Application Process and Required Documents

Online Application Process Paused for System Update

The CUA Online Application & Reporting System (COARS) is currently undergoing essential updates. As a result, the system will be temporarily unavailable for submitting applications until the update process is completed. This website will be updated once the system is available for use again. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

 

 

Application Process

This page will be updated once updates are complete and the system is available for use again.

1. Apply for a CUA through the CUA Online Application and Reporting System (COARS).
2. To view tutorials on how to apply for a CUA using COARS please visit: How to Apply for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Permit.
3. 2024 permit holders, Annual Reports will be available for submission through the COARS system on January 1, 2025.

 

When to apply

Although applications are accepted and processed year-round, please note the below time-sensitive application windows for specific activities:

Due Date	Applies To	Deadline for Application	Purpose of Deadline
To Start Operating on January 1	Any CUA Category	November 15, 2024 (if operations begin the first week of January). All other permits should apply at least 45 days prior to their first proposed trip.	CUAs require up to 45 days to process. However, CUAs that wish to begin operating on January 1 need to submit by November 15 to ensure their CUA is ready prior to the holiday season. Our office finds that businesses sometimes need to coordinate with external parties to complete CUA applications, some of which can be difficult to engage with over the holiday season (e.g. insurance agents, webmasters, attorneys, etc.). This deadline helps the park and our valued CUA partners plan ahead to ensure your operations are not interrupted on January 1.
To Start Guiding on the Fishing Opener	Stream and Shoreline Fishing, Boating CUAs that conduct Fishing	Wednesday, April 12, 2025	CUAs require up to 45 days to process. Applying by April 12 ensures you can begin guiding on the fishing opener. CUAs for fishing received after the deadline will continue to be processed but may not be ready in time for the opener.
To Conduct Overnight Backcountry Trips	Guided Overnight Backcountry Tours	45 days prior to requesting a backcountry reservation	CUAs require up to 45 days to process. Be sure to apply in time to ensure your CUA is in place prior to your backcountry reservation. Backcountry reservations for businesses that haven’t applied for a CUA 45 days prior to the trip may be cancelled.

 

Special Park Conditions

In addition to YELL activity-specific operating plans linked below, the authorization holder will abide by the applicable Yellowstone Special Park Conditions. Failure to operate in a manner satisfactory to the area Superintendent may result in the suspension, revocation, or denial of the current or future CUA.

 

Activity-Based CUA Application

Activity-based CUAs are issued for up to one calendar year. The application fee for a 2025 CUA at Yellowstone is $350 for the initial application. Each additional application for the same park by the same applicant is $250.For additional information on each activity and instructions on how to apply, please see the links below.

Avalanche Safety Courses

This CUA authorizes avalanche safety courses. An avalanche safety course is an instructional trip where participants receive education and/or certification in avalanche safety. Ski mountaineering is not authorized under this CUA and any skiing that occurs during courses must be incidental to the primary instructional purpose of the activity.

Bicycling Tours

This CUA authorizes guided bicycle tours with visits to facilities and services. Participants may also walk on trails less than a one-half mile from trailheads or roadways, and on boardwalks and developed areas.

Guided Environmental Education Tours

This CUA authorizes interpretive tours, day hiking, and non-instructional photography tours, and allows guides to act as a step-on guide on park roads with visits to facilities and services.

Guided Interpretive Tours (group sizes 1-25)

Authorizes interpretive tours, non-instructional photography tours, and in-park shuttle service for group sizes of 1 – 25 clients. Step-on guide service is also authorized under this CUA and may be provided for any size group.

Motorized Boating Trips

This CUA authorizes guided touring or fishing trips in motorized boats on Yellowstone Lake and/or Lewis Lake. Motorized boating is only allowed on portions of Yellowstone Lake and Lewis Lake.

Non-motorized Boating Trips

This CUA authorizes guided touring using dories, single or tandem kayaks, canoes, and other small non-motorized vessels in Yellowstone, Lewis, and Shoshone Lakes.

Overnight Backcountry Trips

This CUA authorizes guided overnight backcountry camping and hiking trips. Skiing and/or snowshoeing backcountry trips are allowed with the appropriate authorization and backcountry permit.

Painting and Photography Workshops

This CUA authorizes road-based photography and painting workshops which include photography and/or painting instruction or facilitation. Stops at visitor facilities, services, walks on trails less than one-half mile from trailheads or roadways, and on boardwalks/developed areas are authorized under this CUA.

Skiing and Snowshoeing Trips

This CUA authorizes guided cross-country snowshoeing and ski touring trips on low to moderate angle terrain which does not exceed incidental slope angles of 34°.

Stream and Shoreline Fishing

This CUA authorizes guided walk and wade fishing trips in park streams and lakes. Float tube use in lakes is permitted with this CUA. Day hiking and skiing/snowshoeing to fishing locations is authorized under this CUA

 

Service-Based CUA Application

Service-based CUAs are issued for up to two years with a $350 application fee. For additional information on each category and instructions on how to apply, please see the links below.

Towing and Automotive Services

This CUA authorizes CUA holders to provide towing, tire repair, locksmith, and RV and RV appliance repair services as needed to visitors within the park.

Water Access

This CUA authorizes commercial access to Yellowstone River by traveling through National Park Service property for the purpose of providing guided tours and trips.

 

Resources

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs)
Main CUA page Apply for a CUA FAQs CUA Annual Reports Guide Info Registration and Park Entry Protocol	CUA Law and Policy CUA Denial and Revocation Policy Special Use Permits Backcountry Permits Special Park Conditions
Plan Your Tour	Learn About the Park
Park roads Accessibility Bear Management Areas Fishing Regulations Boating Regulations	Superintendent's Compendium Vital Signs Reports Resources for Commercial Guides Resources and Issues Handbook Foundation Document