Library of Congress Demands Permits for Your Posed Selfie Sessions
Published Date: 3/19/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting March 19, 2026, the Library of Congress is updating its photography rules to keep everyone safe and protect its collections. If you want to do posed or staged photos (called formal photography), you’ll need a permit now. This change affects anyone snapping pictures inside the Library and helps make sure photography doesn’t disrupt Library business—no extra fees mentioned, just a new permission step.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Commercial, News, and Large Shoots Need Advance Permission
Photography for commercial, promotional, or news purposes, or any shoot using significant supplemental equipment or the Library name, seal, logo, staff, or collections, requires specific permission from the Library of Congress Office of Communications and must be requested at least one week before the planned photography. The Director of Communications may approve or deny requests and set conditions for the photography.
Permit Required for Posed Photo Sessions
Starting March 19, 2026, posed, staged, or otherwise directed photography (called “formal photography for personal use”) at the Library of Congress requires a permit through the Library's photography permitting system and is allowed only during times and in locations the Library prescribes. The Library may limit supplemental equipment and may cancel sessions for reasons like weather, maintenance, or special events; permits can be requested at www.loc.gov/visit/photosessions.
Casual Visitor Photos Remain Allowed
Informal, spontaneous casual tourist photography and spontaneous photography of matters of public concern at the Library do not require a permit, as long as they follow posted rules and staff directions and comply with Sec. 702.2 and related regulations. You can keep taking typical visitor photos without applying for permission.
Violations Can Lead to Removal and Barment
The Library may immediately terminate any photography that disrupts safety, access, or violates the rules, and individuals or groups who violate this section may face removal from Library premises and prohibition from further use of Library facilities under Sec. 702.14. Violators may also be subject to other penalties described in the regulations.
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