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 NPS.
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.
E.B. Thompson filming on a Canal Boat, Edwards Ferry, Lock 25. (1920s)
NPS
Project Prohibitions
Damage to resources is expected which cannot be prevented or mitigated
Other activities are already planned or expected to occur at the same time and place, and filming or photography would be incompatible
It involves access to areas normally limited to administrative access or closed for resource protection or safety reasons
The level of activity within the park is already so high that we would not have staff to assign to work with you
The project includes portrayal of activities which are not permitted within a recognized park (such as defacing a historic structure, etc.)
The production company is unwilling or unable to obtain the necessary insurance
The production company is unwilling to reimburse NPS for costs or comply with NPS requirement for posting a refundable bond
Loud noise (gunfire, explosions, playback, etc.) between 5 pm and 7 am
Landing any aircraft
The launching, landing, or operation of unmanned aircraft (e.g. drones) is prohibited.
Nudity
Smoking in buildings, on boardwalks, or in vegetated areas
Harassment of wildlife or introduction of wildlife captured elsewhere
We do not close parks to the public when filming occurs. We will assign a park ranger to assure that there are no conflicts among park uses. Although we allow the public to watch you work, we do NOT advertise when, where, or what filming is occurring in our parks.
The National Park Service is required to recover all costs associated with permits for filming and photography. Administrative charges, including evaluation of the application and processing the permit, are mandatory and non-refundable. Location charges are estimated based on the information you provide in your application. All charges must be paid before work can begin on NPS property. Any monitoring costs, such as overtime, are posted as they occur. Monitoring charges must be paid within 7 days of the invoicing.
Insurance Requirements
Evidence of commercial liability insurance is required. The insurance certificate you present must:
Identify the production company by name with the business address. If there is another company name involved, the relationship between the two company names must be indicated on the certificate.
Name the "U. S. Government, National Park Service" as additionally insured. Use the address of C&O Canal NHP headquarters, 142 W. Potomac St., Williamsport, MD 21795. Certificates which only name the park as "certificate holder" are not acceptable.
Indicate commercial liability insurance coverage. Personal or homeowners liability is not acceptable.
Be generated by the insurance company. Hand written "certificate holder" information is unacceptable.
Additional Insurance Requirements
We will accept a FAX copy of the certificate until your insurance company can mail us the original.
Although the National Park Service only requires commercial liability insurance, you must also adhere to insurance requirements set by the State of Maryland, including workman's compensation. Contact the Maryland Workers Compensation Commission for additional information.
The minimum acceptable amount of liability insurance is $1,000,000.00 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. High risk activities or activities which may have the potential for resource impact may require higher liability amounts. Contact our office for details.
A request for a permit may be denied if there is no proof of adequate insurance.
We keep insurance certificates on file until they expire. If we have your current certificate on file, you will not have to submit an additional certificate. We will also accept automatic renewals.
C&O Canal NHP in Montgomery County and the District of Columbia
Filming and Photography permits for Montgomery County, Maryland and/or the District of Columbia are processed through the National Capital Regional Park Programs Division. To obtain an application and additional information, contact the NCR Park Programs Division office.
