Skip to main content

Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Billings, MT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Billings, Yellowstone County, Montana.

Verified 2026-08-27 5 stops $200–$800 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Montana

2 stops

  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 for State Barber License (per barber) (opens in a new tab)

    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 for Montana — No Sales Tax (opens in a new tab)

    Free (business registration)Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)

City of Billings / Yellowstone 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 for Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists — Salon License (opens in a new tab)

    $125 license fee + $150 inspection fee ($275 total initial); renewal $125/year3–6 weeks

  2. City of Billings — Business License (Finance Department)

    Billings requires a business license for any business activity conducted within the city — including home-based businesses and businesses located outside city limits that do business in Billings. The license documents payment of the city's annual business tax and is administered by the Finance Department. It is valid for one year from the month of issuance and must be renewed annually; a separate license is required for each business type and each location.

    Official government source for City of Billings — Business License (Finance Department) (opens in a new tab)

    Varies by business classification (annual business-license tax; some categories add employee-count and health fees). The city does not publish its Business Tax Fee Schedule online — contact City of Billings Finance, 406-657-8433, for current amounts.1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$800 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides