Indiana
Indiana has no statewide photo permit; cities issue film permits, the IDOA approves shoots on state property, and Indiana DNR permits commercial work in state parks.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: Film Indiana (Indiana Economic Development Corporation)
Cost: Varies by property and locality, see the film office
There is no single statewide filming or photography permit; day-to-day permits come from cities and counties (Indianapolis shoots go through Film Indy, which requires an application and proof of liability insurance). Film Indiana at the IEDC handles the state's Film and Media Tax Credit and production coordination rather than routine permits. Filming in state buildings or on state land needs prior written approval from the Indiana Department of Administration, with at least 7 days notice and $1,000,000 liability coverage naming the State of Indiana. The layer photographers actually hit is Indiana DNR: commercial filming and photography on DNR properties (state parks, reservoirs, forests) requires a Commercial Film and Photography application, and DNR asks you to contact the property manager well in advance, up to 90 days for larger productions.
Drone / airspace
Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107
Check individual DNR property rules before launching on state land. For Part 107 and state 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 state law.
Practical notes
- Indiana Dunes is a national park, not a state property: NPS rules and the EXPLORE Act small-group exemption apply there, not DNR rules.
- For Indianapolis, budget lead time: Film Indy wants applications at least 5 business days out and recommends 15.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: