Film Permits
A permit is required for any filming, or related activities, in DC public space.

Film permits are issued by the Office of Motion Picture and Television Development and provide permission to occupy the public space for filming and related activities, and may include location parking for essential production vehicles when available. Please read the full Film Permit Application Instructions (below) prior to completing a Film Permit Application. You can also browse the Frequently Asked Questions for additional information about Film Permits, and can contact the Office of Motion Picture and Television Development directly at (202) 727-6608 or film@dc.gov with any questions or concerns.

Film Permit Application Instructions
All production companies filming in the District are required to complete an Application Form and Location Expenditure Report. The information obtained from these forms is used to facilitate the production process and to determine the economic impact of film and television production in the District.

Basic film permit requests can often be processed the same day. Permit applications are processed in the order they are received, and volume is higher during particular times of the year, so you should try to submit your request to the Office of Motion Picture and Television Development, at least:

Two (2) business days prior to the first day of work when requesting filming; or
Four (4) business days prior to the first day of work when also requesting parking.

The Permit Application must be thoroughly completed. If a field does not apply to your project, please indicate so by entering "N/A" (not applicable) in the appropriate space. Please print or type legibly. Failure to provide all of the required information may result in delays.

A film permit application may be submitted using the online form, by fax (202) 727-3246, email (film@dc.gov), or in person at the Office of Motion Picture and Television Development. After submitting your application, please call (202) 727-6608 to verify that your application was received.

Road Closures, Traffic Control and other Special Requests
Requests involving street or sidewalk closures, intermittent traffic control, parking exceptions (i.e. rush hour waivers, parking in "no parking" areas, etc.), police assistance, special effects/pyrotechnics, erecting structures in public space, or other complex requests may require additional permits from other District agencies, and therefore may take longer to process.

When filming a scene that requires street or sidewalk closures or intermittent traffic control, you must have the Metropolitan Police Department-Special Operations Division (SOD), and/or District Department of Transportation Traffic Control Officers (TCOs) on location to ensure public safety and assist with the effective flow of traffic. The cost of such assistance, including the applicable personnel expenses (at the standard over-time rates) must be paid in advance by the production company. The Office of Motion Picture and Television Development will make arrangements with the respective agencies and coordinate invoicing and payment of expenses.

Parking
We will make every effort to provide parking for essential production vehicles close to your filming location, but note that parking is subject to availability and is not guaranteed. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) must approve any requests for parking exceptions (i.e. rush hour waivers, parking in "no parking" areas, etc.).

Film Permit Fees
Payment for all applicable fees must be received prior to issuing a film permit. Once your application has been processed and approved, you will receive an invoice and payment instructions. The following fee schedule is effective March 1, 2010:

This fee is for the film permit only and does not include any other permits that may be required by other District agencies.

Payment
MPTD accepts MasterCard, Visa, cash, and checks. However, in the interest of speed and convenience, we strongly encourage the credit card payment option. In order to pay by cash or check, the payment will have to be made in person at the Cashier’s Office of the D.C. Treasurer. This process can be time consuming. The Cashier’s Office of the D.C. Treasurer is located at: 1101 4th Street, SW, 1st Floor, Washington, DC 20024. The Cashier’s Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 am to 4:30 pm and can be reached at (202) 727-4829.

MPTD currently does not accept American Express. No exceptions.

Insurance Requirements
All Productions, regardless of size, are required to submit an original, signed Certificate of Insurance, in an amount of $1,000,000 minimum per instance of claim for general liability, listing the "Government of the District of Columbia" as additional insured. The following name and address should appear on the certificate of insurance;

Government of the District of Columbia
c/o Office of Motion Picture and Television Development
3007 Tilden Street NW, 4th Floor, Pod P
Washington, DC 20008

Student projects may be exempted from the insurance requirement by providing an original signed letter from their Instructor, Department Head or Dean of College on school letterhead stating the student’s name(s), title of the project, purpose of the project, and confirmation that the project is an official school assignment, covered by the school's liability insurance policies.