Photography Business Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a photography business in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.

Updated 2026-03-13 7 stops $125–$500 est. 2–4 weeks for all registrations and permits
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

2 stops

  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

    FreeImmediate (online application)

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

    Required for commercial aerial photography using drones. Chicago's lakefront and downtown are near O'Hare (Class B) and Midway (Class C) airspace. Most drone operations in or near Chicago require LAANC authorization in addition to Part 107 certification. Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test and renew every 24 months.

    Official government source

    $175 (exam fee)2–4 weeks

State of Illinois

2 stops

  1. Illinois Department of Revenue — Retailer's Occupation Tax (Sales Tax) Registration

    Illinois has a complex sales tax treatment for photography. When a professional photographer provides photoprocessing services in conjunction with other services and separately states the photoprocessing charge, sales tax applies to 10% of that separately stated charge. If photoprocessing is not separately stated, tax applies to the greater of 10% of the total bill or the cost of materials. Photographers must register with the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) and file regular returns.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online registration)

  2. Illinois Secretary of State — Business Entity Registration (if applicable)

    If operating as an LLC or corporation, register with the Illinois Secretary of State. LLCs pay a $150 filing fee for Articles of Organization. Annual report fee is $75. Sole proprietors operating under their own name do not need state entity registration, but those using a trade name must file a DBA with the county.

    Official government source

    $150 (LLC Articles of Organization); $75/year annual report3–5 business days (online)

City of Chicago / Cook County

3 stops

  1. City of Chicago Limited Business License

    Every business operating in the City of Chicago requires a business license from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). Photography studios operating from a commercial location require a Limited Business License. Home-based photography businesses where clients do not visit may be exempt from the city business license. New businesses may qualify for a first-license program offering reduced fees. Apply through Chicago Business Direct.

    Official government source

    $125 for a two-year license (new business promotional rate); standard rate approximately $250 for two years2–4 weeks

  2. Chicago Park District Media Permit (for shoots in parks)

    Commercial photography in Chicago Park District parks requires a Media Permit from the Chicago Park District. The non-refundable 2025 permit application fee is $45. Additional fees may apply for indoor park locations. News media and credentialed student photographers may be exempt. Permits must be secured before the shoot.

    Official government source

    $45 application fee (non-refundable, 2025 rate)5–10 business days

  3. Cook County Assumed Name (DBA) Registration

    If your photography business operates under any trade name other than your legal name, file an Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate with the Cook County Clerk's Office. This is required before applying for a City of Chicago business license. File in person or by mail at the Cook County Clerk's office.

    Official government source

    $5 (unincorporated businesses) to $15 (corporations, per county fee schedule)Same day (in person) to 1 week (by mail)

Terminus

Open for business — est. $125–$500 · 2–4 weeks for all registrations and permits

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