Film, Photography, and Special Use Permits

FILMING & STILL PHOTOGRAPHY

• 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.

How do I apply for a permit?

Permit applications are available through the administrative office. Email the Special Park Uses Coordinator for a permit application and more information. You should submit a completed application along with the application fee to the park where you want to film or photograph as far in advance of your planned date as possible. In addition, you should request a meeting with park staff if your proposed activity is unusual or complex. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application in a timely manner.

What fees will I have to pay?

The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for filming and photography permits if necessary. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. These can vary permit by permit. For more details email the Special Park Uses Coordinator.

Are there other permit requirements?

You may be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary.

What about photography workshops?

If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization.

Commercial Use Authorizations and Special Use Permits

Groups, including non-profit groups, wishing to engage in commercial activities at Manzanar NHS may require either a Commercial Use Authorization or Special Use Permit. Please email the Special Park Uses Coordinator for more information.

Special Use Permits are required for organizing and performing activities or assemblies which 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.

First Amendment Activities

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, and in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulation. People may exercise these rights in national parks, but the National Park Service still retains its responsibility to protect park resources and prevent impacts to park visitors. A permit is not required for groups of 25 or less individuals, conducting first amendment activities in the park’s designated first amendment areas.

Groups of 25 or more, groups desiring to reserve designated areas in advance, groups wanting to use a sound system, stage, chairs, etc., or groups soliciting donations require a permit. This list is not exhaustive, please email the Special Park Uses Coordinator to determine if your group's first amendment activities require a permit.

Permit Application Procedures and Requirements

Generally, permits are not issued for filming on weekends or holidays.

Filing a permit application alone does not grant you the right to your activity. Permit applications may be approved or rejected by the park. The application fee is nonrefundable, whether your application is approved or denied.

Applicants should read through the application and information on this web page to facilitate an understanding of the permit process. If site scouting is planned prior to application period, email the Special Park Uses Coordinator to set up an appointment.

Application

Complete applications must be submitted with the non-refundable application fee a minimum of fourteen (14) days before the desired activity date.

Your request will be evaluated based on the information in your application. During the process of reviewing and evaluating a permit application the Special Park Uses Coordinator will contact the applicant about additional permit costs if it is determined that substantial park staffing resources will be required for the permitted activity. You are encouraged to attach maps, diagrams, vehicle and equipment lists, call sheet, itineraries, shoot schedule, shot list, etc. with your application to assist park staff in evaluating your request.

Most requests will be processed within 14 days if the application is complete and without alteration. In compliance with the requirements of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, applicants must submit their Social Security number or Federal Tax ID number when filling out the application for permit.

Note: Park managers will not sign location releases supplied by applicants.

Please submit applications as far in advance as possible. Mail to:
Manzanar National Historic Site
Attn: Special Park Uses Coordinator
P.O. Box 426
Independence, CA 93526-0426

Costs

Congress has authorized the National Park Service to charge location fees for the use of park lands and facilities. Site use charges will be estimated based on the information you provide in your application.
The National Park Service is required to recover all costs associated with permits. All administrative costs involving permit application and processing are nonrefundable and will be charged to a permittee. We require that charges be paid before work can begin on National Park Service property.
Photography, Special Use Permits, and Commercial Use Authorizations may also involve cost recovery fees as described below.

Payment Options

Permit fees and costs may be paid by electronic transaction or check.
To pay by credit card: submit an application, then email or call for instructions on how to submit your payment through www.pay.gov.

Permit Application Fees

A $75.00 non-refundable permit application fee must be submitted with your application.
If your application fee has been waived, you must submit the required documentation with your application.

Monitoring and Monitor Fee

The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for commerical filming and still photography permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

Location Fees for Still Photography

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

Restrictions

Manzanar National Historic Site is not currently able to approve most permits for weekends and federal holidays. This restriction includes non-low-impact filming, photography and special events. Please email manz_permits@nps.gov to set up a time to discuss your project with our coordinator before submitting an application.

The National Park Service cannot accommodate a project if:

• Damage to natural, cultural and recreational resources is expected which cannot be mitigated
• The activity involves access to areas normally closed for reasons of resource protection and safety
• The level of activity within the park is already so high that staff would be unavailable to work with film crews
• The project includes a portrayal of activities that are not permitted within a national park
• The production company is unwilling or unable to obtain necessary insurance, or comply with National Park Service bond requirements.

Prohibited Activities

Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

• Altering, damaging, or removing vegetation or cultural resources
• Vehicle use off established roads and parking areas
• Smoking in buildings or in vegetated areas
• Digging, scraping, chiseling, or defacing natural or cultural features
• The launching, landing, or operating of an unmanned aircraft (drone or similar) from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service is prohibited.

Download the Permit Applications

Special Park Use (including Film) Permit Application
Still Photography Permit Application