Personal Trainer Permit Requirements in Boise, ID

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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

   Free·Immediate (online via TAP)

   Free

   Immediate (online via TAP)

2. Idaho does not require a state personal trainer license

   Idaho does not have a state licensing requirement for personal trainers. However, national certifications from organizations like NASM, ACE, or ACSM are strongly recommended and may be required by employers or facilities.

   Official government source

   $200–$800 (national certification)·1–6 months (self-study and exam)

   $200–$800 (national certification)

   1–6 months (self-study and exam)

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 exists·N/A

   N/A — no general business license exists

   N/A

2. Boise Certificate of Occupancy or Home Occupation Permit

   A personal training business in a Boise commercial space needs a Certificate of Occupancy from Planning & Development Services confirming the space is approved for the use; fire suppression, exits, and occupant load are reviewed as part of it. Training clients out of your home instead requires a Home Occupation approval from the Planning Division, which limits client traffic and prohibits exterior signage. Training in an existing gym under someone else's certificate of occupancy needs neither.

   Official government source

   Certificate of Occupancy: $175 flat where plan review and inspection establish the CO with no construction; with tenant improvements the fee follows Boise's valuation table plus commercial plan review at 65% of the permit fee. Home Occupation: $110.25.·1–3 weeks for a home occupation or a straightforward CO; 4–6 weeks if tenant improvements need plan review.

   Certificate of Occupancy: $175 flat where plan review and inspection establish the CO with no construction; with tenant improvements the fee follows Boise's valuation table plus commercial plan review at 65% of the permit fee. Home Occupation: $110.25.

   1–3 weeks for a home occupation or a straightforward CO; 4–6 weeks if tenant improvements need plan review.

Official Sources

• City of Boise Planning and Development Services

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