Plumbing 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)

1. Montana Board of Plumbers — Master Plumber License (business registers as construction contractor)

   Montana licenses individual plumbers (journeyman and master) through the Montana Board of Plumbers — there is no separate 'plumbing contractor' license from the board. A plumbing business must have a Montana-licensed Master Plumber and register with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry as a construction contractor (registration is being converted to a DLI license under MCA Title 37, ch. 45, effective January 1, 2026). Per-project plumbing permits are pulled from the local building department.

   Official government source

   Individual master/journeyman license fees are set by the board (see the current application; FY2026 renewal fees were 100% abated). Construction contractor registration fee is separate.·4–8 weeks

   Individual master/journeyman license fees are set by the board (see the current application; FY2026 renewal fees were 100% abated). Construction contractor registration fee 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 Plumbing Permit (per project)

   A separate permit must be pulled with the local building/plumbing department for each job. Inspections are required upon job 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 State Plumbing Board — Plumbing Contractor License
• City of Great Falls City Clerk

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