Photography Business Permit Requirements in Indianapolis, IN

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate

   Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property at retail in Indiana. Indiana charges a flat 7% state sales tax with no additional local sales tax. Register online via INBiz.

   Official government source

   $25 one-time registration fee·Immediate (online via INBiz)

   $25 one-time registration fee

   Immediate (online via INBiz)

1. Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services — Business License

   Indianapolis (Marion County) has no general business license and no product called a 'Commercial Zoning Certificate.' DBNS licenses only specific business types by ordinance (e.g., massage establishments $177, kennels/pet shops/stables $200, hotels, pawnbrokers). Most business types listed here do not require any Indianapolis business license — check DBNS's Business Licenses list for your specific type.

   Official government source

   N/A for most business types; specific licensed types have individual fees (e.g., $177–$200)·N/A

   N/A for most business types; specific licensed types have individual fees (e.g., $177–$200)

   N/A

2. Indy Parks Vendor / Photography or Film Permit

   Photographers shooting for financial gain in Indianapolis public parkland need a vendor/photography permit from Indy Parks & Recreation; professional crews, drones, stunts, amplified music or facility closures require a film permit. Personal photography and news coverage are exempt. Commercial shoots on other public property (streets, plazas) may instead fall under the city's special event or right-of-way rules.

   Official government source

   $30 per day (vendor/photography permit); $200 half day or $400 full day (commercial filming)·Applications must reach the park manager at least 45 days before the shoot

   $30 per day (vendor/photography permit); $200 half day or $400 full day (commercial filming)

   Applications must reach the park manager at least 45 days before the shoot

Official Sources

• Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services
• Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate

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