Official-source starting point for MOME film permits, SAPO permits, Parks, MTA, Staten Island Ferry, DCAS, Port Authority, drones, FDNY effects, state parks, and federal parks.
The core NYC film-permit path for City streets, sidewalks, exterior public property, production parking, NYPD or FDNY assistance, insurance, and Letters in Lieu.
MOME accepts Film Permit applications and points productions through the permit-required rules, insurance rules, online application, application instructions, park guidance, and neighborhood notification guidance.
MOME says a permit is generally required for larger equipment packages, production vehicles requesting parking, exclusive use of City property, prop weapons or vehicles, police uniforms, stunts, and NYPD or FDNY assistance.
MOME says Commercial General Liability insurance is required for film permit applications unless a student-production or waiver path applies.
MOME offers a Letter in Lieu for certain exterior public City property activity that does not require a Film Permit and is not covered by another permit.
MOME says permit decisions are made with the Film Office, NYPD Movie and TV Unit, and other agencies where needed.
The NYC Street Activity Permit Office path for street events, production events, block parties, farmers markets, plaza events, press events, and related street or sidewalk activity.
SAPO issues permits for street festivals, plaza events, production events, block parties, farmers markets, press conferences, health fairs, and other uses of streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian plazas.
SAPO lists different filing deadlines by permit type. Production Events, press conferences, rallies, and demonstrations are listed with a 10-day deadline.
SAPO says applicants use E-Apply, submit event details, pay the processing fee, and may be asked for support permits, agency recommendations, modifications, site plans, schedules, insurance, meetings, or site visits.
SAPO lists the $25 nonrefundable processing fee plus additional fees for certain permit types, including Production Events.
SAPO rules cover community board and NYPD recommendations, other-agency permits, insurance, recycling, emergency lanes, and rain-date policy.
Special locations often require approvals outside the basic MOME permit path. These pages are the official starting points for several common NYC production complications.
MOME says productions filming in a City park should submit the NYC Parks Film Shoot Request Form, allow at least 5 business days for park-manager response, and then reference the park-manager approval in the MOME permit application.
NYC311 says permit steps depend on where the filming or photography takes place and calls out City parks and the Staten Island Ferry as locations with additional steps.
MTA says commercial filming, photography, or audio recording on MTA property requires a location agreement or permit. Permit, fee, insurance, safety, and lead-time requirements depend on equipment, disruption, location, and scope.
Grand Central says small self-contained shoots may be handled by a permit, while larger shoots or special requests go through a location agreement with MTA.
NYC DOT says permits are required for film or photo shoots in Staten Island Ferry terminals or on the ferry, with processing generally listed at 3 to 5 business days.
City-managed buildings, Port Authority facilities, drones, fire effects, state parks, and federal parks can move a production into another approval path.
DCAS says its Special Events office works with MOME to coordinate filming at or around DCAS-managed properties, including listed municipal buildings, borough halls, and courts.
Port Authority says requests for special events, commercial film and photo shoots, and drone flight requests at its facilities should start with Port Authority before filing an online application.
NYPD says the public may apply for permits authorizing takeoffs and landings of unmanned aircraft in New York City. NYPD reviews applications with DOT.
MOME says pyrotechnics, fire effects, explosions, and simulated or smoke effects require prior FDNY inspection, permit, and supervision.
New York State Parks says permits may be required for film, photography, and sound-recording activity in state parks, and its NYC region provides state-park contact and permit materials.
NPS says filming, still photography, and audio recording are treated under the same permit framework, with a permit not required when a small public-area activity fits all listed low-impact conditions.