Tattoo Parlor 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. Bloodborne Pathogen Training (per artist)

   Montana regulates tattooing and body art through DPHHS and local health departments (body art establishment licensing under ARM Title 37, chapter 112). Artists are expected to complete bloodborne pathogen training under those rules; confirm the current training and renewal requirements with your local health department before hiring artists.

   Official government source

   $20-$80 per person (typical course pricing)·Half-day course

   $20-$80 per person (typical course pricing)

   Half-day course

1. Montana Department of Public Health — Tattoo Establishment License

   Tattoo and body piercing establishments in Montana must hold a state body art establishment license from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (required since 2007; ARM Title 37, chapter 112). Plan review and annual inspections are performed locally by the Cascade City-County Health Department. Artists must complete bloodborne-pathogen, sanitation, and first aid training and keep certifications current.

   Official government source

   $135 state body art establishment license fee ($125 if only ear-lobe piercing)·2–6 weeks

   $135 state body art establishment license fee ($125 if only ear-lobe piercing)

   2–6 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

   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 Department of Public Health — Tattoo Establishment License
• City of Great Falls City Clerk

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