Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Great Falls, MT

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

Verified 2026-08-27 5 stops $300–$900 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and 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

2 stops

  1. Montana Nail Technician License (per technician)

    Each nail technician must hold a valid Montana manicurist license from the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Dept. of Labor & Industry). Licensure requires completing a 400-hour manicuring course at an authorized school and passing the licensing examination (MCA 37-31-304(6)).

    Official government source

    Application/exam fees set by board rule — see the board's fee schedule at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov4–8 weeks

  2. 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

2 stops

  1. Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists — Salon License

    Barber shops and salons in Montana must hold an establishment (salon/shop) license from the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Department of Labor & Industry). A pre-opening inspection is required before the license is issued ($150 inspection fee in addition to the $125 license fee). Licenses renew annually (regular renewal window roughly May–July 1); relocation or an ownership change over 50% requires a new application rather than a renewal.

    Official government source

    $125 license fee + $150 inspection fee ($275 total initial); renewal $125/year3–6 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

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$900 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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