Notary Public Permit Requirements in Great Falls, MT
Complete permit and license guide for starting a notary public in Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana.
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 stopEIN (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)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of Montana
1 stopMontana — 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)
Free (business registration)
Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)
City of Great Falls / Cascade County
2 stopsMontana Secretary of State — Notary Public Commission
Montana notaries are commissioned by the Montana Secretary of State for four-year terms. Applicants must pass the Montana Notary Public Exam, obtain a $25,000 surety bond, and submit the application with a $25 filing fee; the name on the application must exactly match the bond.
Official government source for Montana Secretary of State — Notary Public Commission (opens in a new tab)$25 application filing fee + $25,000 four-year surety bond (premium typically $35–$55); exam required before applying2–6 weeks
$25 application filing fee + $25,000 four-year surety bond (premium typically $35–$55); exam required before applying
2–6 weeks
City of Great Falls — Business License / Safety Inspection Certificate (Great Falls Fire Rescue)
Great Falls requires a Business License (Safety Inspection Certificate) for each commercial business located within city limits, processed by Great Falls Fire Rescue under Title 5 of the City Code (406-727-8070). The fee is based on the square footage of the premises, and the process includes a fire/safety inspection. Home-based businesses instead obtain a Home Occupation Certificate, and businesses located outside city limits that work in the city need a Non-Resident Vendor Certificate. Renewals are due by the end of the calendar year.
Official government source for City of Great Falls — Business License / Safety Inspection Certificate (Great Falls Fire Rescue) (opens in a new tab)New issuance: $300 (up to 2,000 sq ft) to $895 (over 100,000 sq ft) by square-footage tier; renewal $80–$640/year (2025 fee schedule)1–3 weeks
New issuance: $300 (up to 2,000 sq ft) to $895 (over 100,000 sq ft) by square-footage tier; renewal $80–$640/year (2025 fee schedule)
1–3 weeks
Terminus
Open for business — est. $50–$300 · 2–6 weeks
Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?
Official Sources
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