Do you need a permit to film in New York City?

Do you need a permit to film in New York City?

The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment says a permit is not required for a hand-held camera, a camera on a tripod, or hand-held props and equipment, if you are not claiming exclusive use of city property, not using prop weapons, prop vehicles, stunts, or actors in police uniform, and not asking for production-vehicle parking. Standing on a city sidewalk, a bridge walkway, or in a city park with a hand-held camera, without claiming that space, is not an activity that needs a permit.

A production with an equipment package, a vehicle that needs parking, or exclusive use of city property does need a permit from that office. I checked the page on 7 October 2026.

The rule, the source, and the date are here: https://directory.myartmyrules.com/film-in/new-york-city/

The office’s page is here: https://www.nyc.gov/site/mome/permits/when-permit-required.page

Terrell Groggins. This is general information, not legal advice.