Photography Business Permit Requirements in Detroit, MI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a photography business in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.

Updated 2026-03-13 5 stops $150–$500 est. 2-4 weeks
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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

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Michigan

2 stops

  1. MI Business Registration (LARA)

    Required by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Corporations Division for LLCs, corporations, and other formal business entities. Sole proprietors may file an assumed name certificate with the Wayne County Clerk.

    Official government source

    $50-$100 (one-time filing)1-2 weeks

  2. MI Sales Tax License

    Required by the Michigan Department of Treasury if you sell physical prints or tangible photography products. Michigan sales tax of 6% applies to sales of tangible personal property including physical prints and albums.

    Official government source

    Free1-2 weeks

City of Detroit / Wayne County

2 stops

  1. City of Detroit Business License

    Issued by the Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED), this is the base business license required for any commercial activity in Detroit. Photography businesses operating studios or serving Detroit clients must obtain this license.

    Official government source

    $50-$100/year1-2 weeks

  2. Detroit Film Office Location Permit

    Required for commercial photography shoots on public property, streets, parks, or city-owned spaces in Detroit. The Detroit Film Office (under the Mayor's Office) issues location permits for commercial photo and film productions.

    Official government source

    $50-$250/shoot1-2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $150–$500 · 2-4 weeks

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Official Sources

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