Photography Business Permit Requirements in Boise, ID

Complete permit and license guide for starting a photography business in Boise, Ada County, Idaho.

Verified 2026-09-06 4 stops $100–$400 est. 1–3 weeks to obtain all registrations
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Idaho

1 stop

  1. Idaho State Tax Commission — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Idaho. Idaho charges a 6% state sales tax. Some cities have local option taxes. Register with the Idaho State Tax Commission online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via TAP)

City of Boise / Ada County

2 stops

  1. City of Boise — No General Business License

    Boise does not require a general/blanket business license. Businesses must instead comply with zoning, required building/health permits, and any applicable activity-specific city license (Animal, Food & Alcohol Beverage, Security Services, Vehicle Licensing). Most professional/personal-service businesses fall under none of these categories and need no city business license — verify your specific business's obligations with the City Clerk's Licensing page.

    Official government source

    N/A — no general business license existsN/A

  2. City of Boise Film Permit or Special Event Permit

    Photographers and videographers shooting on public property in Boise are licensed through the City Clerk's Office, which issues Film Permits on a per-day or annual basis. Coordinating a larger gathering on public property requires a Special Event Permit instead. Reserving a specific park shelter or facility is handled separately by Boise Parks and Recreation reservations (208-608-7600).

    Official government source

    Film Permit $25 per day or $250 per year; Special Event Permit $2371–3 weeks; apply well ahead of your shoot date

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$400 · 1–3 weeks to obtain all registrations

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