Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Billings, MT

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. Montana — No Sales Tax

   Montana has no state or local sales tax. Businesses do not need a sales tax permit. However, businesses must register with the Montana Department of Revenue for applicable business taxes (e.g., withholding, corporate income tax if applicable).

   Official government source

   Free (business registration)·Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)

   Free (business registration)

   Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)

2. Bloodborne Pathogen Training (per artist)

   Montana regulates tattooing and body art through DPHHS and local health departments (body art establishment licensing under ARM Title 37, chapter 112). Artists are expected to complete bloodborne pathogen training under those rules; confirm the current training and renewal requirements with your local health department before hiring artists.

   Official government source

   $20-$80 per person (typical course pricing)·Half-day course

   $20-$80 per person (typical course pricing)

   Half-day course

1. RiverStone Health — Body Art Establishment License (Yellowstone County local program)

   Yellowstone County licenses body art establishments locally through RiverStone Health under regulations at least as stringent as Montana's state body art rule (most other counties use the state DPHHS license). Tattoo parlors in Billings need plan review, an inspection, and a body art establishment license from RiverStone Health; artists must hold current bloodborne-pathogen, sanitation, and first aid training.

   Official government source

   Local license fee set by RiverStone Health — contact RiverStone Health Environmental Health Services (406-256-2770) for the current fee·2–6 weeks

   Local license fee set by RiverStone Health — contact RiverStone Health Environmental Health Services (406-256-2770) for the current fee

   2–6 weeks

2. City of Billings — Business License (Finance Department)

   Billings requires a business license for any business activity conducted within the city — including home-based businesses and businesses located outside city limits that do business in Billings. The license documents payment of the city's annual business tax and is administered by the Finance Department. It is valid for one year from the month of issuance and must be renewed annually; a separate license is required for each business type and each location.

   Official government source

   Varies by business classification (annual business-license tax; some categories add employee-count and health fees). The city does not publish its Business Tax Fee Schedule online — contact City of Billings Finance, 406-657-8433, for current amounts.·1–3 weeks

   Varies by business classification (annual business-license tax; some categories add employee-count and health fees). The city does not publish its Business Tax Fee Schedule online — contact City of Billings Finance, 406-657-8433, for current amounts.

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Montana Department of Public Health — Tattoo Establishment License
• City of Billings City Clerk

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