Mobile Car Wash 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, obtained instantly online.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. EPA Stormwater Compliance — Clean Water Act Section 402

   Mobile car wash operations that discharge wash water are subject to the federal Clean Water Act. The EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) prohibits discharge of polluted wash water to storm drains or waterways without a permit. Most mobile operators achieve compliance by using containment systems and disposing of water via sanitary sewer. Larger operations (e.g., fleet washing facilities) may require an NPDES permit.

   Official government source

   Free (containment equipment: $200–$1,500)·Before first wash

   Free (containment equipment: $200–$1,500)

   Before first wash

1. Montana Business Registration

   Mobile car wash and auto detailing businesses structured as an LLC, corporation, or partnership must register with the Montana Secretary of State (online via sosmt.gov). Sole proprietors operating under a business name file an assumed business name registration with the Secretary of State. An LLC is recommended to protect personal assets for mobile operations working on customers' property.

   Official government source

   $35 LLC Articles of Organization (online); $20 assumed business name·1–7 business days

   $35 LLC Articles of Organization (online); $20 assumed business name

   1–7 business days

2. Montana Environmental / Stormwater Compliance

   Mobile car wash operations generate wastewater containing detergents, surfactants, oils, and road grime. Montana environmental regulations — consistent with federal Clean Water Act requirements — prohibit discharge of this wash water to storm drains, street gutters, or waterways. Operators must use a wastewater containment mat and recovery system (wet/dry vacuum or pump), or must ensure wash water flows to a sanitary sewer inlet. Operators using hazardous cleaning solvents or degreasers may require a state permit. Contact the Montana Department of Environmental Quality for compliance guidance.

   Official government source

   Free–$200 (registration or permit fee, if required)·1–4 weeks (if permit required; otherwise immediate with self-compliance)

   Free–$200 (registration or permit fee, if required)

   1–4 weeks (if permit required; otherwise immediate with self-compliance)

1. Great Falls General Business License

   Great Falls licenses businesses by premises: a mobile car wash based at a commercial location in the city needs a Business License (Safety Inspection Certificate) from Great Falls Fire Rescue (fee by square footage); one run from a Great Falls residence needs a Home Occupation Certificate; and operators based outside city limits must obtain a Non-Resident Vendor Certificate (renewable weekly or yearly) to work in the city.

   Official government source

   Commercial premises: $300 new / $80 renewal (up to 2,000 sq ft). Home Occupation Certificate: nominal fee. Non-Resident Vendor Certificate: contact Planning & Community Development (406-455-8430) for current fee.·1–2 weeks

   Commercial premises: $300 new / $80 renewal (up to 2,000 sq ft). Home Occupation Certificate: nominal fee. Non-Resident Vendor Certificate: contact Planning & Community Development (406-455-8430) for current fee.

   1–2 weeks

2. Great Falls Stormwater / Wastewater Discharge Compliance

   Great Falls prohibits the discharge of mobile car wash wastewater into storm drains, gutters, or waterways. Wash water contains detergents, oils, and road grime that are harmful to local waterways. Operators must: (1) use a portable containment berm or mat to capture runoff, (2) vacuum up wash water with a wet/dry vac or pump, and (3) dispose of collected water at an approved sanitary sewer access point or licensed disposal facility. The city's Public Works or Stormwater division may conduct inspections. Violations may result in fines.

   $0 — no registration or inspection fee is published; the obligation is compliance with the city's stormwater rules: capture wash water and dispose to the sanitary sewer·1–3 weeks (self-certify compliance before operating)

   $0 — no registration or inspection fee is published; the obligation is compliance with the city's stormwater rules: capture wash water and dispose to the sanitary sewer

   1–3 weeks (self-certify compliance before operating)

3. Chemical handling: OSHA hazard communication and proper disposal (no county registration)

   Cascade County has no chemical-use registration for detailing businesses. Businesses using cleaning chemicals must follow OSHA hazard-communication requirements (Safety Data Sheets available to employees) and dispose of solvents and degreasers properly — never to storm drains.

   $0 — no registration exists·1–2 weeks

   $0 — no registration exists

   1–2 weeks

4. Great Falls Home Occupation Permit (if operating from residence)

   A mobile car wash operator based at a Great Falls residence needs a Home Occupation Certificate from Planning & Community Development, subject to home-occupation zoning standards (employee/vehicle limits, no high-traffic activity at the home). High-traffic uses are excluded from home occupations, so confirm eligibility with the city (406-455-8430).

   Official government source

   $100 new issuance (or address change); $35 annual renewal·1–3 weeks

   $100 new issuance (or address change); $35 annual renewal

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Great Falls Business Licensing
• Montana Environmental Quality — Water Programs
• EPA NPDES — Stormwater Discharges
• IRS EIN Application

Related Guides