Photography Business Permit Requirements in Dallas, 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 for commercial aerial photography using unmanned aircraft systems (drones). Must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center. Operating commercially without this certificate is a federal violation subject to civil penalties.

   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, photo books, digital files, and images delivered electronically. The Texas Comptroller treats digital image files as tangible personal property subject to sales tax. The combined sales tax rate in Dallas is 8.25% (6.25% state + 2% local). Apply for free online.

   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 professional license to operate a paid photography business. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) does not regulate photography. No state exam or registration is required.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

1. Dallas County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

   If you operate your photography business under any name other than your legal personal name (e.g., 'Deep Ellum Photography' instead of your legal name), you must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Dallas County Clerk. The Records Building is located at 500 Elm Street, Suite 2100, Dallas, TX 75202. Filing can be done in person, by mail, or through the county's online portal.

   Official government source

   $23 (plus $0.50 per additional owner; $2 acknowledgment fee if notarized by deputy)·Same day to 1 week

   $23 (plus $0.50 per additional owner; $2 acknowledgment fee if notarized by deputy)

   Same day to 1 week

2. City of Dallas Film/Photography Permit (Public Property)

   Commercial photography/film shoots on Dallas city-owned property, parks, or rights-of-way require a permit through the City of Dallas Office of Special Events (Convention and Event Services Department); park locations may also involve Park and Recreation. Private-location and studio shoots do not require this permit.

   Official government source

   Varies by location and duration -- see the Office of Special Events film page for current fees·5–10 business days

   Varies by location and duration -- see the Office of Special Events film page for current fees

   5–10 business days

Official Sources

• Dallas County Clerk — Assumed Names Procedures
• City of Dallas — Parks and Recreation Permits
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit
• Bastian Accounting — Texas Sales Tax for Photographers
• FAA — Become a Drone Pilot (Part 107)

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