A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service. It authorizes you to conduct commercial activities and to provide specific visitor services within a national park. We will only issue CUAs for activities that:
- are an appropriate use of national park areas;
- will have minimal impact on park resources and values; and
- are consistent with the park’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.
You must have a CUA if you or your organization provide services that:
- take place at least in part in the national park area,
- use park resources, and
- result in monetary gain.
Additionally, certain non-profit activities occurring in park areas require a permit, particularly when a fee is collected. Contact us to discuss whether a Special Use Permit or CUA is more appropriate for your non-profit activity.
PL 105-391, Section 418 and 36 CFR 5.3 require NPS to issue and charge a reasonable fee for CUAs. You may not conduct commercial activities in the park without a valid CUA or in a manner inconsistent with the terms of the CUA.
All CUA holders are required to carry appropriate liability insurance and provide proof of coverage to the NPS. Depending on the type of CUA, additional insurance may be required, such as commercial automobile insurance. For more details on these requirements, please refer to the CUA Insurance Guidance and consult the application materials specific to the CUA you are applying for.