Photography Business Permit Requirements in Saint Paul, MN

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Also useful for opening a business bank account and separating personal and business finances. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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

   Required if you offer commercial aerial photography using drones (unmanned aircraft systems). Must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an approved testing center. Operating commercially without this certificate can result in significant fines. This is a federal requirement enforced by the FAA regardless of state.

   Official government source

   $175 (exam fee)·2–4 weeks to study and schedule exam

   $175 (exam fee)

   2–4 weeks to study and schedule exam

1. Minnesota — No State Photography License Required

   Minnesota does not require a state-issued license or certification to offer paid photography services. Photography is an unregulated profession at the state level — there is no state board or licensing agency that certifies photographers in Minnesota.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

2. Minnesota Sales Tax Registration (Minnesota Tax ID)

   Photographers must register with the Minnesota Department of Revenue if they sell tangible items. Printed photos, proofs, CDs, DVDs and flash drives are taxable; images delivered by email or download are not taxable when the invoice shows electronic delivery. A sitting fee that produces no tangible photo is not a taxable sale. The combined rate in Saint Paul is 9.875% (6.875% state, 1.50% city, 0.50% Ramsey County transit, 1.00% metro area).

   Official government source

   Free·Online through e-Services (Business Tax Registration)

   Free

   Online through e-Services (Business Tax Registration)

1. No General Business License in Saint Paul

   Saint Paul issues no general business license or occupational tax certificate — its site lists the business licenses the city requires by category: alcohol, animal, automotive, cannabis and cannabinoid retail, entertainment, event and temporary licenses, food and lodging, health and fitness, merchandise and tobacco, professional services, and transportation. Photography studios and freelance photographers are not in any of those categories, so no Saint Paul license applies. A home studio must still meet the city's zoning rules for home occupations.

   Official government source

   $0 — Saint Paul has no general business license or occupational tax certificate·Not applicable — there is no general city license to apply for

   $0 — Saint Paul has no general business license or occupational tax certificate

   Not applicable — there is no general city license to apply for

2. Saint Paul Parks Film and Photo Permit (Commercial Shoots on Park Property)

   A permit is required for all commercial filming, video taping and still photography on property maintained by Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, issued by the Parks Permit Office under Section 170.04 of the Code of Ordinances and the Rules and Regulations for Saint Paul Parks. No permit is needed for non-commercial photography for personal or family use or for news purposes, unless it blocks access to public property or takes place at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Liability insurance naming the City of Saint Paul as additional insured must be filed at least 7 days before the shoot, and a permit is required for each shoot day. Rates for Como Park Zoo and Conservatory differ.

   Official government source

   Commercial still photography $125 a day low impact (fewer than 15 crew and actors) or $150 a day high impact; non-profit, amateur and student photography $100 or $125 a day. Commercial video filming $400 or $600 a day; non-profit and student filming $200 or $400 a day. Rates are subject to state and local sales tax, and extra city services such as public safety staff, meter hooding or barricades are billed separately.·Applications are not considered unless received at least 10 days before the intended shoot

   Commercial still photography $125 a day low impact (fewer than 15 crew and actors) or $150 a day high impact; non-profit, amateur and student photography $100 or $125 a day. Commercial video filming $400 or $600 a day; non-profit and student filming $200 or $400 a day. Rates are subject to state and local sales tax, and extra city services such as public safety staff, meter hooding or barricades are billed separately.

   Applications are not considered unless received at least 10 days before the intended shoot

Official Sources

• Saint Paul Business Licensing
• Minnesota Department of Revenue — Seller's Permit
• FAA — Become a Drone Pilot (Part 107)

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