Real Estate Agent 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. Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance

   Real estate agents and brokers are strongly advised to carry Errors and Omissions insurance. Many brokerages require agents to maintain E&O coverage as a condition of affiliation.

   $500–$2,000/year·Immediate to 1 week

   $500–$2,000/year

   Immediate to 1 week

1. Montana Board of Realty Regulation — Salesperson or Broker License

   Real estate salespersons in Montana are licensed by the Montana Board of Realty Regulation (Department of Labor & Industry). Requirements: 70 hours of approved pre-licensing education, passing the state exam, and a license application ($80) submitted within 12 months of passing the exam.

   Official government source

   $80 salesperson license application fee (exam fee paid separately to the testing vendor)·4–8 weeks

   $80 salesperson license application fee (exam fee paid separately to the testing vendor)

   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

Official Sources

• Montana Board of Realty Regulation — Salesperson or Broker License
• City of Great Falls City Clerk

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