BUSINESS
LICENSE
GUIDE
Go to eStop.mt.gov to apply, renew, pay and manage
your eStop Business Licenses online.
It’s simple, convenient and secure.
Table of Contents
About eStop Licenses ............................................................................................................................................... 3
eStop Business Licenses ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Montana License Lookup .......................................................................................................................................... 3
Secretary of State ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
eStop Contact Information ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Payment Methods .................................................................................................................................................... 3
Late Fees and Penalties ............................................................................................................................................ 3
License Renewal Information ................................................................................................................................... 4
Administrative Rules of Montana and Montana Code Annotated ........................................................................... 4
Montana Lottery ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Retail Food Establishments ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Nursery ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Underground Storage Tanks .................................................................................................................................. 10
Weighing and Measuring Devices (Scales and Meters) .................................................................................... 11
Tobacco Products & Alternative Nicotine or Vapor Products ............................................................................ 13
Off-Premises Beer and Wine License ................................................................................................................... 15
About eStop Licenses
Simple, convenient and secure services are available online. The eStop Business Licenses Online
Service offers certain businesses the opportunity to apply for, renew, pay and manage up to ten different
state licenses in one convenient location. This method of licensing is especially convenient for grocery
and convenience stores needing multiple license types. Businesses can manage all of their business
licenses through a single online process.
eStop Business Licenses
Montana Lottery
Retail Food Establishment
Nursery
Underground Storage Tanks
Measuring Devices (Meters)
Weighing Devices (Scales)
Tobacco Products
Alternative Nicotine and Vapor Products
Off Premise Beer Retail Sales
Off Premise Wine Retail Sales
Montana License Lookup
The eStop Business License Program handles ten of the hundreds of state licenses. For a
comprehensive A to Z list of all Montana licenses visit Montana License Lookup at http://license.mt.gov.
Secretary of State
If you intend to transact business in Montana, you will need to contact the Secretary of State’s office for
more information about registering your business. Call the Secretary of State’s office at (406) 444-3665
or visit their website at http://sos.mt.gov/Business/index.asp.
eStop Contact Information
Correspondence, applications, payments and any other inquiry can be submitted to the eStop Business
License Program:
By Phone: (406) 444-6900;
By Mail: eStop Business License Program, PO Box 8003, Helena, MT 59604;
By Fax: (406) 444-7723;
By Email: [email protected];
In Person: 340 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, Montana.
Payment Methods
Online by e-Check or credit card when you use the eStop Business Licenses Online Service.
Mail your check made payable to eStop Business Licenses.
Late Fees and Penalties
Licenses are subject to late fees or penalties if your payment is late.
Montana Lottery: A license may be suspended or revoked for failure to maintain the license
qualifications pursuant to 23-7-301, MCA.
Weighing and Measuring Devices: Commercial weighing and measuring device licenses are
subject to a 50% late fee if not paid within 60 days after the due date and may be removed from
service for continued non-payment pursuant to 30-12-203, MCA and 82-15-105, MCA. Farm
scales are subject to a 50% late fee if not paid within six months after the due date
Nursery: A firm, nursery, plant dealer, or landscape service failing to renew a license for any
location on or before the annual anniversary date shall pay an additional nonrefundable late fee
of $25 for the license for each location pursuant to 80-7-106 (4), MCA.
Off-Premise Beer/Wine: Failure to timely submit your payment in full will result in the initiation of
a revocation action against for Beer and/or Wine Off-Premise license pursuant to 16-4-406 and
16-4-407, MCA. Late fees are assessed at 33.33% if one day after the due date, 66.66% if 31
days after the due date and 100% if 61 days after the due date.
Retail Food: A late fee of $25 is due from any licensee who has failed to submit a license
renewal fee prior to the expiration of the licensee’s current license and who operates a retail food
establishment governed by this part in the next licensing year pursuant to 50-50-205(2)(a), MCA
Tobacco Products: Selling tobacco products without a valid license will result in penalties and
possible seizure of product.
Underground Storage Tanks (UST): UST license fees must be maintained until system closure
(i.e. the tanks are removed from the ground) in accordance with Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ) regulations. DEQ Enforcement Division will pursue collection of delinquent license
fees and any applicable penalty fees.
