The NYC MOME Film Permit Application Process for Drone Productions (2026)

Applying for a MOME film permit is a distinct process from the NYPD drone permit, with its own portal, documents, and fee. This guide walks through what MOME asks for, how the application connects to your NYPD permit, and how to keep both moving in parallel so neither one delays your shoot.

Where to Apply

MOME film permit applications are submitted through the MOME permits portal.

What the Application Requires

A MOME film permit application generally asks for the following:

• Project information and type — the nature of the production (feature, commercial, documentary, etc.)
• Shooting schedule — dates, times, and specific locations for every shoot day
• Equipment list — the full production package, including the drone and its ground rig
• Cast and crew count — the number of people on set
• Insurance documentation — MOME requires its own coverage, with the City of New York named as Additional Insured
• NYPD drone permit confirmation — MOME may request your NYPD permit number for coordination

Insurance for the MOME Permit

MOME requires its own insurance documentation, which may differ from or exceed the NYPD drone permit requirements and varies by production type and location. The City of New York must be named as Additional Insured on all applicable MOME policies, consistent with the NYPD permit. Because the two permits have separate insurance expectations, confirm both sets of requirements with your insurer and verify current MOME minimums at the MOME insurance page before you apply.

Coordinating With the NYPD Permit

The MOME and NYPD applications run on different timelines, and the NYPD's 30-day advance window (14 days for repeat applicants) is usually the tighter constraint. Best practice is to start the NYPD drone permit first and submit the MOME application in parallel. MOME and the NYPD may communicate directly to coordinate logistics, and MOME may ask for your NYPD permit number, so keep your reference numbers and shoot details consistent across both submissions.

Step-by-Step Summary

1. Confirm whether your production crosses the MOME threshold (equipment beyond hand-held, exclusive use of City property, parking privileges, prop weapons/stunts, or NYPD/FDNY assistance).
2. Start your NYPD drone permit application at dronepermits.nypdonline.org (30-day lead time).
3. Open the MOME permits portal and complete the project, schedule, equipment, and crew sections.
4. Attach MOME-compliant insurance naming the City of New York as Additional Insured.
5. Submit the MOME application and pay the $500 fee per 14-day shooting period.
6. Track both permits, keep details aligned, and carry both on the day of the shoot.