Photography Business Permit Requirements in Paterson, NJ

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. New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey. New Jersey charges a 6.625% state sales tax. Most services are exempt; retail product sales and certain services are taxable. Register free online via the State of New Jersey Business Registration portal.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate to 3 business days (online)

   Free

   Immediate to 3 business days (online)

1. City of Paterson Health & Human Services — Mercantile License

   Paterson city ordinance requires businesses operating in the city to register and obtain a Mercantile License, administered by the Mercantile Licensing division of the Department of Health & Human Services. A mercantile inspector visits the business as part of the process, which the city describes as a consumer-protection function that also provides technical assistance to businesses. Note that Paterson has no 'Department of Business Administration' — the city's departments are Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Finance, Health & Human Services, Legal, Municipal Court, Public Safety and Public Works. Businesses in regulated industries need additional permits from the relevant division, such as retail food licensing from the Division of Health or construction permits from UCC Construction/Buildings.

   Official government source

   Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.·Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

   Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.

   Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

2. Paterson Filming Permit (City Code Ch. 212)

   Commercial shoots on Paterson streets, sidewalks and other public property require a filming permit issued by the Mayor's Office under Chapter 212 of the Paterson City Code. Apply on the City of Paterson filming permit application, which asks for each location, date and time, whether you need street, parking or sidewalk closures or reserved lot parking, your equipment and cast/crew count, and any animals, firearms, special effects or pyrotechnics. A permit is not issued until the insurance requirement is met: you must attach a certificate of liability insurance naming the City, plus a letter of intent and a check payable to the City of Paterson. The approved permit must stay with the production on location. Contact the Director of Community Engagement at 973-321-1600. If your shoot is inside a city park or attached to a permitted event, confirm the separate park use arrangement with the City before you file.

   Official government source

   $300 basic filming permit, or $500 for expedited processing, plus a daily filming fee of $750 for a shoot under 5 hours or $1,500 for 5 hours or more·Apply no less than 5 days before the requested filming date

   $300 basic filming permit, or $500 for expedited processing, plus a daily filming fee of $750 for a shoot under 5 hours or $1,500 for 5 hours or more

   Apply no less than 5 days before the requested filming date

Official Sources

• City of Paterson Department of Business Administration
• New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

Related Guides