Photography Business Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

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. This is a federal requirement enforced by the FAA — operating commercially without this certificate can result in significant fines.

   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. Texas Sales Tax Permit

   Texas requires photographers to collect and remit sales tax on all taxable sales, including prints, albums, canvases, and digital image files (even when delivered electronically). The Texas Comptroller treats digital files as tangible personal property subject to the 8.25% combined state and local sales tax rate (6.25% state + up to 2% local). Apply for free online through the Texas Comptroller's eSystems portal.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. No Texas State Photography License Required

   Texas does not require a state-level license or certification to offer paid photography services. There is no state board or agency that licenses photographers. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) does not regulate photography businesses.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

1. Travis County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

   If you operate your photography business under any name other than your legal personal name (e.g., 'Austin Photo Co.' instead of your full legal name), you must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Travis County Clerk. Filing can be done in person or by mail at the Travis County Clerk's office. Certificates are valid for up to 10 years.

   Official government source

   $23 for one owner (plus $0.50 per additional owner; add $2 per acknowledgment if signed in the Clerk's office)·Same day to 1 week

   $23 for one owner (plus $0.50 per additional owner; add $2 per acknowledgment if signed in the Clerk's office)

   Same day to 1 week

2. City of Austin Film/Commercial Photography Permit (Austin Center for Events)

   A permit is required to film or conduct commercial photography on City of Austin public property. Permits for streets, sidewalks, and alleys go through the City's Office of Special Events (Transportation & Public Works) via the Austin Center for Events; park shoots are permitted by the Parks and Recreation Department. Contact the film ombudsman at [email protected] or 512-974-1000. Indoor and private-property shoots need no city permit.

   Official government source

   Varies by location, duration, and impact - confirm with the Austin Center for Events·3–10 business days

   Varies by location, duration, and impact - confirm with the Austin Center for Events

   3–10 business days

Official Sources

• Travis County Clerk — DBAs / Assumed Names
• Austin Film Commission — Permits and Regulations
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit
• Bastian Accounting — Texas Sales Tax for Photographers
• FAA — Become a Drone Pilot (Part 107)

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