Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone engaged in commercial (profit and sale) photography on state property – whether still, motion picture, or digital, for print, TV, theatres, or the Internet – is required to obtain a film permit from the CFC. Student filmmakers are also required to get a permit. If you are taking stills or filming for personal use without “commercial” equipment at a state park or beach, you don’t need a permit. When in doubt call the CFC.

All permit applications must be submitted at least four (4) business days prior to the first prep/shoot day.  Caltrans ramp and lane closures require a minimum of twelve (12) business days; freeway closures require a minimum of sixteen (16) business days. A permit will be issued the day before the start of your activity at the latest, once all required documents and approvals have been received.

Online Permit Application

The California Film Commission charges no fees to process the permit. State Parks and Caltrans charge review fees. If a state film monitor or inspector is required, the production company must pay the actual costs along with any review fees. These fees are determined by the coordinating department (State Parks, Caltrans, etc.).

State Permit & Monitor Fees

The CFC accepts checks or money orders in United States dollars. The check is payable to the State of California and the check’s subject line should contain the actual state department (i.e., State Parks, Caltrans, EDD, DMV, etc.) at which you are filming. We cannot accept cash. Only State Parks accepts payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, and Discover only – no American Express). Your permit coordinator will email you a credit card authorization form along with your invoice for any park review or monitor fees and instructions for emailing it back to State Parks Billing.

Officer Jonathon Dockweiler
CHP Media Relations Officer
Cell: 213.703.2070

All special effects must be indicated on the state film permit. Any filming activity that will use flammable materials, explosive devices, or open flames is considered a special effect. The State Fire Marshal reviews these requests and may require local fire department staff to be on location to monitor pyrotechnic activity. Production pays for these monitors directly.

Vijay Mepani
Deputy State Fire Marshal
Tel:  323.817.4108
Cell: 213.700.5884

Yes. Use the link below to view our insurance requirements.Insurance Requirements for Filming on State Property

Although state property, the CFC does not issue permits for the court system.  Please use the link below for more information.Filming in California State Courthouses

The following steps will help in determining what is or isn’t state property:

The State considers an approved, issued CFC film permit to be your legal approval to use the state locations and images in your project in perpetuity.  The CFC film permit, in most instances*, takes the place of a location agreement or signed release.

*California Departments that require both a CFC film permit and a location agreement:

• California African American Museum
• California Science Center and Exposition Park
• Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
• Department of Fish and Game
• Department of Mental Health Services
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• Department of Parks and Recreation – uses the CA Parks form DPR 245A
• Department of Transportation (Caltrans) – uses an encroachment permit

Yes, students applying for a state film permit also must have insurance. If a student is currently enrolled in a university or film school, the institution normally provides general liability insurance for students. Students may need to provide their own auto insurance and should contact their school’s film office to learn how to obtain an insurance certificate for filming.Insurance Requirements for Filming on State Property