Barber 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. State Barber License (per barber)

   Each barber must hold a valid Montana barber license from the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Dept. of Labor & Industry). Licensure requires completing a 1,100-hour barbering course (or a 900-hour barbering nonchemical course for the nonchemical license) at an authorized school and passing the licensing examination (MCA 37-31-304).

   Official government source

   Application/exam fees set by board rule — see the board's fee schedule at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov·4–8 weeks

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

   4–8 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)

   Free (business registration)

   Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)

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/year·3–6 weeks

   $125 license fee + $150 inspection fee ($275 total initial); renewal $125/year

   3–6 weeks

2. 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

Official Sources

• Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists — Salon License
• City of Missoula City Clerk

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