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Aperture
US City

Albuquerque

Albuquerque requires a film permit for any production on city property or shooting at night, filed at least 72 business hours ahead.

By Joel Kelly Verified Jul 1, 2026 2 sources
Permit: conditional

Shoot decision

Depends on setup

Filming activity on City of Albuquerque property requires a permit regardless of the size or type of production, and night shoots also trigger the requirement.

Permit

Conditional

Issuer: Albuquerque Film Office (City of Albuquerque)

Cost: Fee varies, see the film office

Processing: Permit and documents due 72 business hours before any filming activity, including load-in

Filming activity on City of Albuquerque property requires a permit regardless of the size or type of production, and night shoots also trigger the requirement. Producers must review and sign the city's Film, Television and Photography Guidelines, and resident/business notification letters are required for all permitted activity. Casual personal photography needs nothing. Verify current requirements with the film office.

Official permit page

Drone / airspace

Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; local property rules add restrictions

Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority.

Street / public space

Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US

Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law.

Practical notes

  • Old Town's plaza area is city property, so the permit rule applies to commercial shoots there.
  • Petroglyph National Monument follows NPS rules, not city rules.
  • The 72-business-hour clock covers move-in, basecamp, and equipment setup, not just the time cameras roll.

Guidance, not legal advice

Rules change and enforcement varies. Confirm with the issuing authority before you shoot. Drone law depth lives at Drone Authority.

Field kit

Low-friction kit for city rules

Match more field gearCheck field deals

Product links may earn a commission at no cost to you. Verify the rules first, then buy only what keeps the shoot practical.

Plan the city shoot

Sources

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