NYC Film Permit Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Filming in New York City without a valid permit can result in fines, equipment seizure, and production shutdowns. The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) oversees all filming permits in NYC, and understanding their process is the first step to a compliant, stress-free production.

This guide covers the MOME permit application process, required documentation, timelines, and common compliance issues — based on 37th Degree’s decade-plus experience managing permits for international and domestic productions across all five boroughs

WHO NEEDS A NYC FILM PERMIT

A MOME permit is required for any production using a camera and crew on public property in New York City. This includes commercials, music videos, feature films, television series, documentaries, and student films. Even small productions with minimal equipment may need a permit if they use public sidewalks, streets, or parks.

Interior shoots on private property generally do not require a MOME permit, but may need building management approval and separate insurance documentation. Productions using drones in NYC airspace require FAA authorization in addition to MOME permits.

THE MOME PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS

MOME permits are free for most productions. Applications are submitted through the MOME online portal (nyc.gov/mome) and require the following timeline:

•       Standard permits (sidewalk, park, basic exterior): 5 business days minimum lead time.

•       Complex permits (street closures, NYPD coordination): 10–15 business days lead time.

•       MTA/Subway filming: 2–4 weeks lead time, separate MTA approval required.

•       Special events or large-scale productions: 3–4 weeks recommended.

The application requires detailed information about your production schedule, location addresses, equipment list, crew size, vehicle requirements, and any special requests (generators, cranes, drones, pyrotechnics).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

•       Certificate of Insurance (COI): Every MOME permit requires a COI with at least $1 million general liability per occurrence, naming the City of New York as additional insured. Some locations require higher coverage limits.

•       Location agreements: Written permission from private property owners for any use of private spaces adjacent to public filming areas.

•       NYPD coordination requests: Required for any production affecting traffic flow, requiring street closures, or involving stunts, weapons props, or special effects.

•       Parks Department permits: Separate permit required for filming in any NYC park, coordinated through MOME.

•       MTA approval: Required for subway platforms, train cars, bus interiors, and MTA-owned property.

NYPD FILM COORDINATION

Productions that affect traffic flow, require street closures, or involve stunts must coordinate with the NYPD Movie/TV Unit. NYPD officers assigned to your production manage traffic control, pedestrian safety, and public order. Their fees are billed separately from the free MOME permit — rates depend on the number of officers required and the duration of the assignment.

Overnight shoots in residential areas face stricter noise regulations and may require advance community notification. Rooftop filming requires additional safety documentation. Street lockups (full road closures) are among the most complex permits and require the longest lead times.

PARKS DEPARTMENT PERMITS

Central Park, Prospect Park, and other city parks are popular filming destinations with specific rules. Large-scale productions in parks may require restoration deposits and advance approval for any physical alterations. Some park areas restrict filming during peak public use hours. Waterfront locations (Brooklyn Bridge Park, Hudson River Park) have their own permit authorities in addition to MOME.

COMMON PERMIT COMPLIANCE ISSUES

The most frequent issues 37th Degree encounters with NYC filming permits:

•       Insufficient lead time for complex location requests — especially MTA and street closures.

•       COI documentation that does not match MOME specifications — additional insured language must be exact.

•       Underestimating NYPD needs for shoots involving vehicle staging, crowd management, or high-traffic areas.

•       Failing to account for residential notification requirements for overnight or early-morning shoots.

•       Not planning rain contingency permits — backup dates need their own permit applications.

•       Rooftop filming safety requirements that are stricter than anticipated.

FAQ — NYC FILM PERMITS

Q: How much does a NYC filming permit cost?

A: MOME permits are free for most productions. However, NYPD officer coordination, Parks Department restoration deposits, and MTA access fees are billed separately. The permit itself is no-cost — the associated services carry costs.

Q: Can international productions apply for NYC film permits?

A: Yes, but the application process requires a US-based entity or local production partner. 37th Degree handles all permit applications for international productions shooting in NYC, including Korean, Japanese, and European teams.

Q: How long does it take to get a MOME permit approved?

A: Standard permits require 5 business days. Street closures and NYPD coordination need 10–15 business days. MTA subway filming requires 2–4 weeks. Submit applications as early as possible.

Q: Do I need a permit to film on private property in NYC?

A: Private property filming generally does not require a MOME permit, but you need written location agreements and appropriate insurance. If your production affects public sidewalks or streets adjacent to the private location, MOME permits apply.

Q: What happens if I film in NYC without a permit?

A: Filming without a valid permit can result in fines, production shutdown by NYPD, and equipment seizure. Repeated violations can affect your ability to obtain future permits. The risk is never worth it.

HOW 37TH DEGREE MANAGES NYC PERMITS

37th Degree handles the full NYC permit process for every production we support — from initial MOME application through on-set compliance monitoring. Our team manages location holds, NYPD coordination, Parks Department applications, MTA submissions, insurance documentation, and any special permits required for your specific production needs.

For international productions unfamiliar with NYC regulations, we provide end-to-end permit management as part of our line production and fixer services. As cross-border production specialists, we understand the additional documentation and coordination international teams require. Contact us at info@37thdegree.com to discuss permit needs for your NYC production.

For a broader overview of filming in New York, see our complete Filming in New York production guide.