Photography Business Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

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.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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.

   Official government source

   $175 (exam fee)·2–4 weeks

   $175 (exam fee)

   2–4 weeks

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.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online registration)

   Free

   Immediate (online registration)

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.

   Official government source

   $200 (LLC filing) + publication costs of $400–$1,500+ in NYC·3–5 business days (filing); 6 weeks (publication requirement)

   $200 (LLC filing) + publication costs of $400–$1,500+ in NYC

   3–5 business days (filing); 6 weeks (publication requirement)

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.

   Official government source

   $500 per 14-day permit period·Apply at least 5 business days in advance; rush: 2 business days ($300 additional)

   $500 per 14-day permit period

   Apply at least 5 business days in advance; rush: 2 business days ($300 additional)

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.

   Official government source

   $300 application fee; additional location fees may apply·5–10 business days

   $300 application fee; additional location fees may apply

   5–10 business days

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

   $100 (sole proprietor Business Certificate, varies by borough)

   Same day to 1 week

Official Sources

• NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment — When a Permit is Required
• NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment — Filming Permits
• NYC Parks — Film Shoot Request
• NYS Department of Taxation and Finance — Sales Tax
• FAA — Become a Drone Pilot (Part 107)

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