Auto Repair Shop Permit Requirements in Great Falls, 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. Montana DEQ — Used Oil and Hazardous Waste

   Auto repair shops in Montana must comply with Montana DEQ used oil and hazardous waste rules. Proper storage and recycling of used oil and automotive fluids is required.

   Official government source

   Varies·2–4 weeks (registration)

   Varies

   2–4 weeks (registration)

1. City of Great Falls — Business License / Safety Inspection Certificate (Great Falls Fire Rescue)

   Great Falls requires a Business License (Safety Inspection Certificate) for each commercial business located within city limits, processed by Great Falls Fire Rescue under Title 5 of the City Code (406-727-8070). The fee is based on the square footage of the premises, and the process includes a fire/safety inspection. Home-based businesses instead obtain a Home Occupation Certificate, and businesses located outside city limits that work in the city need a Non-Resident Vendor Certificate. Renewals are due by the end of the calendar year.

   Official government source

   New issuance: $300 (up to 2,000 sq ft) to $895 (over 100,000 sq ft) by square-footage tier; renewal $80–$640/year (2025 fee schedule)·1–3 weeks

   New issuance: $300 (up to 2,000 sq ft) to $895 (over 100,000 sq ft) by square-footage tier; renewal $80–$640/year (2025 fee schedule)

   1–3 weeks

2. Cascade County / Great Falls Zoning and Certificate of Occupancy

   Auto repair shops in Great Falls must be in properly zoned commercial/industrial districts — verify zoning with the city's Planning & Community Development before leasing (406-455-8430). The city's Business License (Safety Inspection Certificate) process includes zoning review and a fire-safety inspection of the premises; building alterations trigger permits and occupancy approval through the Building Division. Outside city limits, Cascade County zoning applies.

   Official government source

   Zoning review is included in the city business-license fee (the $130 zoning component of the $300+ new-license fee); building-permit and occupancy fees vary by project·2–6 weeks

   Zoning review is included in the city business-license fee (the $130 zoning component of the $300+ new-license fee); building-permit and occupancy fees vary by project

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Great Falls City Clerk
• Montana DEQ — Used Oil and Hazardous Waste

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