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
Do I need a permit to film, take photographs, or record audio in the 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 you are visiting before you conduct your activity for more information.
Permit Application Process & Fees
To apply for a Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording Special Use Permit, submit the application and pay the application fee.
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- Application Fee
- There is a $100 non-refundable application fee.
- Go to Pay.gov. In the top right search bar, type CHRI. Press enter.
- Press Continue for Christiansted National Historic Site Special Use Permit Fees.
- Press Continue to the Form.
- Fill out Permittee Information. The Permit Number is provided by the Special Use Permit Office via email or over the phone.
- Select Commercial Filming and Photography: Application Fee - $100.00
- Insurance
- If insurance is required for your event, it needs to be submitted at the time of application.
- Cost Recovery May be Incurred
- Fees charged for administering a permit may include the following:
- Personnel (staffing) costs
- Location fees
- Materials and supplies
- Official travel
- Utilities and overhead
- Compliance requirements
- Vessel and equipment use
- Training
Restrictions
- Drone Use
- Launching, landing, or operating of drones (i.e., unmanned aircraft) from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
Contact
Email questions and application packages to e-mail us or call (340) 277-6782.
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