New York, NY Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)
Film location permits in New York, NY, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Key Facts
- Authority
- 9 RCNY 9
- Permit cost
- Free
- Insurance
- $1 million liability
- Notice
- 48 hours minimum
- Hand-held
- Generally exempt
Summary
The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment Office of Film Theatre and Broadcasting issues free location permits under 9 RCNY chapter 9 for productions using equipment, crew, or actors on city property, with a minimum 48-hour application notice.
The Film Office is accepting Film Permit applications for production activity. Media production activity in New York City is subject to requirements in New York State and City laws, directives, and guidance. For more information see: When production activity does not require a Film Permit Shoot Your Project in NYC with These 3 Steps! The Film Office looks to support film and television productions of all shapes and sizes, and we look to make each and every one of those projects a clear, seamless, and enjoyable production experience. The steps outlined below can guide you through our simple process, or if you're looking for something specific, you can keep scrolling down and also look on the left hand navigation for specific sections. Step 1: Do I Need a Permit?
When a Permit Is Required and Fee Info Insurance Requirements Pre-Production Code of Conduct (effective 1/1/2024) Step 2: Apply for a Permit Letter in Lieu of Permit Online Application Application Instructions Step 3: Notify the Neighborhood Find a Community Board Find a City Council District Find a Business Improvement District Sample Resident Letter
Sample sign for trash collection by a private carting company Need more info?
Permits for Students Permits for International Productions Red Carpet Premiere Permits Calendar of Citywide Events
Full Breakdown
Title 9 of the Rules of the City of New York chapter 9, adopted under Charter section 1304, requires any production using tripods, dollies, sandbags, lighting kits, or generators on city streets, sidewalks, parks, or municipal buildings to obtain an Office of Film Theatre and Broadcasting permit. Permits are free but require $1 million liability insurance naming the City as additional insured. Hand-held shooting by individuals is exempt under section 9-02. NYPD Movie and TV Unit assigns paid-detail officers for parking holds, equipment trucks, and pedestrian control at production expense. Local Law 198 of 2017 added diversity and harassment-prevention reporting for projects receiving the Made in NY discount.
Violations & Fines
Filming without a required permit triggers NYPD shutdown, summonses under 9 RCNY 9-08 with fines up to $200, and 60-day forfeiture of future MOFTB permits. Insurance shortfalls or false statements draw permit revocation and possible Penal Law 175.10 referrals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for student films?
Can I close a street to film a chase scene?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New York
New York rules heatmap·Compare New York to another location·View the New York filming & production overview
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