HVAC Contractor 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. EPA Section 608 Certification (for refrigerants)

   Technicians who purchase, recover, or handle refrigerants must hold EPA Section 608 certification. Required by federal law regardless of state.

   Official government source

   $20–$100 (exam)·1–2 days

   $20–$100 (exam)

   1–2 days

1. Montana DLI — Construction Contractor Registration (no state HVAC license)

   Montana does not issue a state HVAC or mechanical contractor license. HVAC businesses with employees must hold a Construction Contractor Registration from the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (solo operators may use an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate); effective January 1, 2026 the registration becomes a DLI construction contractor license under MCA Title 37, chapter 45. Federal EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerant handling, and mechanical permits are pulled from the local building department for each project.

   Official government source

   DLI construction contractor registration/license fee (see erd.dli.mt.gov for the current amount); EPA 608 certification exam cost is separate·4–8 weeks

   DLI construction contractor registration/license fee (see erd.dli.mt.gov for the current amount); EPA 608 certification exam cost is separate

   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

   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 Mechanical Permit (per project)

   A mechanical permit must be obtained from the local building department for each HVAC installation or major repair. Inspections are required upon completion.

   Official government source

   Permit fees are project-based; contact Great Falls Planning & Community Development / Building (406-455-8430) for current amounts·1–5 business days

   Permit fees are project-based; contact Great Falls Planning & Community Development / Building (406-455-8430) for current amounts

   1–5 business days

Official Sources

• Montana Department of Labor and Industry — HVAC Mechanical Contractor License
• City of Great Falls City Clerk

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