Business Licensing

A business license is required for any money-making enterprise within the city limits.  This includes most types of professions, enterprises and establishments.  Businesses which operate from a vehicle, use machinery, or people who work with agents need a business license.  A separate license is required for branch establishments, including warehouses and distributing plants.  If you operate two or more businesses from the same location, you do not need separate licenses.  Some professions are licensed by the State of Montana and are not required to be licensed by the City of Bozeman.

Business licenses are valid for one year and expire on December 31st.  Renewals are due by February 15th.  Failure to renew your license will cost you 10% of the annual license fee for each month your business is delinquent.  Businesses licensed after July 1st are prorated on an annual basis.  You will be charged 10% of the annual license fee for each month you've failed to obtain a license.  If you go out of business, you must call so your account is inacivated, or you will continue to be charged.

Business licenses are available at City Hall, 411 E. Main St. in downtown Bozeman from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

License Information

Licensing businesses is the way the City of Bozeman ensures businesses are compliant with all building codes, fire codes, zoning codes, all city ordinances, and with the laws of the State of Montana.

License fees are based on the square footage of the business.  Only the square footage which is open to the public is assessed.  License fees cover the cost of registering your business, sending your renewal notification, and periodic inspections by the Fire Department.  To view the license fee schedule click here.

You must post your business license in a prominent place where it's seen by the public at all times.

License Exceptions

Business licenses are not required for:

• Non-profit organizations;
• People under 18 years of age;
• Property managers with less than three rental units; and
• Businesses outside city limits delivering goods within city limits.

 What if I move my business?

If you move the location of your business, your business license does not also move!  Each license is registered to a specific address, so you'll need to notify the Business License Clerk to transfer your license to your new address.  Your new location must be inspected, and you'll be charged an inspection fee.  If you change the type of business you do, your license may need to ve modified and you may be required to have another inspection.  You will be charged a fee for these services.

Your new location must comply with all zoning, building, and sign codes.  It must meet fire regulations.  You will need to get all the necessary permits, including building permits, for your new location as well as any licenses required by the State of Montana.

What if I work at home?

Many types of businesses, can be operated from your home with a city business license.  An office, studio or workroom can be used for your business space, but must be inside the house.  A building on your property which  is not attached to your home does not qualify.

Your home business must not make any impact on your neighbors or on the residential area where you live. There should be no excessive parking nor any overwhelming signs.

Business activities can be conducted by owners/residents of the house.  You may employ one additional, unrelated person.  Your home office space is limited to no more than 400 square feet.

Contact Information

For more information please contact our Licensing Clerk at (406) 582-2327 or at 411 E. Main St., Bozeman, MT 59715 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.