Landscaping Business Permit Requirements in Boise, ID

Complete permit and license guide for starting a landscaping business in Boise, Ada County, Idaho.

Verified 2026-09-06 5 stops $200–$700 est. 2–6 weeks to obtain all licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Idaho

2 stops

  1. Idaho State Tax Commission — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Idaho. Idaho charges a 6% state sales tax. Some cities have local option taxes. Register with the Idaho State Tax Commission online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via TAP)

  2. Idaho Professional (Commercial) Pesticide Applicator License

    If you apply pesticides or herbicides as part of landscaping services in Idaho, you must hold a Professional (Commercial) Pesticide Applicator License from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and pass the required exam in each category you work in. There is no charge for adding categories beyond the testing fee.

    Official government source

    $300 for the Professional Applicator License (5-year cycle), plus exam/testing feesAllow 8–10 business days for ISDA to process the application after exams are passed

City of Boise / Ada County

2 stops

  1. City of Boise — No General Business License

    Boise does not require a general/blanket business license. Businesses must instead comply with zoning, required building/health permits, and any applicable activity-specific city license (Animal, Food & Alcohol Beverage, Security Services, Vehicle Licensing). Most professional/personal-service businesses fall under none of these categories and need no city business license — verify your specific business's obligations with the City Clerk's Licensing page.

    Official government source

    N/A — no general business license existsN/A

  2. Idaho DOPL Contractor Registration

    Landscaping and irrigation contractors performing construction-related work in Idaho must register with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) Contractors Board. This is a statewide requirement, not a separate Ada County or City of Boise registration.

    Official government source

    $120 (initial registration, individual or business); $60 annual / $120 biennial renewal1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$700 · 2–6 weeks to obtain all licenses

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