Essential Guide: NYC Film Permits

What is an NYC film permit?

A film permit is an official certificate that gives production companies permission to film on public or city-owned property. Given the popularity of New York, film permits are an essential tool that ensures filmmakers can shoot while minimizing disruption to daily life. If your production uses larger gear, involves actors in uniform, stunts, special effects, or you need parking for production vehicles, you’ll likely need to apply for a permit.

An NYC film permit comes with access to critical city services such as police assistance via the NYPD Movie & TV Unit, unique location access, and staging for equipment and vehicles.

Keep in mind that filming in city parks, bridges, tunnels, subways, or inside government buildings may require additional permits from agencies such the Parks Department, MTA, or DCAS.

How long have film permits in NYC existed?

NYC has been a popular film location since the 1960s. However, it was disorganized as producers had to apply for 50+ permits per shoot. Then in 1966, Mayor John Lindsay completely overhauled the system and established the New York City film permit by creating the Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting.

Who issues film permits in NYC?

The Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting (OFTB) is the official film and television permit office for all of New York City’s five boroughs. The OFTB is a one-stop shop for everything involving television and film permits in NYC.

The OFTB is one of the four divisions of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), which oversees the entirety of New York’s creative economy.

Do you need film permits in NYC?

In short, it depends on what you plan on shooting.

You must obtain NYC film permits if your production:

• Uses non-handheld equipment like dollies and jibs (“handheld” is defined as a camera on a tripod, bounce boards, boom mics, etc.)
• Requires parking privileges for production vehicles, though personal automobiles do not require a permit; moreover, the OFTB asks that applicants for an NYC film permit list all vehicles that need a parking pass in the permit application
• Requires exclusive use of city property
• Involves stunts, prop vehicles, prop weapons, or actors in police uniform
• Is filming in a city park, city building interiors, bridges, subways, or tunnels, which might also require additional permissions

NYC also offers an optional permit, a unique offering that’s free and ideal for low-impact productions. To see if you qualify for a letter in lieu of a permit, use the checklist on the MOMA page. You can also apply in person at OFTB at 1697 Broadway, 6th Floor, Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm EST.

If you qualify, you must follow the guidelines you agreed to and ensure that you do not use the letter for any filmmaking activities that require a permit.

If you have any doubt about whether or not your production requires an NYC film permit, look up more detailed information on the NYC film permit office’s website.

How to get a NYC film permit?

Getting an NYC film permit might seem daunting, but it can be broken down into manageable steps. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Secure insurance

Before you even submit an application, you’ll need to submit a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to the OFTB. It must come directly from your insurance broker to insurance@media.nyc.gov.

You must also ensure that the COI is submitted at least 48 hours before submitting your application. If your COI is not in our system by the time you apply, your application won’t be validated. 

In regard to student filmmakers, NYC-based schools may already be on file. Instead of a COI, simply submit a letter from your school on official letterhead confirming your student status. If you’re unsure, reach out to the OFTB.

2. Set up a pre-production meeting (if needed)

If you're working on a narrative feature, television show, or large-scale music video/commercial, you must book a pre-production meeting with the OFTB. 

Ideally, filmmakers should aim to schedule this meeting three weeks in advance. But the absolute latest is five days before filming. Generally, the location manager and production manager will attend, as well as members of the OFTB, and representatives of other relevant agencies.

This meeting ensures your production is logistically sound and helps you understand exactly what to request on your permit. Be sure to have all your documentation ready to present if needed. 

3. Complete the New Project Account Application

After the pre-production meeting, it’s time to submit your application.

Completing the application is a relatively straightforward process. You’ll need to provide information about the production budget, size of the cast and crew, and your insurance policy number. You must also provide a full list of locations, a shoot schedule, and the production’s parking needs and vehicle list.

4. Notify the community

When filming in certain neighborhoods, you’ll need to properly notify each business or neighbor that is directly affected by your production. You must do so at least 48 hours before you begin filming at that particular location.

Use this sample resident letter as a template, and personalize it for your production.

Depending on the location, consider reaching out to the local Community Board, City Council District, and Business Improvement District for smoother operations. 

5. File for DCAS and park permits (if needed)

Certain locations are managed by city agencies that require a separate permit/application. 

Here’s a breakdown: 

• DCAS manages city properties like the Manhattan or the Brooklyn Municipal Building
• City parts oversee the NYC parks, and you can start the application process here
• Other agencies (MTA, Port Authority, etc.) might require additional permissions outside of OFTB’s jurisdiction

Optional permits (if necessary)

As mentioned above, if you are running a small, handheld shoot, and you need to film on sidewalks and city property, you can apply for an optional permit. These are free and give you access to many of the privileges that current NYC film permits grant.

How long is a NYC film permit valid?

NYC Film permits are valid for one day of filming. If your production spans multiple days, you need to submit a separate permit for each shoot day under the project account. Plan ahead to stay on schedule and compliant with city regulations.

Do you need separate NYC film permits for each location?

Nope. You don’t need separate NYC filming permits for each location. As long as all locations fall on the same shoot day, you can include them under one daily permit. However, each location must be listed separately in the application, in shooting order, and the shoot times can’t overlap by more than two hours.

Keep in mind that public parks and city property are exceptions to this rule because they require separate permits. 

What are NYC’s insurance requirements?

Productions that wish to secure a NYC film permit must first obtain commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance.

At minimum, the policy must: 

• Provide $1 million in General Liability coverage per occurrence
• Name “The City of New York, including its officials and employees,” as additional insured
• The policy must be issued by a provider with strong financial ratings

As mentioned above, it's vital that your insurance broker—not you—email the COI, along with any supporting documents, to OFTB. Email the COI to insurance@media.nyc.gov at least 48 hours before submitting your NYC film permit application. 

How long does it take to get a NYC film permit?

Permit turnaround times vary depending on the scope of your shoot:

• Standard NYC film permits can take between two to three business days
• Shoots requiring NYPD assistance (e.g., stunts, prop weapons, traffic control) can take up to six business days
• Productions that want to film in Times Square must allow a minimum of seven days before shooting

Depending on the scope of your project, you will be required to schedule a pre-production meeting with the city at least five days before your shoot, so make sure to start early. Preparing ahead of time will save you tons of time!  

How much do NYC film permits cost?

A standard NYC film permit costs a non-refundable fee of $500 per 14-day filming period.

Parks permits and DCAS permits cost substantially more. For example, filming inside a DCAS-managed building can cost $3,200. On the other hand, optional permits are free, and many smaller, low-impact shoots (like handheld b-roll or documentary footage) don’t require a permit at all.

NYC also offers fee waivers on a case-by-case basis. Filmmakers must submit a letter of intent, budget, and budget narrative. 

Wrapping up

Getting an NYC film permit might seem like a lot of red tape, but with proper preparation, navigating the application process can be quite simple. 

Once you’re rolling, Wrapbook can also help streamline your production payroll, insurance, and production accounting all in one place. Learn how Wrapbook can be a force multiplier for your production here.

Consider more than one film location? We’ve also got guides on LA film permits and Chicago film permits to help you cover your bases coast to coast.