BLM Filming Fees
Processing/Monitoring and Rental fees must be paid before filming is permitted on public land. Generally, it is easiest to submit all fees with the application. Processing fees are non-refundable, but monitoring and rental fees will be refunded if the application is not approved.
PROCESSING AND MONITORING FEES vary depending on the estimated BLM work hours required to process the application and to monitor filming and reclamation. In most cases, minimal impact filming at popular locations requires Category 1 fees. These are generally paid with the application after coordination with the local BLM contact.
The fees are based on the following schedule:
| Category | BLM Work Hours | 2020 Processing/Monitoring Fees | 2021* Processing/Monitoring Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 to 8 | $130 | $131 |
| 2 | 8 to 24 | $459 | $462 |
| 3 | 24 to 36 | $864 | $869 |
| 4 | 36 to 50 | $1,239 | $1,246 |
| 5 | Not applicable to film permits | As specified in the agreement | |
| 6 | 50+ | Full reimbursement for actual costs | Full reimbursement for actual costs |
*Starting January 1, 2021
RENTAL FEES vary per state and are generally established by statewide appraisals. The following schedules are from the three states that process the most BLM filming permits:
California Rental Schedule
| People | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 to 30 | $250/day |
| 31 to 60 | $500/day |
| Over 60 | $600/day |
| People | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 to 10 | $100/day |
| 11 to 30 | $150/day |
| Over 30 | $250/day |
Utah Rental Schedule
| People | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 to 30 | $250/location/day |
| 31 to 60 | $500/location/day |
| Over 60 | $600/location/day |
| People | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 to 10 | $100/location/day |
| 11 to 30 | $150/location/day |
| Over 30 | $250/location/day |
Nevada Rental Schedule
| People | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5, more than just camera and tripod | $80/location/day |
| 6-10 | $159/location/day |
| 11-30 | $372/location/day |
| 31-50 | $690/location/day |
| 51-70 | $1,062/location/day |
| Over 70 | $1,593/location/day |
| People | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-5, more than just a camera and tripod | $53/day |
| 6-10 | $106/day |
| 11-20 | $212/day |
| 21-30 | $319/day |
| Over 30 | $478/day |
For states that are not listed above, please contact the local BLM office to inquire about their state’s rental rate.
INSURANCE: All applications must include a certificate of insurance naming the United States Department of the Interior - BLM as co-insured. Contact the appropriate BLM Field Office for specific dollar amount.
BONDING: Permittees may be required to provide cash bonds to assure reclamation of sets or sensitive locations.