplace can only accommodate reservations at 10:00, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. To submit a reservation inquiry, email [e-mail].

Please note: Commercial tour groups fall under the "Special Use Permit" section below.

Field Trip Reservations

Reservations are required for field trips. Group size, including all staff and chaperones cannot exceed 36 individuals. A group will be split in half for two abbreviated tours if more than 18 individuals are attending. Currently, the Birthplace can only accommodate reservations at 10:00, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. For more information and to submit an inquiry, please visit the Field Trip page.

Special Use Permits

A Special Use Permit is required for any activity that provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the park or the public at large. Many of the events that require permits also require some degree of oversight from National Park Service staff. Examples of groups who would fall under the special use permit include, but are not limited to: authors who want to host a book signing, commercial tour groups and groups that charge memberships. Such groups need to apply for Special Use Permit.

View and Print the Special Use Permit Application

First Amendment Activities

We encourage citizens to exercise rights guaranteed by the Constitution. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect the public and park resources. Therefore, such First Amendment activities involving over 25 participants require Special Use Permits, and National Park Service staff may regulate the time, place, and manner in which they are conducted. Some examples are:

• distribution and/or sale of printed matter
• religious services
• public demonstrations or assemblies, etc.
• collecting signatures for petitions

View and print the first amendment permit application.

 

NPS Collections

Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

The National Park Service conserves and protects areas of untold beauty, grandeur and historical importance for current and future generations. The tradition of capturing images of these special places started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or cameras. Sharing these images helped inspire the creation of national parks. Today, visitors to national parks continue to memorialize their visits through filming and photography.

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.

Please contact the permit coordinator for more information about filming, still photography, and audio recording.

 

Do I need a permit to film, take still photographs or record audio in the park?

No, provided the filming, still photography, or audio recording activity involves eight or fewer individuals and meets 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. 

If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact the park you are visiting before you conduct your activity for more information. 

Who needs a permit to film, take still photographs and record audio in a park?

You may need a permit if your group is more than eight individuals, or the activity does not meet any 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. 

If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact the park before you conduct your activity for more information.

I have a permit for another activity. Do I need another permit to film, photograph or record audio?

No. A separate permit and fee payment is not required for filming, photography, or audio recording that is associated with a permitted event, such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity. 

I am a content creator, student, or with a news media outlet. Do I need a permit?

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.  

 You do not need a permit if the activity involves eight or fewer individuals and meets 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, and other visitors; and 
• Will not result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service. 

If you believe that your filming or photography activity may require a permit, please contact the park you are visiting for more information.

What fees will I need to pay for a permit?

When a permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees. Contact the permit coordinator for more information. 

Even though I'm not required to get a permit, may I request one?

Yes, you may request and the National Park Service may issue a permit even when one is not required. 

How do I apply for a permit?

Please fill out our permit application and email or mail it to the park, along with the $50 application fee. When applying, please be as specific as possible with proposed activity details- including but not limited to what equipment will be used, and the specific locations for the activity. Please make checks available to "National Park Service." Online payments can be made via Pay.gov. The permit coordinator will provide instructions, when they receive a completed application form.   

Filming, still photography, and audio recording application

Email: [e-mail]. Once the park receives the permit application, a staff member will contact you with further information about making payment online. 

Mailing address: 
Federal Hall National Memorial
C/O Special Park Use Permits
26 Wall St. 
New York, NY 10005

 

What about photography workshops?

If you are planning a photography workshop as a business, you may need a commercial use authorization. Contact the park for more information.

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