Photography Business Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Apply free and instantly online through the IRS website.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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

   Required for commercial aerial photography using drones. Atlanta is near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (Class B airspace), making most drone operations over the city subject to FAA LAANC authorization requirements in addition to Part 107 certification. Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test and renew every 24 months via online recurrent training.

   Official government source

   $175 (exam fee)·2–4 weeks

   $175 (exam fee)

   2–4 weeks

1. Georgia Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration

   Georgia photographers must register with the Georgia DOR to collect and remit sales tax. As of January 1, 2024, Georgia taxes the sale of specified digital products delivered to end users with the right of permanent use — meaning digital photo files delivered to clients are now taxable. Physical prints and albums have always been taxable. The Georgia state sales tax rate is 4%; Fulton County (City of Atlanta) adds additional local rates for a combined rate of approximately 8.9%.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online registration)

   Free

   Immediate (online registration)

2. Georgia Secretary of State — Business Entity Registration

   If operating as an LLC or corporation, register your photography business with the Georgia Secretary of State. Georgia LLCs pay a $100 filing fee for Articles of Organization. Annual registration renewals cost $50. File online through the Georgia Secretary of State's Corporations Division.

   Official government source

   $100 (LLC filing fee); $50/year renewal·3–5 business days (online)

   $100 (LLC filing fee); $50/year renewal

   3–5 business days (online)

1. City of Atlanta Occupational Tax Certificate

   All businesses operating within the City of Atlanta must obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate (business license) from the City of Atlanta Office of Revenue. The annual registration fee is $75 for tax years through 2025 (increasing to $191 beginning 2026). An additional per-employee fee of $25 applies for each employee (first employee exempt). Applications are submitted through the ATLCORE Business Occupational Tax and Permitting Portal. Must file within 30 days of starting the business.

   Official government source

   $75 registration fee (2025) + $25 per additional employee·1–2 weeks

   $75 registration fee (2025) + $25 per additional employee

   1–2 weeks

2. City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Film & Entertainment — Photography Permit

   Commercial photography shoots on Atlanta public property (streets, sidewalks, city parks, or other public spaces) require a permit from the Mayor's Office of Film & Entertainment. The non-refundable application fee is $100, and the film/photography permit fee is $300 for any production lasting up to 30 days. Rush applications submitted with less than 72 hours' notice carry an additional $300 rush fee. Apply online through the ATLFILM portal.

   Official government source

   $100 application fee (non-refundable) + $300 permit fee·3–5 business days (standard); 72-hour minimum notice

   $100 application fee (non-refundable) + $300 permit fee

   3–5 business days (standard); 72-hour minimum notice

3. Fulton County Business License (if outside Atlanta city limits)

   Photography businesses located in the unincorporated areas of Fulton County (outside Atlanta city limits) must obtain a business license from Fulton County Finance. The minimum fee is $158 based on estimated gross receipts up to $20,000. Businesses within Atlanta city limits obtain their license from the City of Atlanta and do not need a separate county license.

   Official government source

   $158 minimum (based on gross receipts up to $20,000)·1–2 weeks

   $158 minimum (based on gross receipts up to $20,000)

   1–2 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Atlanta — Apply for a Business License (Occupational Tax Certificate)
• City of Atlanta — Estimating Your Business Tax
• City of Atlanta — Film & Entertainment Permitting
• City of Atlanta — Film Permit Fee Schedule
• Georgia Department of Revenue — Sales and Use Tax

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