Personal Trainer 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 does not require a state personal trainer license

   Montana does not have a state licensing requirement for personal trainers. However, national certifications from organizations like NASM, ACE, or ACSM are strongly recommended and may be required by employers or facilities.

   Official government source

   $200–$800 (national certification)·1–6 months (self-study and exam)

   $200–$800 (national certification)

   1–6 months (self-study and exam)

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. Zoning / Facility Use Permit

   If operating a personal training business from a commercial space in Missoula, obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the local building department. Home-based training may require a Home Occupation Permit.

   Official government source

   Commercial space: occupancy approval via the valuation-based building-permit process. Home-based: home-based General Business License, minimum $160 new / $108 renewal·1–3 weeks

   Commercial space: occupancy approval via the valuation-based building-permit process. Home-based: home-based General Business License, minimum $160 new / $108 renewal

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Missoula City Clerk

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