Join the Crew
Get the best resources for producers delivered to your mailbox
Get the best resources for producers delivered to your mailbox
The Wrapbook Team consists of individuals who are thrilled about building modern software tools for creators. We’re a team of compassionate and curious people dedicated to solving complex problems with sophisticated solutions. You can find us across the U.S. and Canada.
At Wrapbook, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding free resources to producers and their crews, but this post is for informational purposes only as of the date above. The content on our website is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for legal, accounting, or tax advice. You should consult with your own legal, accounting, or tax advisors to determine how this general information may apply to your specific circumstances.
From the gritty cityscapes of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight to the scorching drama of Chicago Fire, Chicago has long played host to productions of every size and style. With its blend of iconic architecture and diverse landscapes, Chicago remains a go-to city for commercials, features, TV shows, and more.
But before the cameras roll, you’ll likely need to obtain a Chicago film permit.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about Chicago filming permits—what they are, what they cover, how to apply, and how much they cost.
A Chicago film permit is an official certificate from the City of Chicago that gives permission for filmmaking activities to take place. Film permits are an essential tool that cities like Chicago use to coordinate your shoot while minimizing disruption to businesses, residents, and traffic.
In return, Chicago filming permits grant production companies access to city resources, parking for honeywagons and production vehicles, and location assistance with government buildings, public parks, and some privately owned locations.
Film permits in Chicago aren’t one size fits all, though. Certain locations and activities will require coordinating with different departments and longer wait times. As always, make sure to prepare in advance to ensure a smooth permitting process.
Film permits in Chicago are issued by the Chicago Film Office, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). Its mission is to support and attract productions of all kinds from big-budget commercials and TV shows to indie films and documentaries.
The Film Office acts as a central hub for everything permitting-related. It coordinates with other city departments, helps facilitate city services, and guides productions through the permitting process from start to finish.
If you are filming on public property in the city of Chicago, this is your first stop!
It all depends on the size and specifications of your production.
The good news? Not every shoot needs one. If you’re working on a low-impact production, such as a documentary, news segment, or b-roll shoot—and you're not disrupting traffic or using large gear—you may not need a permit at all.
However, you must secure a Chicago film permit if your production features any of the following:
In a nutshell, Chicago filming permits are required for any production filming on streets, sidewalks, alleys, and other public properties, especially when your shoot will impede foot or vehicle traffic.
Additionally, some locations, such as city parks, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and CTA stations, have their own separate permitting requirements regardless of your impact level. More on this below!
If you're unsure, it’s always best to reach out to the Film Office directly or check its website for the official permitting guidelines.
The application process for a Chicago filming permit breaks down into four simple steps:
Start by creating an account through the City of Chicago’s film permit system. Once you’re signed in, follow the prompts to fill out your permit request. If it’s your first time applying for a Chicago Film Office film permit, you will need to create an account. Once signed in, follow the prompts to complete your application.
The portal will require a credit card payment before permits are issued. If approved, you will receive an email notification with a confirmation.
The City Services Request Form allows production companies to apply for key city resources such as:
Complete and download the form here, then email it to filmoffice@cityofchicago.org.
Please note that city services vary in costs. More information can be found in the Chicago Film Office rates for filming page.
Like most cities, Chicago film permits require production insurance.
Prior to your shoot, you’ll need to submit a Certificate of Insurance (COI) form to the Chicago Film Office. Additionally, if your production is hiring police or fire personnel, you must have Workers’ Compensation insurance.
Submit the COI along with any other documentation to filmoffice@cityofchicago.org.
Just as you would if you were moving into a new neighborhood, when you are shooting at a new location, it’s important to be a good neighbor.
To facilitate timely notification, the Chicago Film Office requires productions to submit their leaflets for review prior to distribution. Leaflets should be on company letterhead with a business address and contact phone number. It must also include the following information:
Here is a sample leaflet for reference.
Once your leaflet is received by the Chicago Film Office and approved by the Department of Transportation, you can begin posting. At minimum, this must be done 48 hours prior to your shoot.
Some iconic Chicago locations have their own permitting processes separate from the standard Film Office application. If you’re filming in the Chicago Park District, Millennium Park, on historic Navy Pier, or a location run by the Chicago Transit Authority, you’ll need to obtain separate filming permits.
Each agency has its own rates, timelines, and restrictions. The permitting process may also vary depending on the size of your crew, the type/scope of the project, and your intended filming impact.
To avoid delays, reach out to these agencies early in your planning process and be prepared to provide production insurance and full project details.
Chicago filming permits are valid for the specific shoot dates listed in the permit application.
Yes. If your production involves filming at more than one location, you’ll need to apply for a separate Chicago film permit for each location. Each Chicago filming permit is tied to a specific address and covers only that location.
To obtain a Chicago filming permit, you must submit a valid Certificate of Insurance (COI) that meets the city’s coverage requirements. Here's what you'll need:
Ensure that the details on the COI exactly match the production name, company, and contact information. Here is a sample COI for reference.
The time it takes to get a Chicago film permit depends on the complexity of your shoot. Standard productions generally require at least four full business days for review. If your request includes traffic control or drone use, expect that timeline to increase to five days or more.
More complex shoots that involve street closures, stunts, special effects, or filming on the Chicago Riverwalk require additional coordination and a longer lead time. In such cases, the city asks for a minimum of 10 full business days to process permit applications.
As always, if you are unsure, it’s best to reach out to the Chicago Film Office ahead of time.
To avoid delays, make sure to apply as soon as you finalize your shooting schedule and locations. Giving yourself extra time to submit paperwork, secure insurance, and handle notifications will ensure that your production stays on track.
Chicago filming permits are priced on a per-day/per-location basis. Most productions pay $250 per day/location. However, certain independent projects and student films may qualify for a reduced rate of $25 per day/location.
Some locations, such as the Chicago Park District, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the CTA, have their own fee structures. These can vary based on your crew size, shoot duration, or impact.
As mentioned above, not every production needs a permit. If you’re working on a low-impact shoot that doesn’t affect traffic or public access, you may be exempt. When in doubt, check in with the Film Office for clarification.
Getting a film permit in Chicago is a straightforward process—but like any production task, it requires proper planning. Permitting helps ensure your shoot runs smoothly while respecting the needs of local communities.
If you're heading into production, learn how Wrapbook can help streamline your production accounting and payroll.
If you’re shortlisting potential film locations for a project, be sure to check out our other guides on LA film permits, NYC film permits, and New Orleans film permits.
