Photography Business Permit Requirements in Tacoma, 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 photographers owe Business & Occupation (B&O) tax on their gross receipts and must collect retail sales tax on tangible photographs and prints. Tacoma's combined rate is 10.5% (6.5% state plus 4.0% local, location code 2717) as of the quarter beginning October 1, 2026; rates change quarterly, so confirm with DOR's Tax Rate Lookup Tool. A single Business License Application with the Department of Revenue registers you for both B&O and retail sales tax and issues your UBI.

   Official government source

   $50 one-time Business License Application processing fee to open a business; $5 per location annual renewal processing fee; $10 for any other filing (adding a trade name, an endorsement, or hiring employees); $5 per trade name registered. State, city, and county endorsements carry separate fees.·About 10 business days for online applications; add 2-3 weeks if city or state endorsements are required; mailed applications take up to 6 weeks.

   $50 one-time Business License Application processing fee to open a business; $5 per location annual renewal processing fee; $10 for any other filing (adding a trade name, an endorsement, or hiring employees); $5 per trade name registered. State, city, and county endorsements carry separate fees.

   About 10 business days for online applications; add 2-3 weeks if city or state endorsements are required; mailed applications take up to 6 weeks.

1. Tacoma — General Business License / Occupational Tax Certificate

   Most businesses operating within Tacoma must hold a City of Tacoma business licence, administered by Tacoma Tax & License and applied for through the state Business License Application. Pierce County does not issue it. 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.

   Official government source

   Tiered by worldwide gross income for 2024-2026: $37 if under $12,000 (and per branch location, and for 501(c)(3) organizations), $190 for $12,000-$250,000, $435 for $250,001-$1,000,000, $1,500 for $1,000,000-$5,000,000, and $2,000 over $5,000,000. Regulatory licence fees apply to certain business activities on top of this.·Filed with the state Business License Application: about 10 business days online, plus another 2-3 weeks for the city endorsement to be approved.

   Tiered by worldwide gross income for 2024-2026: $37 if under $12,000 (and per branch location, and for 501(c)(3) organizations), $190 for $12,000-$250,000, $435 for $250,001-$1,000,000, $1,500 for $1,000,000-$5,000,000, and $2,000 over $5,000,000. Regulatory licence fees apply to certain business activities on top of this.

   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. Tacoma - Metro Parks Special Use Permit for Filming or Photography

   If you conduct paid photography shoots in Metro Parks Tacoma parks or other public property in Tacoma, you need a Special Use Permit for Filming or Photography from Metro Parks Tacoma. Shoots on city streets or plazas may instead involve Tacoma Planning & Development Services. The Metro Parks site blocks automated access, so confirm current requirements by phone or email.

   Official government source

   Fees vary by location, crew size, and duration and are collected in stages; confirm with Metro Parks Tacoma permits staff at [email protected] or 253-305-1006.·Submit the application no less than 30 days before the shoot. A permit review committee meets monthly, and applicants are then notified of approval or denial and any remaining fees.

   Fees vary by location, crew size, and duration and are collected in stages; confirm with Metro Parks Tacoma permits staff at [email protected] or 253-305-1006.

   Submit the application no less than 30 days before the shoot. A permit review committee meets monthly, and applicants are then notified of approval or denial and any remaining fees.

Official Sources

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

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