Photography Business Permit Requirements in Yonkers, 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 if you offer commercial aerial photography using drones (unmanned aircraft systems). Must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an approved testing center. Operating commercially without this certificate can result in significant fines. This is a federal requirement enforced by the FAA regardless of state.

   Official government source

   $175 (exam fee)·2–4 weeks to study and schedule exam

   $175 (exam fee)

   2–4 weeks to study and schedule exam

1. New York — No State Photography License Required

   New York does not require a state-issued license or certification to offer paid photography services. Photography is an unregulated profession at the state level — there is no state board or licensing agency that certifies photographers in New York.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

2. New York Department of Taxation and Finance — Certificate of Authority

   New York requires photographers to collect sales tax on sales of photographic prints, albums, and other tangible deliverables. Photos delivered only electronically are not subject to NY sales tax. The combined rate in Yonkers is 8.875% (4% state + local rates + 0.375% MCTD surcharge). Register for a free Certificate of Authority with the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate to 1 week (online)

   Free

   Immediate to 1 week (online)

1. No Yonkers business license required for photography

   Yonkers licenses only specific business types, and photography studios/freelance photography are not among them — no city business license or occupational tax certificate is required. Sole proprietors using a trade name file a business certificate with the Westchester County Clerk. Home studios must comply with Yonkers zoning; commercial shoots on city property need a Film Yonkers permit (see the film permit requirement).

   Official government source

   $0 — no Yonkers license exists for this business type·1–3 weeks

   $0 — no Yonkers license exists for this business type

   1–3 weeks

2. Yonkers — Commercial Photography / Film Permit (Public Locations)

   Commercial film and photography production on Yonkers public property (streets, sidewalks, parks, city facilities) requires a permit from the Mayor's Office of Film & Photography (Film Yonkers). All productions must complete the permit application; the standard permit fee does not apply to production on private property only, student productions, or minor production/still photography using handheld cameras and minimal equipment. Insurance is required, and premium city locations (City Hall, schools, Untermyer Gardens) carry separate location fees.

   Official government source

   $500 per week (or part) for productions on public property (standard fee waived 2024-2025); $500 rush fee if applying <5 business days ahead; handheld/minimal still photography exempt; premium locations extra·3–10 business days

   $500 per week (or part) for productions on public property (standard fee waived 2024-2025); $500 rush fee if applying <5 business days ahead; handheld/minimal still photography exempt; premium locations extra

   3–10 business days

Official Sources

• Yonkers Business Licensing
• New York Department of Taxation and Finance — Certificate of Authority
• FAA — Become a Drone Pilot (Part 107)

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