Washington
Washington Filmworks acts as the state film office but issues no permits; Washington State Parks require a commercial filming and photography permit with published fees, plus a Discover Pass to drive in.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: Washington Filmworks (designated state film office)
Cost: Varies by property and locality; the state parks film permit is $100 (or $200 if under 7 days out)
Washington Filmworks, a nonprofit designated as the state's film office, manages incentives and points productions to the right contacts but does not issue permits; permits are city, county, and land-agency level (Seattle's Office of Economic Development handles the city). Washington State Parks requires an approved permit for all commercial and educational filming and photography: $100 when arranged through a region office seven or more days ahead, $200 inside seven days, plus a damage deposit, bond, or insurance binder and site fees depending on the project. DNR and Fish & Wildlife lands have separate processes.
Drone / airspace
Legal under FAA rules; commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107
Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107. Many Washington state parks restrict drone takeoff and landing without permission; ask the park first. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority.
Street / public space
Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US
Private property (Pike Place Market is city-owned but heavily managed; tech campuses are private) sets its own rules regardless of state law.
Practical notes
- Vehicle access to state parks, DNR, and Fish & Wildlife lands requires a Discover Pass; it covers parking, not commercial shooting rights.
- Submit the state parks film permit application to the region office about two weeks out; the sub-7-day fee doubling is the penalty for late planning.
- Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades are NPS-managed and follow federal permit rules, not Washington State Parks'.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: