Photography Business Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS, obtained instantly online.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Washington State Business License

   Required for all businesses in Washington. Issued by the Department of Revenue. Photography businesses must register for state B&O tax — photography services fall under the service and other activities classification.

   Official government source

   $50 (one-time Business License Application fee; $5/year renewal per location)·1–2 weeks

   $50 (one-time Business License Application fee; $5/year renewal per location)

   1–2 weeks

2. WA Reseller Permit

   If you purchase photography equipment or supplies that you resell or incorporate into deliverables for clients, you may qualify for a Reseller Permit from the Washington Department of Revenue, allowing you to buy those items without paying sales tax.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Seattle Business License Tax Certificate

   Required for all businesses operating in Seattle, issued by Seattle City Finance (License and Tax Administration). Photographers working commercially, including freelancers, must hold a current certificate. The certificate is required regardless of revenue; Seattle B&O tax is owed only above $2 million in annual taxable gross revenue (the threshold rose from $100,000 on January 1, 2026).

   Official government source

   $73/year if your Seattle taxable revenue is under $20,000, $147 for $20,000-$499,999.99, $667 for $500,000-$1,999,999.99, $1,604 for $2 million-$5 million, and $3,210 for more than $5 million (2026 fee schedule), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses that start July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.·You can usually print the certificate within 2-3 business days after your payment processes.

   $73/year if your Seattle taxable revenue is under $20,000, $147 for $20,000-$499,999.99, $667 for $500,000-$1,999,999.99, $1,604 for $2 million-$5 million, and $3,210 for more than $5 million (2026 fee schedule), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses that start July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.

   You can usually print the certificate within 2-3 business days after your payment processes.

2. Seattle Film Office Permit (public locations)

   Required for commercial photography or filming on Seattle public property, parks, or rights-of-way. Issued by the Seattle Film Office via the "Film App" online portal. No permit is required for filming/photography on private property. Parking for production vehicles can be reserved at $15 per metered space per day; additional fees may apply if police or Parks Dept staffing is needed.

   Official government source

   Flat $25/day (same fee regardless of number of locations filmed in one day)·Minimum 3-5 business days to process; 5-10 business days for projects using a drone (UAS)

   Flat $25/day (same fee regardless of number of locations filmed in one day)

   Minimum 3-5 business days to process; 5-10 business days for projects using a drone (UAS)

Official Sources

• City of Seattle: Business License Tax Certificate
• Seattle Film Office: Permits
• Washington DOR: Apply for a Business License

Related Guides