Photography Business Permit Requirements in Santa Fe, NM

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 Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration

   New Mexico levies a GROSS RECEIPTS TAX (GRT) rather than a conventional sales tax, and it applies to goods AND most services performed in New Mexico. Register (free) with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department for a Business Tax Identification Number. The state GRT rate is 4.875% (since July 1, 2023); combined state + local rates range from about 5.125% to just over 9% depending on your location code — use the department's official rate map.

   Official government source

   Free (no registration fee)·Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

   Free (no registration fee)

   Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

1. City of Santa Fe Planning and Land Use Department — Business License

   Santa Fe requires a business license for anyone conducting business within city limits, administered by the Business Licensing office of the city's Planning and Land Use Department. Applicants first register with the New Mexico Secretary of State (for entities) and obtain state gross receipts tax registration, then apply through the city's online self-service portal; a Certificate of Compliance inspection is part of issuance. Licenses are valid for one year and renewed annually.

   Official government source

   License fee plus a Certificate of Compliance inspection fee; amounts are invoiced by the city — confirm with Business Licensing (505-955-6551)·1–3 weeks

   License fee plus a Certificate of Compliance inspection fee; amounts are invoiced by the city — confirm with Business Licensing (505-955-6551)

   1–3 weeks

2. Santa Fe County / Santa Fe Park or Special Event Permit

   Photographers doing commercial shoots in Santa Fe public parks or at gatherings of 50 or more people generally need a permit: the City of Santa Fe requires a permit to reserve a park for events/gatherings of 50+ attendees (Parks and Open Space Division), and Santa Fe County's Film Office issues permits for commercial still-photography and video productions countywide. Requirements and fees vary by location and scope -- confirm with the specific department before shooting.

   $25–$200 per event/location·1–3 weeks

   $25–$200 per event/location

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Santa Fe City Clerk
• New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration

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