Chicago Film Office — Permits for Filming
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COVID-19 Update
The Chicago Film Office is issuing Permits for Filming. All producers are required to follow the City of Chicago's Be Safe Film and Television Production Guidelines. For additional guidelines for commercial productions and photoshoots, refer to the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) Recommendations. Some city services and city property may not be available.
Alert
- Permits requiring street closures and more than 3 blocks of parking in Wards 3, 4, 25, 27, 28 and 42 will require 96 hours to be entered into the CDOT system and 72 hours of community notification.
- All other Wards will require 72 hours to be entered into the CDOT system and 48 hours of community notification.
- All Traffic closures will require a traffic control plan with DOT approved signage.
- Sensitive Areas in the Central Business District - Please call the office if you want to scout and/or film in the following Residential Parking Permit zones: 201, 244, 738, 1126, and 1189. Prospective filming in these areas may require at least 5 full business days. Please utilize this link during location planning: https://arcg.is/aLqXK
Thank you for your interest in filming in Chicago. The following permit guidelines will help get you started:
- Chicago Park District, Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the Chicago Transit Authority issue their own filming permits. Please note that B-roll restrictions and rates also vary according to property. Contact them directly for permit and B-roll guidelines.
- News crews, documentaries, B-roll, and other low impact productions that do not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic typically do not require a permit. This does not apply to the aforementioned locations that have their own permit guidelines.
- Permits are issued by the City of Chicago for filming on streets, sidewalks, alleys, and other public properties.
- Permit fees are $250 per day/per location. For student films and independent projects that contact our office, the fee is $25 per day/per location upon verification.
- Processing time is determined by the scope of the request – but all permits require a minimum of 4 full business days for review and a minimum of 5 full business days for any permit requests that require traffic control or drone use. Please plan accordingly.
- Street closures, stunts, special effects, drones, and other high-impact logistics require additional time and review – a minimum of 10 full business days. Contact a Film Office representative to discuss feasibility.
- Chicago Riverwalk permits require a minimum of 10 days to process. Peak season restrictions apply. Contact the Film Office for more details.
Permit Requirements: All must be submitted for permit approval
Step 1: Online Permit Application and Payment
Step 2: City Services Form*
Step 3: Certificate of Insurance*
Step 4: Community Notification Leaflet*
*Send the City Services Form, Certificate of Insurance, and Community Relations Notification Leaflet with a brief description of your project to filmoffice@cityofchicago.org.
Please review the Code of Conduct and share with the crew. It is your responsibility to create a positive experience for Chicagoans and we look to you and your crew to be respectful and courteous to all. Please leave your location clean, making sure to remove all production signage and trash and always be respectful to the neighborhood.
For an in-depth guide on permit applications, please watch the following video:
Step 1 (of 4) Online Permit Application and Payment
First time users and new companies will need to create an account. After the creation of an account, sign in, click on permits, and then follow the prompts. Download a system tutorial (pdf) for more detailed instructions.
Helpful tips:
- Be sure to enter specific traffic control times and impacted streets. Record this information in the “Filming Information” page under the question: “Will any interruption of vehicular traffic be necessary?”
- The “Location Information” page requires that you enter street addresses. To help you identify streets by address, download a Street Guide (pdf). Use the “Additional Information” box on this page to specify posting times and side of street (both sides, east side only, etc.)
- You will receive an email notification when your permit has been approved. The system will require credit card payment prior to permits being issued.
Step 2 (of 4) City Services Form*
Please complete the City Services Request form (pdf) to apply for posting of No Parking signs, tow trucks, barricades, Police Personnel, Fire Personnel, and notice of special effects or gunfire. Email the completed form to filmoffice@cityofchicago.org so that we can coordinate the following process.
All tow trucks pertaining to film productions must be directly coordinated through the Chicago Film Office in advance.
Visit our Rates for Filming page for more information on costs of city services.
*Send the City Services Form, Certificate of Insurance, and Community Relations Notification Leaflet with a brief description of your project to filmoffice@cityofchicago.org.
Step 3 (of 4) Certificate of Insurance*
A Certificate of Insurance that meets the specified limits and names the City of Chicago as an additional insured is required. Policies must reflect the following minimum requirements:
- General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence; $500,000 per person
- Workman's Compensation (only when hiring police/fire personnel)
- A current certificate must be submitted prior to EACH production
- The City of Chicago must appear as an "additional named insured" and listed as follows:
City of Chicago
121 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
*Send the City Services Form, Certificate of Insurance, and Community Relations Notification Leaflet with a brief description of your project to filmoffice@cityofchicago.org.
Step 4 (of 4) Community Notification Leaflet*
It is the producer’s responsibility to properly notify and leaflet neighboring residents and/or businesses. Leaflets should provide pertinent details and must be listed on Company letterhead including a business address and contact phone number:
- Filming Notice to be listed in the heading (see sample)
- Production Company/Project Title
- Dates/Times
- Locations where no parking signs will be posted
- Traffic Restrictions – list any street closures
- Notification of Special Effects or Weapons on Set (if any)
- Production Company Contact Name, Cell Phone Number and Email Address
Notification should be with as much notice as possible prior to your shoot with a minimum 48 hours. Notices should be provided to nearby businesses, residential properties and cars parked in the permitted area. It is the full responsibility of the Production Company to ensure proper notification.
Please submit the Community Relations Leaflet to us for review. Do not distribute the leaflets until your request has been submitted to the Chicago Film Office and approved by the Department of Transportation.
*Send the City Services Form, Certificate of Insurance, and Community Relations Notification Leaflet with a brief description of your project to filmoffice@cityofchicago.org.