Business Licensing

Construction Contractor

A Construction Contractor is someone who builds, repairs or installs materials or devices on new or existing commercial or residential property. Contractors are required to have General Liability Insurance, Workers’ Compensation coverage or a Workers’ Comp exemption.

A background check (PDF) is required for all contractors going onto residential property.

• Contractor Business License Application (PDF)
• Construction Contractor Requirements (PDF)
• Wastewater Classification Survey (FIllable PDF) *Must accompany all commercial location applications
• Home Occupation Additional Info Form (PDF) *For all home-based businesses located within Missoula City or County.

Mobile/Street Vendor

A mobile or itinerant vendor is anyone soliciting or providing goods and/or services in the City of Missoula out of a temporary location. All mobile vendors must pass a background check and route the application before they can set up for business.

There are specific guidelines for setting up on city streets that mobile vendors must comply with. Please see street vendor requirements.

• Itinerant Vendor Business License Application
• Street Vendor Requirements

Commercial Rental License

Anyone who has Commercial property available for rent or lease must obtain a Commercial Rental License. The fees are based on the square footage of the building.

• Commercial Rental Business License Application (PDF)

Liquor License

Any person who has acquired a State of Montana Liquor License must also obtain a City of Missoula Liquor License before the sale or serving of alcoholic beverages. A copy of your State Liquor License must be submitted with your City Liquor License Application. The license must be posted for the public to see and there are no refunds if the business closes. All liquor licenses expire at midnight on January 31.

• Liquor License Application (PDF)
• Wastewater Classification Survey (FIllable PDF) *Must accompany all commercial location applications

Transfers

The City Liquor License can be transferred upon application signed by the applicant for the transfer accompanied by evidence of approval of the transfer of the license by the Department of Revenue to the named business.

Medical Marijuana Business License Application

Any business that is involved in the "acquisition, possession, cultivation, manufacture, delivery, transfer or transportation of marijuana within the city limits" or if the owner of the business resides within city limits, must apply for a Medical Marijuana Business License. 

How to Apply

What you will need to bring in with you to apply: Copies of drivers license/state picture or governmental ID of all owners and employees

The physical address of all owners and employees

The physical address of the business

Process and Length

How long it will take to obtain your license depends on where your business is located. The Police Department will need to verify the caregiver status of all employees and owners. This process can take up to 10 business days or longer depending how responsive The State of Montana Department of Health and Human Services.

Outside a Commercial Location

If you operate out of a commercial location, a City of Missoula Business License will not be issued until all appropriate departments have approved this location. This process can take up to 90 days.

• Business License Application (PDF)
• Wastewater Classification Survey (FIllable PDF) *Must accompany all commercial location applications

Emergency Preparedness for Businesses

Signing up with Smart911Facility is a great way for you to protect your business by allowing you to provide additional premise information for your business during an emergency 9-1-1 call. Missoula County provides Smart911Facility to all businesses and other organizations that operate and have physical locations in Missoula County at no cost.

Click here for more information and to register for Smart911Facility.