Photography Business Permit Requirements in Norfolk, VA

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. Virginia — No State Photography License Required

   Virginia 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 Virginia.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

2. Virginia Department of Taxation — Sales Tax Registration

   Virginia requires photographers to collect sales tax on the sale of photographs, prints, and albums. Digital image deliveries may be exempt. The combined general sales tax rate in Norfolk is 6% (Hampton Roads region: 4.3% state + 1% local + 0.7% regional). Register with the Virginia Department of Taxation.

   Official government source

   Free — Virginia Tax charges no fee to register for a Sales Tax Certificate of Registration·Immediate to 1 week (online)

   Free — Virginia Tax charges no fee to register for a Sales Tax Certificate of Registration

   Immediate to 1 week (online)

1. Norfolk — General Business License / Occupational Tax Certificate

   Most businesses operating within Norfolk, including photography studios and freelance photographers with a commercial location, must obtain a general Business License (BPOL) from the Commissioner of the Revenue before commencing operation (zoning and treasurer approval required). The fee is a flat $50/year minimum for gross receipts under $100,000; above that, $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts (Repair, Personal, and Business Services classification). Home-based photographers must also comply with Norfolk's home-occupation zoning standards, verified as part of this same application (no separate permit).

   Official government source

   $50/year flat minimum (gross receipts under $100,000); above that, $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts (Repair, Personal, and Business Services category)·1–3 weeks

   $50/year flat minimum (gross receipts under $100,000); above that, $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts (Repair, Personal, and Business Services category)

   1–3 weeks

2. Norfolk — Commercial Photography / Film Permit (Public Locations)

   If you conduct paid photography shoots in public spaces (parks, streets, city-owned plazas, or other public property) in Norfolk, you need a Film/Photoshoot Permit from the Norfolk Film Office to manage use of public spaces for commercial purposes and ensure public safety. The processing fee is $50 for Norfolk-based businesses or $100 for non-Norfolk businesses (non-refundable); students and nonprofits are exempt from the fee.

   Official government source

   $50 (Norfolk-based businesses) or $100 (non-Norfolk businesses); free for students/nonprofits·Must file at least 14 days before the filming/shoot date (may be shortened at the Film Coordinator's discretion for limited-scope projects)

   $50 (Norfolk-based businesses) or $100 (non-Norfolk businesses); free for students/nonprofits

   Must file at least 14 days before the filming/shoot date (may be shortened at the Film Coordinator's discretion for limited-scope projects)

Official Sources

• Norfolk Business Licensing
• Virginia Department of Taxation — Sales Tax Registration
• FAA — Become a Drone Pilot (Part 107)

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