Tattoo Parlor 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. 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 inspections are handled locally by Missoula Public Health. 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 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 Department of Public Health — Tattoo Establishment License
• City of Missoula City Clerk

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