License Renewal Information
You will receive a renewal notice from eStop Business License Program when it is time to renew your
Master Business License. The notice will list the licenses you currently hold, along with the cost of
renewing each license.
Renew online at eStop Business Licenses Online Service.
If you choose to renew by mail, be sure to complete the back page of the renewal notice, if
applicable. You may submit one check to pay for multiple renewal notices.
Mail the completed renewal notice with your payment made payable to eStop Business
Licenses, to the Montana Department of Revenue, eStop Business License Program, PO Box
8003, Helena, MT 59604-8003.
Deliver the completed renewal notice and payment to the Department of Revenue, eStop
Business License Program at 340 N Last Chance Gulch in Helena, MT.
Administrative Rules of Montana and Montana Code Annotated
Administrative Rules of Montana
http://mtrules.org/default.asp
Montana Code Annotated
https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/index.html
Montana Lottery Chapter 2 Title 23
Retail Food Chapter 37 Title 50
Nursery Chapter 4 Title 80
Underground Storage
Tanks
Chapter 17 Title 75
Measuring & Weighing
Devices
Chapter 24 Title 30
Tobacco Chapter 42 Title 16
Alternative Tobacco &
Vapor
Chapter 42 Title 16
Off-Premise Beer & Wine Chapter 42 Title 16
Montana Lottery
Montana Lottery
2525 North Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: 406-444-5825
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.montanalottery.com/en/
Fees
There are three license types available through the Montana Lottery - a traditional retailer license, a
Board of Horse Racing/Fantasy Games license and a Sports Wagering license. All three have specific
licensing rules and requirements. Your Lottery sales representative will work with you to determine the
type of license that best suits your location.
License Type
Application Fee
Renewal Fee
Traditional $ 50 $ 0
Board of Horse Racing / Fantasy Games $ 75 $ 75
Sports Wagering $ 50 $ 0
Becoming a Montana Lottery Retailer is Easy
There are three license types available through the Montana Lottery - a traditional retailer license, a
Board of Horse Racing/Fantasy Games and Sports Wagering. All three have specific licensing rules and
requirements. Your Lottery sales representative will work with you to determine the type of license that
best suits your location.
Montana Lottery is ready to help you through the licensing process. The process begins with submitting
an eStop Master Application and the appropriate licensing fee to the eStop Business License Program
and submitting a Montana Lottery Retailer Application to the Montana Lottery office. All steps of the
application process must be completed in their entirety for a license to be approved. Failure to
complete all steps may result in processing delays. Additionally, individuals who apply for a license
must submit a completed Personal Data Form which authorizes the Montana Lottery to investigate the
applicant’s financial background, criminal history and/or any other matter necessary to comply with the
Montana Code Annotated.
Once the application is approved, the Montana Lottery Sales Representative will work with the store
owner and/or manager to determine terminal and communication equipment placement, Scratch ticket
dispensing options, point-of-sale placement, and training needs. The Lottery Retailer must provide
prominent space for the terminal(s) and Scratch ticket dispenser(s) at an agreed–upon location in the
store. All equipment is provided and maintained by Montana Lottery at no charge to the Lottery
Retailer.
Your success is of the utmost importance to us and from day one we offer tools and support that pave
the way to increased revenues. We know your time is precious, so we offer free, technical support for all
equipment we place, as well as 24/7 hotline support to answer any questions you or your staff may have.
Other important information…
Retailers are bound by and will comply with the rules, regulations, and directives of the Montana
Lottery.
Retailers are responsible for paying each valid winning ticket claim up to $599.
Retailers must display the license visibly while ensuring prevention of theft or defacing of the
license.
All Lottery tickets activated for sale by the licensee are considered to have been purchased by the
licensee and are the property of the licensee.
Payments for all Lottery tickets are made by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or in accordance
with other directives of the Montana Lottery.
Your checklist to your Lottery license:
Complete the eStop Master Application and pay the applicable licensing fee.
Complete the License Application.
Include the Personal Data Form.
Include the EFT Authorization and a Voided Check.
Include a W-9 Form.
Sign and submit all completed forms and supplemental materials.
For more information on application materials and licensing requirements, please call the Montana
Lottery at 406-444-5825.
Retail Food Establishments
Food and Consumer Safety Section
Department of Public Health and Human Services
PO Box 202951
Helena, MT 59620-2951
Phone: (406) 444-2415
Email: [email protected]v
Website: https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/FCSS/RetailFood
Important Notes
A separate license is required for each location. Operating without a valid Retail Food
Establishment license is in violation of Retail Food law 50-50-201 MCA.
You must obtain a license with at least one of our partner agencies to qualify for a retail food
license.
Fees
Small food establishment $85 one or two employees working at any one time
Large food establishment $115 more than two employees working at any one time
New Applications, Changes in Ownership, Changes in Location
Contact a registered sanitarian through your local environmental health office. Contacting your
sanitarian early in the eStop Business License application process could save you time and
money.
Provide information requested by the registered sanitarian for review.
You will need to meet other applicable requirements, such as zoning, business licenses, fire and
building code approval.
Once plans and a pre-opening inspection have been completed and approved, the registered
sanitarian will notify the Food and Consumer Safety Section. Then your license will be issued.
A registered sanitarian must be notified to review and approve any changes in the establishment
affecting food menu items, license endorsements, location, ownership or remodeling.
Renewals Without Changes to Existing Licenses
When the registered sanitarian notifies the Food and Consumer Safety Section that your establishment
has been reviewed and passed inspection, your license will be renewed.
Montana Code Annotated (MCA)
You can obtain rules from your local environmental health office, the Food & Consumer Safety Section or
by going to the website at https://www.leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0500/chapter_0500/parts_index.html.
Nursery
Department of Agriculture
Nursery Program
302 N Roberts
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: 406-444-3428
Email: MDANursery@mt.gov
Website: https://agr.mt.gov/topics/Nurseries
A nursery license is required for businesses and individuals that distribute, sell or resell nursery stock. A
nursery license is required for landscaping and lawn maintenance businesses if the business provides
plants, receives payment for the plants, installs new plants or turf. Businesses or individuals who sell or
distribute nursery stock at more than one location need a nursery license for each location. The license is
valid for one year from the date of issue.
License fees are based on gross annual sales of plant material and/or nursery stock. Payment must be
received before the last business day of the license month to avoid a late payment fee.
Fees
Other Fees Fee
New Business Application Fee $ 25
Late Fee $ 25
License Category Fee
Landscape Service $150
Sod Farmer $220
Nursery: $5,000 or less gross annual sales $ 25
Nursery: $5,001 to $75,000 gross annual sales $135
Nursery: $75,001 to $150,000 gross annual sales $200
Nursery: $150,001 to $250,000 gross annual sales $300
Nursery: $250,000 gross annual sales $400
Definitions
Firm - An individual, company, partnership, association or corporation.
Landscape Service - A firm that buys, sells, or resells nursery stock. “Nursery” means the business or
location where nursery stock is grown or offered for sale, resale, or as part of a landscape service
Nursery Stock - Botanically classified plants or parts of plants, including but not limited to tropical potted
plants, aquatic plants, cut trees and their products and turf or sod grass. The following plants and plant
materials are not considered nursery stock:
field crop plants and seeds
pasture grasses
cut plants not for propagation
fruits or vegetables for human or animal consumption
cut trees and products that are going to be processed to a point that they no longer represent a
pest risk
plant debris for disposal or processing
Montana Code Annotated (MCA)
The MCA is located at https://www.leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0800/chapters_index.html.
Underground Storage Tanks
Underground Storage Tank Section (UST)
Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
PO Box 200901
Helena MT 59620-0901
Phone: (406) 444-5300
Email: dequstprogram@mt.gov
Website: www.deq.mt.gov/Land/ust
Fees
UST license fees are assessed annually or when a business changes ownership. eStop Business
License fees are assessed for as long as the UST system remains in the ground.
$36 per tank Capacity equal to or less than 1,100 gallons
$108 per tank Capacity greater than 1,100 gallons
Notification of Underground Storage Tanks
Owners and operators of locations with underground or above ground storage tanks having
underground piping must register each tank with the DEQ using a notification form and apply for
an eStop Business License using a Master Application.
