Form 10-941 Application for a Permit to Conduct a Demonstration or S

(Rev. 11/2023)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0021
Expiration Date XX/XX/20XX

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR NPS FORM 10-941,
“APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT TO CONDUCT A
DEMONSTRATION OR SPECIAL EVENT IN PARK AREAS”
NATIONAL MALL AND MEMORIAL PARKS
Division of Permits Management
900 Ohio Drive, S.W.
Washington, DC 20024
Telephone: (202) 245-4715

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Do I have to have a permit to conduct a demonstration or special event?
Yes, special events or demonstrations on parkland in the National Capital Area are governed by National Park Service (NPS)
regulations found at 36 CFR 7.96.
How does the National Park Service define demonstrations and special events?
While the definitions are fully detailed at 36 CFR 7.96(g)(1)(i) and (ii), the following two terms are defined in these instructions:
DEMONSTRATION generally includes speechmaking, picketing, vigils, marching or religious services, etc., and
all other like forms of conduct which is reasonably likely to draw a crowd or onlookers.
SPECIAL EVENT generally includes sports events, runs/races, parades, fairs, festivals, or any activity that is not
a demonstration.
Which form should I fill out if I want to hold a demonstration or special event?
NPS Form 10-941, “Application for a Permit to Conduct a Demonstration or Special Event in Park Areas”, available via the park’s
website at www.nps.gov/nama1, is used to request the use of the following areas governed by NPS regulations:
National Mall and Memorial Parks

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

President’s Park

Prince William Forest Park,

Rock Creek Park

George Washington Memorial Parkway, and a
portion of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
National Historical Park from Georgetown to the
Monocacy River Aqueduct.

National Capital Parks-East
Manassas National Battlefield Park

How early may I submit an application for a demonstration or special event?
Applications are accepted no earlier than one year in advance of the proposed demonstration or special event (including set up
and take down).
What is the deadline to submit an application2?
The NPS processes fully executed applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. The minimum submission time for applications is:
Activity

Submission in Advance of Activity

Permit applications for demonstrations (First Amendment
activities

At least 48 hours

Special events

At least 48 hours

Waiver of numerical limitations for demonstrations at:
White House Sidewalk along Pennsylvania Avenue (over 750 persons)
Lafayette Park (over 3,000 persons)

Submitted 10 days in advance of demonstration
Submitted 10 days in advance of demonstration

1 Special Use Application Form 10-930 for weddings, picnics, non-tournament sporting activities; and Special Use Application Forms

Page i of iii
10-931 and 10-932 for filming and photography can also be obtained at www.nps.gov/nama
2
Activities requiring structures 900 square feet or larger are encouraged to submit the application at least 20 days in advance to comply with NCA Fire
Life Safety Requirement for Outdoor Events and Tent Use document review process.

(Rev. 11/2023)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0021
Expiration Date XXXX/20XX

How long does it take to obtain a permit?
Individuals and organizations are encouraged to contact the Division of Permits Management in advance of a proposed activity to
determine if the space is already under permit to another group.
Upon receipt of your fully executed application, we will time and date stamp it as it is received. You will receive an
acknowledgement your application was received and your assigned permit specialist at least three days after receipt of application
or call 202-245-4715 for an update. The processing time from application to issuance of a permit varies depending on the scale of
the activity. It can take anywhere from a couple of days for simple activities to a few months for more complex events. A meeting
may be necessary to discuss the details associated with your proposed activity.
Does the National Park Service make any special allowances for small groups who wish to demonstrate?
Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer do NOT require a permit, provided other conditions required for the issuance of a
permit are met:
•
•
•
•

The group may NOT merely be an extension of another group already availing itself of the 25-person maximum.
The demonstration may NOT unreasonably interfere with other demonstrations or special events, and
The group may NOT erect temporary structures (other than small lecterns or speakers’ platforms).
However, the use of portable signs or banners is NOT restricted as long as they are handheld.

Is the solicitation of money or funds for donation allowed on park property?
Pursuant to 36 CFR 7.96(h) the in-person soliciting or demanding of money or funds for donation on Federal parkland is prohibited,
unless it occurs as part of a permit issued for a demonstration or special event.
•
•

Persons permitted to solicit must not give false or misleading information regarding their purpose or affiliations or give
false or misleading information as to whether any item is available without donation.
Exacting a payment or requesting a donation in exchange for merchandise constitutes a sale and is not allowed unless it
comports with the NPS sales regulation found at 36 CFR 7.96(k).

