Austin, TX Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Austin is a major film production hub, and the city manages film permitting through the Office of Special Events (OSE) in the Transportation and Public Works Department (since October 1, 2023). A permit is required for all film-making activities in the public right-of-way including commercial filming, b-roll footage, still photography, student filming, and any activity that blocks, directs, impedes, or reroutes traffic. There is no cost for a right-of-way film permit. Applications must be submitted via the AB+C Portal at least 3 business days prior to filming, and any associated payments must be made 2 business days prior.

Filming on City of Austin parks or public facilities is also free of permit fees. However, productions requiring police assistance, traffic control, or street closures will incur costs for those services. Commercial general liability insurance with a minimum limit of $500,000 per occurrence is required to film on most City of Austin property, with the City named as additional insured. The Austin Film Commission (operated by Visit Austin) serves as a resource for location scouting, crew referrals, and connecting productions with city services, but does not issue permits directly.