How to Get a Film Permit in Las Vegas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you're shooting a feature film, a commercial, a music video, or a documentary, filming in Las Vegas requires permits — and knowing how to navigate the process can save you significant time and money. This guide breaks down exactly what you need, who to contact, and how to get your production rolling legally and efficiently in Las Vegas and the greater Clark County area.
Why Film Permits Matter
Film permits are required by the city, county, or state whenever you use public property, streets, parks, or government-owned locations for any type of production. Beyond legality, having a permit protects your production — it establishes your rights to the location, ensures law enforcement and other city services are aware of your shoot, and gives you access to road closures, parking accommodations, and other logistical support that can make or break a shoot day.
Step 1: Determine Your Jurisdiction
Las Vegas has multiple overlapping jurisdictions, and the permit you need depends entirely on where you're filming. The key authorities are:
Clark County Film Office — covers unincorporated areas of Clark County, including many of the desert and suburban locations surrounding Las Vegas.
City of Las Vegas — covers downtown Las Vegas, the Arts District, and surrounding city-owned streets and parks.
City of North Las Vegas — a separate municipality with its own permitting process.
City of Henderson — covers the Henderson area, including Green Valley and Lake Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Strip — this is a common point of confusion. The Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard South) runs through unincorporated Clark County, meaning permits for filming on or near the Strip fall under the Clark County Film Office, not the City of Las Vegas.
Step 2: Contact the Clark County Film Office
For most productions filming in the Las Vegas area, the Clark County Film Office is your first call. They are extremely filmmaker-friendly and have experience working with productions of all sizes — from indie shorts to major studio features.
Clark County Film OfficePhone: (702) 455-8181Website: clarkcountynv.gov
They will guide you through the application process, advise on locations, and help coordinate with county departments such as Public Works and Metro Police if your shoot requires road closures or law enforcement support.
Step 3: Submit Your Permit Application
Most jurisdictions require you to submit a permit application at least 5–10 business days before your shoot. For larger productions involving road closures, special effects, or large crews, plan for 3–4 weeks minimum. Your application will typically ask for:
- Production name and type- Shoot dates and times- Specific locations- Crew and cast size- Equipment list (vehicles, generators, cranes, etc.)- Proof of general liability insurance (minimum $1 million, with the county or city named as additional insured)- A certificate of insurance
Step 4: Secure Your Insurance
Production insurance is non-negotiable. Most jurisdictions require a minimum of $1 million in general liability coverage. If you are a smaller production or an independent filmmaker without a studio policy, short-term production insurance is available through providers such as Front Row Insurance, DeWitt Stern, and Athos Insurance. Rates are generally reasonable and can be secured within 24–48 hours for smaller shoots.
Step 5: Coordinate with Local Law Enforcement
If your shoot involves road closures, traffic control, or any activity that could affect public safety, you will need to coordinate with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (Metro). The Clark County Film Office will typically facilitate this introduction, but it's worth building a direct relationship with the Metro film liaison, especially if you plan to shoot regularly in the area.
Step 6: Respect the Casinos and Private Property
It's important to note that the major casino resorts on the Strip are private property and have their own permitting and licensing requirements entirely separate from the county. If you want to film inside or on the grounds of any casino resort, you must negotiate directly with that property's film/event department. Commonwealth Productions has established relationships with many Las Vegas properties and can help facilitate this process.
Conclusion
Getting a film permit in Las Vegas is a straightforward process if you know who to call and plan ahead. The local film offices are genuinely supportive of productions and want to help you succeed. For assistance navigating the permitting process or finding the right locations for your project, Commonwealth Productions is here to help — reach out to us at samson@cwp.vegas.