What types of items can be sold on park property in conjunction with a special event or first amendment demonstration?
Pursuant to 36 CFR 7.96(k) only the following items are permitted to be sold on park property in conjunction with a special event or
demonstration: books, bumper stickers, leaflets, pamphlets, buttons, and newspapers.
May foods be provided or sold during a special event or first amendment demonstration?
Temporary food and beverage services are available for events through the National Park Service concessioner. Permittee must work
directly with the park concessions specialist and National Capital Area concessioner to facilitate the sale of food and beverages at a
permitted event, including ethnic cultural food festivals. Commercially packaged food or beverages may not be sold directly by the
permittee. However, permittee may provide free of charge commercially prepackaged food and beverages. Please note food service
requires a separate 70-day application process and must meet Public Health standards.
Is it allowable to display and/or sell artwork during a special event or First Amendment demonstration?
As part of a permitted event, ethnic arts and crafts may be displayed but may not be sold. If your event includes such a display or
exhibit, an artisan should be actually onsite to demonstrate the production of the particular art or craft as part of your activity.
Does the National Park Service offer guidelines to review for special events or First Amendment demonstrations?
Yes. While the National Capital Area’s “Event Planning Guide”3 goes into more detail, please note the following regarding costs
associated with demonstration or special event applications:
Application Processing Cost:
•
•
•
•

A one-time non-refundable application cost of $120.00 must accompany all SPECIAL EVENT applications.
Special event applications will not be processed without the application processing payment.
Payment is accepted by credit card, check, or money order.
FIRST AMENDMENT applications are NOT subject to the application processing cost.

No special event application will be processed unless processing cost remittance has been provided with the application. The
application processing cost represents the average cost incurred by the park in receiving, processing, initially reviewing, and
3 For a complete copy of National Capital Area’s Event Planning Guide and 36 CFR 7.96, visit

https://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm

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(Rev. 11/2023)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0021
Expiration Date XX/XX/20XX

distributing of applications to help ensure the information supplied is sufficient to inform a decision. Processing costs shall be
reviewed each fiscal year.
Other Costs: There also may be charges for other costs associated with your proposed activity, incurred by the National Park Service
and the United States Park Police. These charges are to reimburse the National Park Service for:
•
•
•

Services,
Resource damage caused by your activity, or
Personnel deemed necessary to support your activity.

Depending on the size and scope of your proposed activity, a cost recovery deposit in the form of an irrevocable
letter of credit, certified check, or money order, and/or documented liability insurance coverage may be required.
Any costs will be discussed with the applicant, prior to issuing the permit.
United States Park Police Requirements:
Applications are also reviewed by the United States Park Police to determine if Park Police officers are required to be onsite for
proposed event. If your event requires the service of the U.S. Park Police, you will be contacted directly by them to coordinate the
appropriate arrangements. Payment for U.S. Park Police services must be made seven (7) days in advance of your event.
Are there special cost recovery requirements associated with demonstration or special event applications?
Cost Recovery Associated with Special Use and Public Gathering Permits:
•
•
•

Government Accountability Office Report 5-410 requires agencies to more fully recover and collect costs associated with
special use and public gathering permits
Cost recovery program was implemented on October 1, 2006
Initially included application processing costs, but now includes the recovery of additional costs associated with
administration, management and monitoring of permitted activities

Monetary Cost Recovery Deposit:
Pursuant to long-standing practice, the NPS, National Capital Area, requires applicants to:
•
Post a monetary cost recovery deposit prior to the event to cover costs incurred when NPS employees are required to
work for event monitoring and for any needed site restoration following the event.
•
The deposit amount is dependent on the size and scope of the event and will be discussed with the applicant before the
permit is issued.
Where should I send my application?
Applications must be filed from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (holidays excepted) at:
Division of Permits Management
National Capital Area
900 Ohio Drive, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20024
If I have additional questions, where should I call?
If you are unable to find the answer to your questions using these FAQs, at www.nps.gov/nama or in the “National Mall and
Memorial Parks Event Planning Guide,” you may contact the Division of Permits Management for the National Capital Area of the
National Park Service by calling (202) 245-4715 or by email NAMA_Permits@nps.gov. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m., Monday through Friday (holidays excepted).
Are there any special considerations I should be aware of when I mail my application to the National Park Service?
Please note that as a security precaution, our incoming mail undergoes a treatment process before being delivered, which at times
may significantly delay its arrival. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you use Federal Express, courier, or hand-deliver your
application to us. Otherwise, the application will be delayed being received, time and date stamped and you may lose timely
consideration.

