Auto Repair Shop Permit Requirements in Missoula, 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. Montana DEQ — Used Oil and Hazardous Waste

   Auto repair shops in Montana must comply with Montana DEQ used oil and hazardous waste rules. Proper storage and recycling of used oil and automotive fluids is required.

   Official government source

   Varies·2–4 weeks (registration)

   Varies

   2–4 weeks (registration)

1. City of Missoula — Business License (Community Planning, Development & Innovation)

   Most businesses operating in Missoula must obtain a city business license through the Community Planning, Development & Innovation (CPDI) department, applied for via the city's online Permit and License Portal. State-licensed professionals (e.g., physicians, attorneys, real estate agents, insurance professionals, nail technicians) are exempt. General business licenses expire May 31 each year regardless of issue date and must be renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $60 per full-time-equivalent employee for a commercial location (minimum $240) or $40/FTE home-based (minimum $160); renewal $27/FTE (minimum $108) — CY2026 fee schedule, Resolution 8887·1–3 weeks

   $60 per full-time-equivalent employee for a commercial location (minimum $240) or $40/FTE home-based (minimum $160); renewal $27/FTE (minimum $108) — CY2026 fee schedule, Resolution 8887

   1–3 weeks

2. Missoula County / Missoula Zoning and Certificate of Occupancy

   Auto repair shops must operate in properly zoned commercial or industrial areas. Obtain zoning approval and a Certificate of Occupancy from Missoula County or the City of Missoula before opening.

   Official government source

   Varies — zoning review through Current Planning (zoning desk 406-552-6625) and Certificate of Occupancy through the valuation-based building-permit process; use the city's Estimate Permit Fees tool·2–6 weeks

   Varies — zoning review through Current Planning (zoning desk 406-552-6625) and Certificate of Occupancy through the valuation-based building-permit process; use the city's Estimate Permit Fees tool

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Missoula City Clerk
• Montana DEQ — Used Oil and Hazardous Waste

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