Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Missoula, MT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a nail salon in Missoula, Missoula County, Montana.

Verified 2026-08-27 5 stops $300–$900 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Montana

2 stops

  1. Montana Nail Technician License (per technician)

    Each nail technician must hold a valid Montana manicurist license from the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists (Dept. of Labor & Industry). Licensure requires completing a 400-hour manicuring course at an authorized school and passing the licensing examination (MCA 37-31-304(6)).

    Official government source

    Application/exam fees set by board rule — see the board's fee schedule at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov4–8 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)

City of Missoula / Missoula County

2 stops

  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/year3–6 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 88871–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$900 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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