Page iii of iii

NPS Form 10-941 (Rev. 11/2023)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0021
Expiration Date XX/XX/20XX

APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT TO CONDUCT A
DEMONSTRATION OR SPECIAL EVENT IN PARK AREAS
NATIONAL MALL AND MEMORIAL PARKS
Division of Permits Management
1100 Ohio Drive, S.W.
Washington, DC 20042
Telephone: (202) 245-4715

Date of Application:
SECTION 1: Contact Information
This is an application for a:
Demonstration
Special Event Definitions on 10-941S, Supplemental Instructions
Individual/Organization(Org.)
Telephone Number
Email Address

Website

Street Address

City

Person in Charge of Event

☐ Same as above

Cell Phone
N b

State

Telephone Number

Email Address

Event Name

Street Address

City

Fax Number

Zip Code

Country

Cell Phone Number

State

Zip Code

Country

At least one person must be listed as in charge of the activity. If different individuals are to be in charge of various activities at
different locations, please list their names and contact information (add a supplemental sheet if more than two):
Name
Telephone Number
Email Address
Org./Role of Responsibility
Name

Telephone Number

Email Address

Org./Role of Responsibility

SECTION 2: Lafayette Park and White House Sidewalk
Is this an application for the use of the White House Sidewalk4 or Lafayette Park?
Yes
No
Please be aware that a waiver of the numerical limitations is required if an expected demonstration on the White House Sidewalk will
include more than 750 participants or that a demonstration in Lafayette Park will include more than 3,000 participants.
Is this an application for a waiver of the numerical limitations?
Yes
No
SECTION 3: Event Logistics
Set-Up Begins

Activity Begins

Activity Ends

Break-down Completed

Primary Date

Date:
Time:

☐AM ☐ PM

Date:
Time:

☐AM ☐PM

Date:
Time:

☐AM ☐PM

Date:
Time:

☐AM ☐PM

Alternate Date

Date:
Time:

☐AM ☐ PM

Date:
Time:

☐AM ☐PM

Date:
Time:

☐AM ☐PM

Date:
Time:

☐AM ☐PM

Will this event occur daily between your selected
☐ Sunday ☐Monday ☐Tuesday ☐Wednesday
dates? If “Yes”, please specify each day the activity
☐Thursday ☐Friday ☐Saturday
will occur. ☐ Yes ☐ No
Please list ALL proposed locations (include assembly race/walk/march routes and dispersal areas):

Number of occurrences
☐Weekly ☐Monthly
☐Daily

4 The White House Sidewalk is the sidewalk between East and West Executive Avenues, on the south side Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

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NPS Form 10-941 (Rev. 11/2023)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0021
Expiration Date XX/XX/20XX

Estimated maximum number of participants for EACH PARK AREA TO BE USED (Including organizers, volunteers, participants and
spectators):

Plan for proposed activity (include all speakers, a complete time schedule of the activity, proposed routes for any marches, walks,
races or parades, plans for the orderly termination and dispersal of activity which might affect regular flow of city traffic, etc.):

Please indicate any of these items that will be
used during the proposed activity: (add
supplemental sheet if necessary):

Purpose of event:

Handheld Signs/ Placards

Chairs

Quantity:
Portable Restrooms

Quantity:
Camera Tripod

Quantity:

Quantity:
Press Riser
Quantity:
Size:
Length:
Width:
Height:

Banner/Sign(s)
Quantity:
Size:
Length:
Height:

Tables
Size:
Quantity:
Jumbotrons
Size:
Quantity:
Stages
Quantity:
Size:
Length:
Width:
Height:

