Photography Business Permit Requirements in Minneapolis, MN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a photography business in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota.

Verified 2026-09-03 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. 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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Minnesota

2 stops

  1. Minnesota Secretary of State Business Registration

    All formal business entities (LLC, corporation) operating in Minnesota must register with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Minnesota does not require a state license specifically for photographers. Filing as an LLC costs approximately $155.

    Official government source

    $155 (LLC filing fee)Immediate (online or in-person); 4-7 business days if filed by mail

  2. Minnesota Sales Tax Registration (Minnesota Tax ID)

    Photographers who sell tangible items must register with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Printed photos and proofs, negatives, CDs, DVDs and flash drives are taxable. Images delivered by email or customer download are not taxable when the invoice shows electronic delivery, and a sitting fee that results in no tangible photo is not a taxable sale. The combined rate in Minneapolis is 9.025%.

    Official government source

    FreeOnline through e-Services (Business Tax Registration)

City of Minneapolis / Hennepin County

2 stops

  1. No Minneapolis Business License Required for Photography Studios

    Minneapolis does not issue a general business license, and studio, portrait, event and commercial photography are not licensed business categories. The one photography entry in the city's License Fee Schedule is the legacy Street Photographer license, charged per camera, which applies only to photographing people on public streets and sidewalks for sale. A home studio must still comply with the city's home-occupation zoning rules.

    Official government source

    $0 for a studio, portrait or event photography business; $294 per camera only if operating as a licensed Street Photographer (2026 Minneapolis License Fee Schedule)Not applicable — no city application is filed for an ordinary photography business

  2. Minneapolis Film/Photography Obstruction Permit

    Commercial photography or filming on Minneapolis streets, sidewalks, or alleys requires an obstruction permit, obtained via Minneapolis 311/Public Works — the city charges no fee for a one-day permit. Filming on park property (lakes, parks, riverfront) instead requires a separate Minneapolis Park Board permit with variable fees. There is no dedicated "Film Office."

    Official government source

    $0 for a one-day street/sidewalk/alley obstruction permit; Park Board permit fees varyNot specified; apply in advance of the shoot date

Terminus

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

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