Photography Business Permit Requirements in Richmond, 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 sales of photographs, prints, and albums. Deliveries of digital images alone may be exempt. The combined general sales tax rate in Richmond is 6% (Central Virginia region: 4.3% state + 1% local + 0.7% regional). Register with the Virginia Department of Taxation before making taxable sales.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate to 1 week (online)

   Free

   Immediate to 1 week (online)

1. Richmond — General Business License / Occupational Tax Certificate

   Most businesses operating within Richmond, including photography studios and freelance photographers with a commercial location, must obtain a BPOL (Business, Professional and Occupational License) from the Department of Finance. Businesses with gross receipts of $5,000 or less owe $0; those with $5,001-$500,000 pay a flat $30 license fee; above $500,000, the Personal Service rate of $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts applies. Home-based photographers must also file a Home Occupation Certificate of Zoning Compliance ($50 flat fee) with Planning and Development Review.

   Official government source

   $0 (gross receipts ≤ $5,000); flat $30/year ($5,001-$500,000); above $500,000, $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts (Personal Service category)·1–3 weeks

   $0 (gross receipts ≤ $5,000); flat $30/year ($5,001-$500,000); above $500,000, $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts (Personal Service category)

   1–3 weeks

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

   If you conduct paid photography shoots in public spaces in Richmond — parks, streets, city-owned plazas, or other public property — contact Richmond Parks & Recreation's Special Events / Film Production Site Coordination office, which arranges film and photography production on public property. Requirements vary by location, crew size, and duration.

   Official government source

   Permit fees are set and charged according to City Ordinance and vary by scope — confirm the applicable fee with the Special Events Coordinator·Submit the Special Events Request Form at least 45 days before your shoot date

   Permit fees are set and charged according to City Ordinance and vary by scope — confirm the applicable fee with the Special Events Coordinator

   Submit the Special Events Request Form at least 45 days before your shoot date

Official Sources

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

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