Tents
Size:
Quantity:
Generators
Quantity:
Type:
Turf Protection Cover(s)
Type:
Size:
Length:
Width:
Height:

Podium

Lighting Equipment
Estimated # of Buses:
Portable Sound System
Parking location:
Distribution of Literature
Battery Powered
Pickup and drop off location (s):
Gas Powered
Please list all other logistical or support equipment (include any necessary medical/trailers, cranes, forklifts , golf cats ):

Are you proposing food or beverages service5: Are you planning to conduct a sales? 6
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Are you proposing road closures or traffic management? If so, list and/or provide a map of the roads and/or trails affected?
Yes
No
Are you proposing to solicit donations:

How will the event be advertised or publicized:
TV
Print
Flyers
Radio
Website
Email/Listserv
Social media (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, etc.)

Do you propose to have commercial sponsors?
If yes, how are sponsors recognized.

Yes

No

If boxes, crates, coffins, or similar items will be used, state whether they are to be carried opened or closed, their proposed size, the
materials constructed from, and their proposed contents and use:

5 Please note there is an additional Temporary Food Establishment Permit Application that must be completed at least 70 days prior

Page 2 of 6

to proposed event. Food service is subject to more stringent standards including being preapproved by the National Park Service and
meeting Public Health standards. Applicant must comply with NPS NCA Concession Contract regarding food and beverage services at an activity.

6 The only permitted items for sale on parkland are books, newspapers, leaflets, pamphlets, buttons and bumper stickers.

NPS Form 10-941 (Rev. 11/2023)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0021
Expiration Date XX/XX/20XX

What are your cleanup and/or recycling plans?

How will cleanup members be identified?

SECTION 4: Activity Disruption
Do you have any reason to believe or any information indicating that any individual, group or organization might seek to disrupt the
activity for which this application is submitted?
Yes
No
If “Yes”, list each such individual, group or organization and contact information for each:

Are you planning to conduct civil disobedience?

Yes

SECTION 5: Marshals7 and Volunteers
Will applicant furnish marshals and/or volunteers?

Yes

No

No

How Many

Note: Marshals are required for all waivers of numerical limitations and for demonstration activities held
simultaneously on White House Sidewalk and Lafayette Park.
List the functions the marshals and/or volunteers are expected to perform:

How will the marshals and/or volunteers be identified?

Person(s) responsible for supervision of marshals and/or volunteers (for each location). Please provide contact information during
event.
Name(s)
Location(s)
Mobile number
Email Address

What communications equipment will be provided to the marshals and/or volunteers? (Include the number of walkie-talkies, mobile
phone tree, bullhorns, public address systems, flashlights, etc.)

State specifically the plans for ingress and egress of the participants to and from all park areas including Lafayette Park. Please
include proposed sites for loading and unloading of buses, automobiles or other forms of transportation which the participants are
expected to use (supply chart or map if necessary).

You are encouraged to attach additional pages with information useful in evaluating your permit request
including:staging, sound systems, parking plan, race/walk/march route maps, security plans, sanitary facilities, crowd
management plan, emergency medical plan, site clean up plans, etc.
7 Marshals do not act as police, they help maintain order among participants, provide information to participants and non-participants.

Marshals should have knowledge of the overall event organization.

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NPS Form 10-941 (Rev. 11/2023)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0021
Expiration Date XX/XX/20XX

APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT TO CONDUCT A
DEMONSTRATION OR SPECIAL EVENT IN PARK AREAS
NATIONAL MALL AND MEMORIAL PARKS
Division of Permits Management
1100 Ohio Drive, S.W.
Washington, DC 20042
Telephone: (202) 245-4715
SECTION 6: Permit Applicant Information (information for person completing application)
Name
Telephone Number Cell Phone Number
Position

Email Address

Street Address

City

Signature of Applicant

State

Fax Number

Zip Code

Country

Date

The applicant by signature certifies that all the information given is complete and correct, and that no false or
misleading information or statements have been given.
APPLICATION IS NOT VALID UNLESS SIGNED
Fax and email submissions are not accepted.
Hand deliver or mail completed application to:
National Park Service
National Capital Area
Permits Management Division
900 Ohio Drive, S.W., Washington, DC 20024
Office Phone: (202) 245-4715
Open 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday – Friday

