Photography Business Permit Requirements in Augusta, GA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Also useful for opening a business bank account and separating personal and business finances. Free from the IRS.

   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. Georgia — No State Photography License Required

   Georgia 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 Georgia.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

2. Georgia Department of Revenue — Sales and Use Tax Registration

   Georgia requires photographers to collect sales tax on tangible photographs and prints. As of January 1, 2024, Georgia also taxes 'specified digital products' delivered to end users with the right of permanent use — meaning digital photo files delivered to clients are now generally taxable too. The combined rate in Augusta (Richmond County) is 8.5% (4% state + 4.5% local). Register with the Georgia 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. Augusta — General Business License / Occupational Tax Certificate

   Most businesses operating within Augusta must obtain a general business or occupational tax certificate from Augusta-Richmond County's consolidated government (Augusta and Richmond County are one consolidated government, so there is no separate 'city vs. county' office). This applies to photography studios and freelance photographers with a commercial location. Home-based photographers should confirm with Augusta Planning & Development whether home-based client sessions trigger zoning review — Augusta does not appear to have a separate, named 'Home Occupation Permit' product.

   Official government source

   $50–$400/year depending on city fee schedule and gross revenues·1–3 weeks

   $50–$400/year depending on city fee schedule and gross revenues

   1–3 weeks

2. Augusta — 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 Augusta, you may need permission or a permit from the Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government. Augusta's former Mayor's Film Office page is no longer published; shoots at city parks and venues such as the Augusta Common and Riverwalk are coordinated through the Augusta Recreation & Parks Special Events Office, (706) 821-1754. Confirm requirements for your specific location before shooting.

   Official government source

   Not published online; confirm with the Augusta Recreation & Parks Special Events Office at (706) 821-1754·Varies by location and scope; contact the Special Events Office in advance

   Not published online; confirm with the Augusta Recreation & Parks Special Events Office at (706) 821-1754

   Varies by location and scope; contact the Special Events Office in advance

Official Sources

• Augusta Business Licensing
• Georgia Department of Revenue — Sales and Use Tax Registration
• FAA — Become a Drone Pilot (Part 107)

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