Apply for a Seattle Film Permit

Apply Now!

Film Permitting Quick Facts

• Film Permits are a flat $25 per day. Productions may film at multiple locations in a single day, and the fee will remain the same
• We need a minimum of 3 to 5 business days to process permit request. 5-10 days business days are required for any projects involving use of a UAS (drone) depending on scope of activity.
• A Certificate of Insurance and Additional Endorsement are required for most shoots
  • Insurance Requirements
  • Sample Certificate of Insurance / Additional Insured Form
• Film Permits are only issued for city-owned property in the City of Seattle. This includes: City Parks, streets, sidewalks, and some city-owned buildings. This does not include: Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Olympic Sculpture Park, Climate Pledge Arena, the Great Wheel, Waterfront Piers, and other city landmarks or tourist attractions
• The Film Office is a one stop shop for all your city property permitting needs. We ask applicants to not reach out to other city departments directly - we got you covered!
• Parking may be reserved for your working production vehicles at a rate of $15 per metered space per day
• Other fees may be incurred if your production impacts requires additional staffing by the the Seattle Police Department or Parks Departments
• No permits are required for filming on private property
• For indepth information on our permitting rules and regulations, please consult our Film Manual

How to Apply

Film permits are processed with "Film App," a web-based permitting portal provided by Apply4 Technology. To apply, please do the following:

• Head over to our Film Permit Application Portal
• Create a Username and Password, or login if you have already created one
• Click the "Apply for Permit" button on the right-hand side of the page
• Navigate through the six information gathering modules to complete and submit your application.
• Applicants will then recieve a confirmation e-mail, and the Film Permit Specialist will be in touch with you to follow up with any necessary follow-up questions.

Please reach out to the Film Permit Specialist at filmoffice@seattle.gov / (206) 233-3948 at any time if you have any questions during the application process.

There is a 3 business day minimum turnaround to obtain a Seattle Film Permit for lower impact work or filming in City Parks. Higher impact filming, including traffic control, stunts, and after-hours work, requires at least a 5 business day turnaround and may require more location prep on your end including neighborhood notification, sign-offs, and other outreach. Refer to our FAQs page for more information. 

Applicants can check the status of their permit at any time by clicking on the "My Applications" tab of their Film App account, which is accessed via the Seattle FilmApp homepage.