Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Great Falls, MT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a electrical contractor in Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana.

Verified 2026-08-27 5 stops $400–$1,500 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

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

1 stop

  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)

City of Great Falls / Cascade County

3 stops

  1. Montana State Electrical Board — Electrical Contractor License

    Electrical contracting businesses in Montana must hold an Electrical Contractor license from the Montana State Electrical Board. A Montana-licensed Journeyman or Master electrician must be listed as the responsible electrician, and the business must show workers' compensation compliance and unemployment insurance coverage (or an independent contractor exemption). Individual electricians are licensed separately (exam required for journeyman/master).

    Official government source

    $210 application fee ($300 for an Unlimited Electrical Contractor)4–8 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

  3. Cascade County / Great Falls Electrical Permit (per project)

    An electrical permit must be obtained from the local building department for each electrical project. A final inspection is required upon completion.

    Official government source

    Permit fees are project-based; contact Great Falls Planning & Community Development / Building (406-455-8430) for current amounts1–5 business days

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,500 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all licenses

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