Daycare / Child Care Center 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 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.

   Official government source

   $25–$75 per person·1–4 weeks

   $25–$75 per person

   1–4 weeks

1. Montana Department of Public Health — Child Care Facility License

   Child care centers in Montana must be licensed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (Child Care Licensing Program, Early Childhood and Family Support Division). Requirements include background checks for staff, facility health and fire-safety inspections, and staff-to-child ratio compliance. Montana charges no licensing fee.

   Official government source

   $0 — Montana charges no child care licensing application or renewal fee·6–12 weeks

   $0 — Montana charges no child care licensing application or renewal fee

   6–12 weeks

2. 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

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.

   Official government source

   Inspection is included in the city Business License (Safety Inspection Certificate) process (new license $300+ by square footage); building-permit fees apply only if remodeling·2–6 weeks

   Inspection is included in the city Business License (Safety Inspection Certificate) process (new license $300+ by square footage); building-permit fees apply only if remodeling

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• Montana Department of Public Health — Child Care Facility License
• City of Great Falls City Clerk

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