General License Information

Individuals applying for a business license must be a resident of Montana at application submission and for 1 year prior to requesting licensure.

Acceptable forms of documentation include:

• Montana driver’s license,
• Montana identification card, or
• Tribal identification card from a tribe within Montana.

Other forms of documentation will be considered on a case by case basis per the definition of a resident in ARM 42.39.102 (46).

Individuals applying for a business license, with at least a 5% financial interest or greater, must be age 21.

Acceptable form of documentation may include:

• Driver’s license,
• State or tribal identification card,
• Birth certificate, or
• Passport.

Individuals applying for a business license, with at least a 5% financial interest or greater, must submit fingerprints and have their background check complete. Fingerprints must be submitted every five years with name-based background checks performed in all other years.

• Fingerprint and Background Check Instructions Privacy Act Statement

Business applications must include proof the property owner will allow the business to operate at the proposed premises. If the business applicant owns the property, acceptable forms of documentation may include a deed, a title, mortgage paperwork, property tax information, or other similar documentation.

If the business applicant does not own the property (they rent, lease, etc.), then documentation of permission from the property owner must be submitted instead.

• Property Owner Permission Form

All owners, financial interest holders, and managers must be disclosed for every business per statute 16-12-203, MCA. This form must be updated any time a change in ownership or organization occurs.

• Business Structure Form

The applicant must provide proof that they have a source of funding from a suitable source.

Examples of possible unsuitability include a person:

• Whose prior financial or other activities or criminal record poses a threat to the public interest of the state;
• Poses a threat to the effective regulation and control of marijuana and marijuana products; or
• Creates a danger of illegal practices, methods, or activities in the conduct of the licensed business.

Each physical location on a business application must pass a building inspection by whichever authority has jurisdiction.

Documentation of passing this inspection is required.

Further information is available from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau.

Montana towns, cities, and counties have the option to enforce local building codes, all codes or in part.

The list of all certified local building code jurisdictions and certified building code inspectors for those areas that do not fall under the Montana Department of Labor and Industry can be found in the Montana Certified Local Government Program List (PDF, 56 KB).

Locations requesting licensure must first pass a fire inspection by whichever authority has jurisdiction. Documentation of passing this inspection is required.

Additional information, including forms and contact info, is available from the State Fire Marshall.

Some areas of Montana do not fall under the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal for a fire inspection.

The Fire Inspection Certified Jurisdiction for those areas that do not fall under the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal can be found in the Fire Inspections Certified Jurisdictions List (PDF, 78 KB).

Locations requesting licensure must have documented approval from the local city, county, or both to operate in their jurisdiction.

Since this documentation is granted locally, the CCD does not have a form available.

Generally, this documentation will be an approved local business license, but this may vary by locality.