Photography Business Permit Requirements in Mesa, AZ

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Drone Photography)

   Required if you offer commercial aerial photography using drones (unmanned aircraft systems). Must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an approved testing center. Operating commercially without this certificate can result in significant fines. This is a federal requirement enforced by the FAA regardless of state.

   Official government source

   $175 (exam fee)·2–4 weeks to study and schedule exam

   $175 (exam fee)

   2–4 weeks to study and schedule exam

1. Arizona — No State Photography License Required

   Arizona does not require a state-issued license or certification to offer paid photography services. Photography is an unregulated profession at the state level — there is no state board or licensing agency that certifies photographers in Arizona.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

2. Arizona Department of Revenue — Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License

   Arizona's Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) applies to photographers who sell tangible prints, albums, or digital image files. The combined TPT rate in Mesa is 5.6% state + 2% city. Digital-only deliveries may also be taxable depending on the transaction structure. Register with the Arizona Department of Revenue.

   Official government source

   Free to $25 (registration fee)·Immediate to 1 week (online)

   Free to $25 (registration fee)

   Immediate to 1 week (online)

1. Mesa — General Business License / Occupational Tax Certificate

   Most businesses operating in Mesa — including service businesses and home-based businesses — must obtain a Mesa General Business License (required since January 3, 2022; exemptions listed in Mesa City Code 5-5-4, e.g. businesses with no physical presence in Mesa). Apply through Mesa's DIMES online portal with a $25 application/renewal fee (an introductory $10 fee applied through Dec. 31, 2025). Businesses engaging in taxable activity also need an Arizona TPT license with a Mesa location ($12 state + $20 Mesa city fee, via AZDOR). Maricopa County does not license general businesses.

   Official government source

   $25 application/renewal fee (introductory $10 fee through Dec. 31, 2025)·1–3 weeks

   $25 application/renewal fee (introductory $10 fee through Dec. 31, 2025)

   1–3 weeks

2. Mesa — Commercial Photography / Film Permit (Public Locations)

   If you conduct paid photography shoots in public spaces (parks, streets, city-owned plazas, or other public property) in Mesa, you may need a commercial photography or film permit. These permits are required to manage use of public spaces for commercial purposes and to ensure public safety. Requirements vary by location, crew size, and duration. Contact the Mesa film office, parks department, or city clerk for specifics.

   Official government source

   Unconfirmed — contact the City of Mesa (Parks or the City Manager's office) before shooting commercially on public property·3–10 business days

   Unconfirmed — contact the City of Mesa (Parks or the City Manager's office) before shooting commercially on public property

   3–10 business days

Official Sources

• Mesa Business Licensing
• Arizona Department of Revenue — Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License
• FAA — Become a Drone Pilot (Part 107)

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