Photography Business Permit Requirements in Spokane, WA

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. Washington — No State Photography License Required

   Washington 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 Washington.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

2. Washington Department of Revenue — Business License (includes sales tax)

   Washington requires photographers to collect Business & Occupation (B&O) tax on services and retail sales tax on tangible photographs. In the City of Spokane (location code 3210) the combined rate is 9.1% - 6.5% state plus 2.6% local - for the quarter beginning October 1, 2026. Rates change quarterly, so confirm with DOR's Tax Rate Lookup Tool. A single Business License registration with the Department of Revenue covers both B&O and sales tax.

   Official government source

   $50 Business License Application processing fee to open or reopen a business; $0 to add a location; $10 for any other change (hiring employees, registering a trade name, adding endorsements to an existing location); $5 annual renewal processing fee. Endorsement fees are charged in addition.·About 10 business days for online applications, plus another 2-3 weeks if city or state endorsements need approval; mailed applications can take up to 6 weeks.

   $50 Business License Application processing fee to open or reopen a business; $0 to add a location; $10 for any other change (hiring employees, registering a trade name, adding endorsements to an existing location); $5 annual renewal processing fee. Endorsement fees are charged in addition.

   About 10 business days for online applications, plus another 2-3 weeks if city or state endorsements need approval; mailed applications can take up to 6 weeks.

1. Spokane — General Business License / Occupational Tax Certificate

   Most businesses operating within Spokane must hold a City of Spokane business registration, applied for through the Washington State Business Licensing Service. This covers photography studios and freelance photographers with a commercial location. Home-based photographers may also need a Home Occupation Permit to hold client sessions or run a studio at home. Spokane County does not issue the city registration.

   Official government source

   $131/year basic registration fee (since January 1, 2024), plus $15 per license unit and a personnel fee of $10 per person for businesses with fewer than six personnel, $15 per person for six to ten, and $20 per person for more than ten (SMC 08.02.0206). The fee is not based on gross revenue. Qualifying low-income, nonprofit, social purpose, and Certified B Corporations pay half the basic fee.·Filed with the state Business License Application: about 10 business days online, plus another 2-3 weeks for the city endorsement to be approved.

   $131/year basic registration fee (since January 1, 2024), plus $15 per license unit and a personnel fee of $10 per person for businesses with fewer than six personnel, $15 per person for six to ten, and $20 per person for more than ten (SMC 08.02.0206). The fee is not based on gross revenue. Qualifying low-income, nonprofit, social purpose, and Certified B Corporations pay half the basic fee.

   Filed with the state Business License Application: about 10 business days online, plus another 2-3 weeks for the city endorsement to be approved.

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

   Working in a public space in Spokane generally requires either a Filming Notification or a Master Film Permit, administered by Spokane Planning & Development Services (509-625-6300, [email protected]). See the Filming in Spokane Manual. Spokane Parks maintains a separate Filming and Photography Policy with its own application for shoots in city parks.

   Official government source

   Not published — contact Spokane Planning & Development Services (509-625-6300) for the current fee schedule.·Not published — the city advises applying with as much lead time as possible.

   Not published — contact Spokane Planning & Development Services (509-625-6300) for the current fee schedule.

   Not published — the city advises applying with as much lead time as possible.

Official Sources

• Spokane Business Licensing
• Washington Department of Revenue — Business License (includes sales tax)
• FAA — Become a Drone Pilot (Part 107)

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