Special Use Permits

Special Events

Most visitors do not need a permit. Permits are needed for activities beyond a typical visit to the park by a family or individual. At the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island, permits are required for organizing and performing activities or assemblies that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large. Special use permits are also needed for activities that require National Park Service staff to protect park resources, the public interest, or both. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

• ceremonies
• performances
• festivals
• cultural programs
• other special events

Filing a permit application (Form 10-930) alone does not grant you the right to your activity. Permit applications may be approved or rejected by the park.

Note: Applicants for school band, choir, or dance performances and certain ceremonies, such as military re-enlistment are First Amendment Activities (see below).

Special Use Permit Application (10-930)
Permit Timeline: Applications must be submitted at least ten (10) business days before the proposed event/activity.
Permit Application Fee: Once a permit application is submitted, you will be invoiced a nonrefundable $75 application fee via email from the park permit office with instructions for online payment. Please note that the application fee will not be returned even if your application is rejected.
Additional Requirements and Fees: Approved permits may require liability insurance, location fees, and cost recovery including, but not limited to, administrative costs, staff monitoring of activity, security screening, and utility costs. In addition, permittee is responsible for purchasing ferry tickets for access to the park from the approved provider of transportation services for Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island National Monument, Statue City Cruises.
Application Submittal: Please read the application carefully before filling it out. Applications may be submitted via email.
Permits are reviewed & coordinated through the park’s Permit Office: Contact us at (646) 356-2107 or by email if you have any questions.

First Amendment Activities

The NPS will authorize the use of parklands for public assemblies, meetings, demonstrations, religious activities, and other public expressions of views protected by the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources. Therefore, some First Amendment activities will require a special use permit. For more information about First Amendment activities see the Superintendent's Compendium 36 CFR 2.51 First Amendment Activities.

Download First Amendment Special Use Permit Application (10-934)
Permit Timeline: First Amendment activities special use permits will be issued or denied within ten (10) days of receiving a complete and fully executed application.
Permit Application Fee: There are no fees or costs, and no insurance is required for First Amendment activities.
Additional Requirements: Permittee is responsible for purchasing ferry tickets for access to the park from the approved provider of transportation services for Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island National Monument, Statue City Cruises.
Application Submittal: Please read the application carefully before filling it out. Applications may be submitted via email.
Permits are reviewed & coordinated through the park’s Permit Office: Contact us at (646) 356-2107 or by email if you have any questions.

Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

Some filming, still photography, and audio recording requires a permit (depending upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information). For more information about filming, still photography, and audio recording, see the Superintendent's Compendium 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) and 54 U.S.C. 100905.

Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording Special Use Permit Application (10-931)
Permits are reviewed & coordinated through the park’s Permit Office: Contact us at (646) 356-2107 or by email.