Photographs: Use Permissions & Licensing

Use of the selected items by a nonprofit or tax-exempt organization. The organization using the items must be registered as a nonprofit or tax-exempt organization under its own state or federal law.  

If it is requested, the organization must be able to provide documentation

 demonstrating their status.  
 
Any money made from the publication, display, broadcast, etc. must go into the accounts of the non-profit organization and not to any individual, corporation, or other organization.  
 
Common non-profit uses include:

• use of an image in a non-profit publication (print or electronic book, newsletter, journal/magazine, etc.) 
• public displays, exhibits, or presentations    
• film or TV broadcast
• merchandise items (calendars, postcards, etc.)
• online use via organizational webpages and/or social media accounts

 
If a commercial user is working for a non-profit on a for-hire basis, the non-profit can request/order the use-permission free of charge.

Use of the selected items by a federal, state, tribal, county, or local government or government agency.   If it is requested, the organization must be able to provide documentation demonstrating their status.  
 
Any money made from the publication, display, broadcast, etc. must go into the accounts of the government entity and not to any individual, corporation, or other organization.  
 
Common governmental uses include:

• use of an image in a publication (report, print or electronic book, newsletter, journal/magazine, etc.) 
• public displays, exhibits, or presentations    
• film or TV broadcast
• merchandise items (calendars, postcards, etc.)
• online use via organizational webpages and/or social media accounts

 
If a commercial user is working for a governmental entity on a for-hire basis, the governmental entity can request/order the use permission free of charge.  

Minnesota-based media providers and publishers are welcome to use MNHS collection items in their content, regardless of the nonprofit or tax-exempt status of the media provider. 
 
This applies only to Minnesota-based organizations using MNHS images while providing local news or Minnesota-centered information to the general public through a newspaper, magazine, radio, television, website, book, film, or other medium.
 
Minnesota Media and Publishers may use MNHS images in the course of promoting their projects that provide local news or Minnesota centered information.

If planning other uses, the organization should select either a non-profit or commercial use, based on the organization's status.        

Use of the selected items in any public manner by any entity that is not governmental, a Minnesota media/publishing outlet, or a registered non-profit or tax-exempt organization.  

Common commercial uses include:

• illustration in a publication (print, electronic, or online book; newsletter; journal/magazine; etc.)  
• film, TV, or online broadcast
• merchandise items 
• public display in an exhibit or as part of the decor in a public space like a lobby, office setting, etc.    
• online use via traditional webpages, social media accounts, etc.
• advertising

If a commercial user is working for a non-profit or governmental entity on a for-hire basis, the non-profit or governmental entity can request/order the use permission free of charge.  If the commercial entity places the request/order, they must pay the appropriate use fee(s).