Page 4 of 6

NPS Form 10-941 (Rev. 11/2023)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0021
Expiration Date XX/XX/20XX

NOTICES
NOTE: This is an application only and does not serve as permission to conduct any special activity in the park. The information provided will be
used to determine whether a permit will be issued. Send the completed application along with the application fee in the form of a credit card
payment, cashier’s check, money order or personal check made payable to the National Park Service and mail to National Mall and Memorial
Parks, Attn: Permits Management Division at the park address found on the first page of this application.
If your request is approved, a permit containing applicable terms and conditions will be sent you. The permit must be signed by the responsible
person and returned to the park for final approval by the Park Superintendent before the permitted activity may begin.

Customers Making Payment by Personal Check
When you provide a check as payment, you authorize us either to use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer
from your account or to process the payment as a check transaction. When we use information from your check to make an electronic fund
transfer, funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day we receive your payment, and you will not receive your check back
from your financial institution.

Privacy Act Statement
Authority: 54 U.S.C. §100101, National Park Service Organic Act; 16 U.S.C. 3, Rules and regulations of national parks, reservations, and
monuments; timber; leases, 16 U.S.C. 3a, Recovery of costs associated with special use permits; and 16 U.S.C. 460i–6d, Commercial Filming.
Purpose: The purposes of the system are (1) to provide a park superintendent with information to approve or deny requests for activities that
provide a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large; and (2) to assist park staff to manage the activity to
ensure that the permitted activity does not interfere with the enjoyment of the park by visitors and that the natural and cultural resources of the
park are protected.
Routine Uses: In addition to those disclosures generally permitted under 5 U.S.C.552a(b) of the Privacy Act, records or information contained
in this system may be disclosed outside the National Park Service as a routine use pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(b)(3) to other Federal, State,
territorial, local, tribal, or foreign agencies and other authorized organizations and individuals based on an authorized routine use when the
disclosure is compatible with the purpose for which the records were compiled as described under the system of records notice for this system.
Disclosure: Voluntary, however, failure to provide the requested information may impede individual from obtaining a permit from the National
Park Service.
Information Regarding Disclosure of Your Social Security Number Under Public Law 93-579 Section 7(b): Your Social Security Number
(SSN) is needed to identify records unique to you. Applicants are required to provide their social security or taxpayer identification number for
activities subject to collection of fees and charges by the National Park Service. Failure to disclose your SSN may prevent or delay the processing
of your application. The authority for soliciting your SSN is 31 U.S.C. 7701. The information gathered through the use of the SSN will be used
only as necessary for processing this application and collecting and reporting any delinquent financial obligations. Use of the social security
number will be carried out in accordance with established regulations and published notices of system of records.

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement
We are collecting this information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501) and 36 CFR 7.96 (g) to provide the National Park
Service with the required information necessary to decide whether or not to grant permission to conduct special events or demonstrations. All
applicable parts of the form must be completed in order for your request to be considered. You are not required to respond to this or any other
Federal agency-sponsored information collection unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. This collection has been assigned
Control No. 1024-0021.

Estimated Burden Statement
Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to average 30 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Direct
comments regarding this burden estimate, or any aspects of this form or instructions, to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, National
Park Service, 1201 Oakridge Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525. Please do not send your application to this address.

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NPS Form 10-941 (Rev. 11/2023)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0021
Expiration Date XX/XX/20XX

Credit Card Authorization
All credit card information is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974
Applicant Name

Cardholder Name (as it appears on card)

Company Name (if applicable)

Telephone Number

Email Address

Federal Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number

Same as “Applicant”
Cell Phone Number

Credit Card Billing Address
City

State

Zip Code

Country

Amount to be Billed to Card

Application Cost $
Type of Credit Card
American
Express

Location Fee $
Discover

MasterCard

Cost Recovery $

Total $

Credit Card Number

Exp. Date

Security Code

Visa

I hereby authorize my card to be charged the amount indicated above in connection with the issuance of the requested Special Use Permit:
Cardholder Authorized Signature

Date

INTERNAL AGENCY USE ONLY
Project Number/BILL

Date Processed

Permit Number

Prepared By

Organization Name

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