Photography Business Permit Requirements in Allentown, PA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Also useful for opening a business bank account and separating personal and business finances. Free from the IRS.

   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. Pennsylvania — No State Photography License Required

   Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

2. Pennsylvania Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License

   Pennsylvania requires photographers to collect sales tax on photographs, prints, and albums. Digital images may also be taxable if sold with tangible deliverables. The rate in Allentown (Lehigh County) is a flat 6% state rate — there is no local sales tax add-on there. Register with the PA Department of Revenue.

   Official government source

   Free to $25 (registration fee)·Immediate to 1 week (online)

   Free to $25 (registration fee)

   Immediate to 1 week (online)

1. Allentown — City Business License

   Businesses operating within Allentown, including photography studios and freelance photographers based in the city, must obtain an annual Business License from the City of Allentown Bureau of Revenue & Audit. The license is valid for the calendar year and can be applied for through the city's Citizen Self-Service portal. Home-based photographers should also confirm home-occupation zoning compliance with the city before seeing clients at their residence.

   Official government source

   $35/year·About 1 week (apply via the city's online portal)

   $35/year

   About 1 week (apply via the city's online portal)

2. Allentown — Park Facility Rental (no general photo/film permit)

   Allentown does not publish a commercial photography or film permit and has no film office. Routine paid photography in public spaces generally requires no city permit, but shoots that reserve park pavilions or other Parks & Recreation facilities must rent them through the department, and any shoot obstructing streets or sidewalks needs Public Works/Engineering approval. Confirm arrangements with Parks & Recreation before large shoots.

   Official government source

   None for routine shoots; park pavilion rentals $75 (residents) / $150 (non-residents)·Varies; contact Allentown Parks & Recreation

   None for routine shoots; park pavilion rentals $75 (residents) / $150 (non-residents)

   Varies; contact Allentown Parks & Recreation

Official Sources

• Allentown Business Licensing
• Pennsylvania Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License
• FAA — Become a Drone Pilot (Part 107)

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