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.

Updated 2026-03-15 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Montana

2 stops

  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)

  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 person1–4 weeks

City of Great Falls / Cascade County

3 stops

  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.

    Official government source

    $50–$1506–12 weeks

  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

  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

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$2,000 · 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections

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Official Sources

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