Photography Business Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a photography business in New York City, New York City (all boroughs) County, New York.

$100 -- $2000 1–8 weeks depending on LLC publication requirements and permit needs 7 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

New York City / New York City (all boroughs) County Requirements

3 requirements
1

NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) Film/Photography Permit

Commercial photography shoots on NYC public property that involve production vehicles, lighting equipment, exclusive use of a public space, prop weapons, stunts, or actors in police uniforms require a film permit from the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment. Small-scale photography using only handheld equipment, not asserting exclusive use of a space, and not using production vehicles does NOT require a permit. The permit fee is $500 per 14-day period (or portion). Liability insurance is required.

$500 per 14-day permit periodApply at least 5 business days in advance; rush: 2 business days ($300 additional)
Official government source
2

NYC Parks Commercial Photography/Film Permit

Commercial photography shoots in NYC parks (managed by NYC Parks) require a separate permit from the NYC Parks Department in addition to the MOME permit. This applies to professional portrait sessions, engagement photos, and commercial shoots in Central Park, Prospect Park, and other NYC parks. Apply through the NYC Parks online permit system.

$300 application fee; additional location fees may apply5–10 business days
Official government source
3

NYC DBA / Trade Name Registration

If your photography business operates under a trade name other than your personal legal name, you must file a Business Certificate (for sole proprietors and partnerships) with the County Clerk in the borough where your business is located, or register your entity with the New York Secretary of State. Manhattan sole proprietors file with the New York County Clerk.

$100 (sole proprietor Business Certificate, varies by borough)Same day to 1 week
Official government source

New York State Requirements

2 requirements
1

New York State Certificate of Authority (Sales Tax)

New York photographers must obtain a Certificate of Authority from the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance to collect sales tax. In New York, the sale of tangible personal property (prints, albums, frames, CDs with photos) is taxable. Photography services (labor) are generally not taxable, but physical delivery of photographs — whether as prints, slides, CDs, or flash drives — is subject to NY sales tax. Digital delivery of images via email or download is not taxable. NYC adds an additional 4.5% local rate on top of the 4% NY state rate.

FreeImmediate (online registration)
Official government source
2

New York State Business Entity Filing (if applicable)

If operating as an LLC, you must file Articles of Organization with the New York Secretary of State and publish a notice in two newspapers (one daily, one weekly) in the county where your principal office is located. NYC publication costs are among the highest in the state. LLCs must pay a biennial statement fee of $9.

$200 (LLC filing) + publication costs of $400–$1,500+ in NYC3–5 business days (filing); 6 weeks (publication requirement)
Official government source

Federal Requirements

2 requirements
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Apply free and instantly online through the IRS website.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source
2

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Drone Photography)

Required for commercial aerial photography using drones. Note: New York City has extremely strict drone regulations. Flying drones in NYC is largely prohibited except in designated areas, and most of NYC falls within Class B airspace (JFK, LGA, EWR). Commercial drone photography in NYC requires Part 107 certification, LAANC authorization (if available), and often additional city permits. Consult the FAA UAS Data Map before planning any drone shoot.

$175 (exam fee)2–4 weeks
Official government source

Official Sources

Related Guides