Filming, Photography and Audio Recording

 

When is a Permit Required?

Most small-scale filming, still photography, and audio recording activities do not require a permit or fees. However, permits are required when certain conditions apply. Please read the information below carefully to determine if your activity qualifies.

Permits are required if your filming, photography, or audio recording activity:

  • Occurs in an area not open to the general public
  • Requires exclusive use of a location
  • Involves more than hand-carried equipment
  • Could interfere with normal visitor use
  • Could result in damage to park resources or values
  • Is likely to require additional staff oversight or administrative costs

Permits and fees are not required for activities that:

  • Involve eight or fewer people
  • Take place in areas open to the public
  • Use only hand-carried equipment
  • Do not require exclusive use of a site
  • Do not adversely impact park resources or other visitors
  • Do not result in additional administrative costs to the park

Permits are also not required if the filming, photography, or audio recording is part of an activity that has already been authorized by a separate permit (such as a wedding or special event).

All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated equally under the law. Whether your activity is personal, student-based, content creation, or media-related, the same requirements apply.

 

How to Apply for a Permit

An application fee must accompany all filming, photography, and audio recording permit applications. This fee is non-refundable.

To apply:

  1. Complete a Special Use Permit Application
  2. Submit your application by email or mail (see contact information below)
  3. Pay the $100 non-refundable application fee by credit or debit card by calling 619-523-4272

Email: cabr_permits@nps.gov

Mailing Address:
Cabrillo National Monument
Attn: Special Park Uses
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106

Once received, a permit coordinator will review your application. You may be contacted with follow-up questions or additional requirements. If your request is approved, you will receive a permit and an Additional Conditions Document, which must be signed before final authorization.

Fees

Federal law requires the National Park Service to recover its administrative costs for processing and monitoring permitted activities. This includes an application fee and, when applicable, additional administrative fees and location fees.

If your park activity requires a permit, location fees may apply based on the scope and complexity of the activity. The following fee structure may be used:

Filming Location Fees:

1–2 people, camera and tripod only - $0/day
1–10 people - $150/day
11–30 people - $250/day
31–49 people - $500/day
Over 50 people - $750/day

Still Photography Location Fees:

1–10 people - $50/day
11–30 people - $150/day
Over 30 people - $250/day

Additional cost recovery charges may also apply based on the size and complexity of the permitted activity. Please contact the park for details.

Permit Terms and Conditions

Permits include conditions necessary to protect park resources and visitor experience. These may specify:

  • Approved location, dates, and times
  • Limits on personnel and equipment
  • Safety or resource protection requirements

You may also be required to:

  • Provide liability insurance naming the United States as an additional insured
  • Submit a bond or security deposit, depending on the nature of your activity

Please review the park’s Permit Conditions before submitting your application.

Please read the Permit Conditions.

Questions?

If you have questions or are unsure whether your activity requires a permit, please contact cabr_permits@nps.gov.

For additional information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the National Park Service Filming and Photography page.

Last updated: March 14, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106

Phone:

619 523-4285

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