Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Great Falls, MT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana.

$500 -- $2000 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Great Falls / Cascade County Requirements

3 requirements
1

Montana Department of Public Health — Child Care Facility License

Child care centers in Montana must be licensed by the DPHHS Quality Assurance Division. Requires background checks, facility inspections, and staff-to-child ratio compliance.

$50–$1506–12 weeks
Official government source
2

City of Great Falls City Clerk — Business License

Great Falls requires a Business License for regulated businesses. The City Clerk's office issues licenses and processes annual renewals. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

$50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks
Official government source
3

Cascade County / Great Falls Building and Fire Safety Inspection

Child care centers must pass building inspections for safety, ADA accessibility, fire suppression, and appropriate child-proofing standards.

$100–$3002–6 weeks
Official government source

Montana State Requirements

2 requirements
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).

Free (business registration)Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)
Official government source
2

Montana Background Check Requirement

All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in Montana child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI.

$25–$75 per person1–4 weeks
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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