STATE ISLAND FERRY PERMIT INFORMATION
TURNAROUND TIME: Permit Application processing takes three to five business days.
The permit grants limited use of space on regularly scheduled ferryboats and in the St. George and Whitehall Ferry Terminals for still photography and filming. In accordance with the Rules of the City of New York, Title 34, Section 1-03, no person shall take still photographs for commercial use; make motion pictures; use and operate television cameras, transmitting television equipment, or radio remotes; or load-ins or load-outs supporting indoor performances in the terminals or on the ferries without a permit issued by the New York City Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division.
Permits are not issued to film during rush hours, (Monday through Friday, 6:00am to 9:30am and 3:30pm to 7:00pm). The permit fee is $100.00 per hour. Application processing takes three (3) to five (5) business days.
The following conditions/restrictions apply:
1. Access is limited to the public areas of the boats and terminals unless otherwise approved by the Chief Operating Officer of the Staten Island Ferry. No access will be granted to restricted areas.
2. The total crew and cast are not to exceed twelve (12) persons.
3. No electrical power hook-ups are allowed.
4. Only portable (hand-held) equipment is permitted. Tripods are not permitted.
5. There shall be no interference with passenger flow throughout the ferry terminals or boats.
6. There shall be no blocking of turnstile areas, escalators, doors, or gateways to the ferry slips.
7. The ferry route will not be altered for filming purposes.
8. No posters, banners, or flyers shall be affixed to any surfaces in the terminals or on the ferryboats. No tables, structures, or easels will be allowed.
9. Accommodations for the storage of permittee's materials and/or equipment will not be provided.
10. Full cooperation must be given to crewmembers and terminal staff.
11. The permit must be carried at all times and be shown upon request.
12. The DOT reserves the right to revoke this permit at the sole discretion of the Chief Operating Officer for the Staten Island Ferry.
13. A permit from the New York City Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division and a separate permit from the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) are both required in circumstances under which a permit from MOME is required by MOME’s rules.
14. Filming/Photography may be prohibited if any of the above conditions are not met.
15. Permit applications may only be granted for the specific location, date, and time applied for (i.e. Permits will not be issued with alternate dates or “rain dates”). If a permit is not used on the location, date, and time originally specified, that permit is then forfeited. If applicants are concerned about weather or suspect that their plans may change, they may submit applications and associated payments for permits on multiple dates. Subsequent permits may be issued to applicants provided that they meet all of the requirements outlined above.
16. All permit fees are non-refundable, and all payments are final.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
- PAYMENT – Acceptable forms of payment are certified bank check or money order. Please make check payable to the NYC Department of Transportation, at $100 per hour of filming (we do not bill on the half hour). Payment must be received at least three business days prior to requested permit date; no exceptions. It is recommended that payment be sent via a traceable method. Please forward all payments to Attn: Filming Permits, 1 Ferry Terminal Drive, Staten Island, NY 10301. In-person payments must be received before 3pm Monday-Friday.
- CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE – Insurance cannot be expired. "The City of New York" must be listed as an Additional Insured and named in the Certificate Holder section. The following address can be used: 1 Ferry Terminal Drive, Staten Island, NY 10301. Additional requirements for insurance are listed below in the Upload Documents section of this page.
- RELEASE FORM – Must be signed AND notarized prior to applying for a permit. Please click here for Film Release Form
If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact Ferrypermitrequest@dot.nyc.gov. Someone will respond within 24- 48 hours.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How long does it take to process a permit application? Permit Application processing takes three to five business days.
How are permits issued? A select number of permits are issued daily on a first-come, first-served basis, and approval is not guaranteed.
Do you take credit cards for film/photography permit fee payments? No, currently we only accept money orders or certified checks payable to the NYC Department of Transportation delivered in-person or sent by a trackable method.
Can I stay on the boat for the return trip? No, the USCG-mandated Staten Island Ferry security plan requires you to exit the boat upon docking and reboard with the other passengers.
What is the maximum number of people I can bring with me? Film/Photography Permit – no more than twelve (12) persons.
Do you provide parking for permittees? No, we do not provide parking for permittees.
Why can’t I get a film/photography permit during weekday morning or afternoon rush hours? The Staten Island Ferry provides transportation service from Staten Island to Manhattan and back for Staten Island residents, tourists, and other commuters. Permits are not issued to film/photograph during weekday rush hours (6 am – 9:30 am and 3:30 pm – 7 pm).
Can I use tables or props to film/photograph? No, tables, structures, easels, tripods, or any props are not permitted.
Can you store our belongings while we use our permit? No, we do not provide storage for permittees.
Is there a time limit when requesting a permit? Film/Photography Permit – there is a time restriction Monday thru Friday. Permits are not issued during rush hours (6 am – 9:30 am and 3:30 pm – 7 pm). Permits are not issued on September 11th, the Five Boro Bike Tour, the NYC Marathon, or any City/Agency sponsored engagement.
Can we film/photograph anywhere in the terminals and ferryboats? You may request to film or photograph only in the public areas on ferryboats and in the terminals