Photography Business Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. PA Business Entity Registration

   Required by the Pennsylvania Department of State for LLCs, corporations, and other formal business entities. Sole proprietors operating under a business name must file a fictitious name (DBA) registration with the PA Department of State. As of 2025, Pennsylvania also requires an Annual Report [DSCB:15-146] filed each year at file.dos.pa.gov — $7 for business corporations, LLCs, LPs and LLPs, and $0 for nonprofit corporations. The deadline depends on entity type: corporations by June 30, LLCs by September 30, and LPs, LLPs, business trusts and professional associations by December 31. Beginning with reports due in 2027, failure to file can lead to administrative dissolution.

   Official government source

   $70–$125 one-time formation or DBA filing ($125 LLC Certificate of Organization or Articles of Incorporation, $70 fictitious name), plus a $7 Annual Report each year from 2025 ($0 for nonprofit corporations)·1–2 weeks (initial filing)

   $70–$125 one-time formation or DBA filing ($125 LLC Certificate of Organization or Articles of Incorporation, $70 fictitious name), plus a $7 Annual Report each year from 2025 ($0 for nonprofit corporations)

   1–2 weeks (initial filing)

2. PA Sales Tax License

   Required by the PA Department of Revenue. Pennsylvania taxes photography broadly, not only physical goods: REV-717 lists “Photographic services, film developing, printing, processing, mounting, coloring, etc.” as taxable, and photographs delivered electronically are taxable digital products under Act 84 of 2016. Register free through myPATH for a Sales, Use and Hotel Occupancy Tax License and collect 6% state tax plus 2% in Philadelphia (8% total) on session and sitting fees, prints, albums and digital files.

   Official government source

   Free·1-2 weeks

   Free

   1-2 weeks

1. Commercial Activity License

   Issued by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I), this is the primary business license required for operating a commercial photography business in Philadelphia. Required whether you operate from a studio or on-location.

   Official government source

   Free (no fee; license does not renew)·Same day (issued automatically when applying online via eCLIPSE)

   Free (no fee; license does not renew)

   Same day (issued automatically when applying online via eCLIPSE)

2. Film/Photo Location Permit

   Commercial photography and film shoots on Philadelphia public property require a permit. For city parks, Parks & Recreation facilities, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art area, apply for a media permit through the Parks & Recreation Special Events Office at least 10 business days before shooting; late applications add $100-$200 surcharges. Shoots on streets and other city property go through the Philadelphia Film Office. Site fees vary by location and production size — confirm with the Special Events Office (215-685-0060).

   Official government source

   Site fees vary by location and shoot size (late applications add $100-$200 surcharges); confirm with the Parks & Recreation Special Events Office·Apply at least 10 business days before the first day of shooting

   Site fees vary by location and shoot size (late applications add $100-$200 surcharges); confirm with the Parks & Recreation Special Events Office

   Apply at least 10 business days before the first day of shooting

Official Sources

• Philadelphia Dept of Licenses & Inspections
• Philadelphia Mayor's Office of Media Arts and Culture
• PA Department of State
• PA Department of Revenue

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