Photography Business Permit Requirements in San Antonio, 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 drones. Must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center. Note that areas near San Antonio International Airport (including parts of downtown and the River Walk) lie in controlled airspace — verify authorization via the LAANC system and check the FAA's B4UFLY service (available in FAA-approved apps) before flying.

   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, and digital image files (treated as tangible personal property even when delivered electronically). The combined sales tax rate in San Antonio is 8.25% (6.25% state + 2% local). Apply for free through the Texas Comptroller's online 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. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) does not regulate photography as a profession.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

1. Bexar County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

   If you operate your photography business under any name other than your legal name, file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Bexar County Clerk at the Paul Elizondo Tower, 101 W. Nueva, Suite 112 (or by mail). Valid for up to 10 years.

   Official government source

   $13 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)·Same day to 1 week

   $13 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)

   Same day to 1 week

2. City of San Antonio Film and Photography Permit (Public Property)

   Commercial photography or filming on City of San Antonio public property (parks, the River Walk, streets) generally requires city permission — coordinated through the City's film office (Department of Arts & Culture) and, for park locations, Parks & Recreation reservations/permits. Studio and private-venue shoots need no city permit. Confirm current requirements and fees with the film office before the shoot.

   Official government source

   Varies by location and duration; confirm with the City's film office and Parks & Recreation·5–10 business days

   Varies by location and duration; confirm with the City's film office and Parks & Recreation

   5–10 business days

Official Sources

• Bexar County Clerk — Assumed Business Names (DBAs)
• City of San Antonio — 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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