Certain kinds of filmmaking and photography activity on exterior public property owned by the City of New York do not require a film permit.* The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment offers a document called a "Letter in Lieu of Optional Permit" for filmmakers and photographers working on exterior public property owned by the City of New York if (1) their activities meet certain criteria (below) and (2) they are not filming or photographing in a location on the same date and time covered by other permitted activity. Some filmmakers and photographers may wish to carry the letter when they are working on activity that does not require a film permit. (Carrying this letter is an option, not a requirement.) Please read the FAQ about the Letter in Lieu of Optional Permit for more information and contact MOME at (212) 489-6710 with questions.
(* MOME does not have jurisdiction over private property, property owned by other government entities such as MTA or Port Authority, or State or Federal property. Filming and photography on such property is subject to the applicable government entity's rules and may require a different permit.)
By checking each box below, you certify that your activity meets each requirement below. At the end of the checklist, you may print a "Letter in Lieu of Optional Permit" for your qualifying activity. The letter is valid for 30 days. If you cannot check a box, please visit the application portal for a required film permit.
I affirm that by clicking the "Download Letter" button below that my activity meets all of the criteria that I checked above and will occur only on exterior public property owned by the City of New York. If I use the letter for activity that requires a film permit or on other property, I may be subject to a fine or other penalties.
We recommend opening the letter with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment311
