Photography Business Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

   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 free Certificate of Authority from the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance to collect sales tax. Sales of tangible personal property (prints, albums, frames, photos on physical media) are taxable; photography sold and delivered only electronically (email or download) is not subject to NY sales tax. The combined NYC rate is 8.875% (4% state + 4.5% city + 0.375% MCTD surcharge).

   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 Media Production Authorization (with MOME permit)

   If your shoot requires a MOME film permit and takes place on NYC Parks property (e.g., Central Park, Prospect Park), you must also obtain a Media Production Authorization (MPA) from NYC Parks; hourly fees may apply depending on the location and scope. Shoots using only handheld equipment, without exclusive use of an area, production vehicles, or props, generally need neither a MOME permit nor an MPA.

   Official government source

   Varies — hourly location fees may apply; no flat application fee published·5–10 business days

   Varies — hourly location fees may apply; no flat application fee published

   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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