Photography Business Permit Requirements in Savannah, 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 Savannah (Chatham County) is 7% (4% state + 3% county). 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. Savannah — General Business License / Occupational Tax Certificate

   Most businesses operating within the City of Savannah must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the City of Savannah Revenue Department (305 Fahm Street, Savannah, GA 31401; 912-651-6450). Savannah and Chatham County are separate governments: businesses inside city limits license with the city, not the county. This applies to photography studios and freelance photographers with a commercial location. A Business Location Approval Application, reviewed by Development Services to confirm the use is permitted in the property's zoning district and that the structure meets building and fire code, is required before the certificate is issued. Home-based photographers should confirm whether conducting client sessions at their residence triggers additional zoning review.

   Official government source

   Not published on the city's Business License page - confirm the current fee with the City of Savannah Revenue Department·1–3 weeks

   Not published on the city's Business License page - confirm the current fee with the City of Savannah Revenue Department

   1–3 weeks

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

   If you conduct paid photography shoots in public spaces (parks, squares, streets, or other public property) in Savannah, you need a commercial photography or film permit from the City of Savannah's Special Events, Film & Tourism Department, which provides the regulatory framework for temporary use of the public right-of-way. Requirements and fees vary by location, crew size, and duration; contact the department at (912) 351-3837 to confirm.

   Official government source

   Varies by location, duration, and crew size -- confirm with the Special Events, Film & Tourism Department, (912) 351-3837·3–10 business days

   Varies by location, duration, and crew size -- confirm with the Special Events, Film & Tourism Department, (912) 351-3837

   3–10 business days

Official Sources

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

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