Food Truck Permit Requirements in Great Falls, MT

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

Updated 2026-03-15 6 stops $600–$1,500 est. 3–6 weeks to obtain all permits 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 Department of Public Health — Food Safety Manager Certification

    Montana requires at least one certified food safety manager per food establishment. Certification must be from an ANSI-accredited provider such as ServSafe.

    Official government source

    $80–$1501–2 days

City of Great Falls / Cascade County

3 stops

  1. Cascade County / City of Great Falls — Mobile Food Unit Permit

    All food trucks operating in Great Falls must obtain a Mobile Food Unit (MFU) permit from the local health department. The truck undergoes an inspection before the permit is issued. Annual renewal required.

    $250–$450/year2–4 weeks after application and inspection

  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. Commissary Agreement

    Most jurisdictions require mobile food units to operate from an approved commissary — a licensed commercial kitchen for food prep, storage, and cleaning. A signed commissary agreement must be submitted with the permit application.

    $200–$700/month (commissary rental fees vary)Arranged before permit application

Terminus

Open for business — est. $600–$1,500 · 3–6 weeks to obtain all permits and pass inspections

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Official Sources

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