Tanks that do not need to be licensed with the eStop Business License Program but must be
included on the DEQ UST notification form include diesel exhaust fuel (DEF) and oil/water
separator tanks.
If the owner/operator does not know if a tank should be licensed through the eStop Business
License Program, they should contact DEQ UST before completing an eStop Master Application.
Forms
Important Note: A notification form for Underground Storage Tanks MUST be submitted to DEQ within
30 days for new tank installation, new facility, or for any changes to ownership, operator or facility
information.
Forms are available at the DEQ UST website at http://deq.mt.gov/Land/ust/forms.
For a new facility and/or tank, complete the New Facility or Changes to Facility/Tank or Found
Tanks form.
For an ownership change, complete the Amended or Change of Owner form.
Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM)
UST ARMs are found at http://deq.mt.gov/DEQAdmin/dir/legal/Chapters/ch56-toc.
Weighing and Measuring Devices (Scales and Meters)
Weights and Measures Program
Department of Labor and Industry
PO Box 200516
Helena, MT 59620-0516
Phone: (406) 443-8065
Email: DLIBSDW&[email protected]
Website: http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/weights-and-measures
Licenses are required for all weighing and measuring devices used by businesses or individuals to weigh
or measure any commodity that is bought or sold by weight or volume. For example, weighing devices at
a store used to weigh candy, meats, fruits, etc.; or measuring devices used to measure the volume of
gasoline, diesel, propane or other products being sold.
All weighing and measuring devices sold and installed in Montana must have a National Type Evaluation
Program (NTEP) Certificate of Conformance number and must be placed into commercial service by a
registered repair agency. The ‘Placed in Service’ report must be completed by a registered repair
technician and submitted to the Weights and Measures Program prior to the issuance of an eStop
Business license. On the eStop Master Application form, indicate each device type to be licensed and
the total number of devices.
Fees
Fees shown are per each individual device
Measuring Devices (Meters)
PA $21 Retail meters Manufacturers rated delivery less than or equal to
20 gallons per minute
PB $70 High speed retail/wholesale meters Manufacturers rated delivery 21 to 130 gallons per
minute
PC $83 Wholesale meters Manufacturers rated delivery greater than 130
gallons per minute
PD $102 LPG (propane) meters
For gas pumps, “meters” refers to the actual number of measuring chambers, not the number of hoses or
cabinets. If you have any questions about the correct number of gasoline or diesel measuring devices at
your location or their manufacturers rated delivery, please contact either the company that installed the
meters or the Weights and Measures Program at (406) 443-8065.
Weighing Devices (Scales)
SA or S1 $20 Manufacturers listed capacity 0 - 499 pounds
SB or S2 $33 Manufacturers listed capacity 500 - 1,999 pounds
SC or S3 $64 Manufacturers listed capacity 2,000 - 7,999 pounds
SD or S4 $165 Manufacturers listed capacity 8,000 - 60,000 pounds
SE or S5 $280 Manufacturers listed capacity greater than 60,000 pounds
Weighing Devices are divided into two categories – On-Farm (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5) and Standard
Commercial (SA, SB, SC, SD, SE). On-Farm weighing devices are scales located on a farm or ranch and
used primarily by the farmer or rancher to weigh farm commodities such as grains, hay, livestock or
produce. Standard Commercial weighing devices are located at non-farm, commercial establishments,
such as retail and wholesale businesses.
Montana Code Annotated
The Montana Code Annotated for weighing and measuring devices is at:
http://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca_toc/30_12.htm and at http://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca_toc/82_15.htm
Tobacco Products & Alternative Nicotine or Vapor Products
Department of Revenue
Business and Income Tax Division, Miscellaneous Tax Unit
PO Box 5805
Helena, MT 59604-5805
Phone: (406) 444-6900
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://mtrevenue.gov/liquor-tobacco/tobacco/
Fees
Tobacco Products
Retailer -
Tobacco
$ 5 For businesses that sell tobacco products to the consumer. A tobacco
retailer’s license is required for each physical location where tobacco
products are sold over the counter or through a vending machine.
Retailer - Vendor $ 5 For businesses that own and operate fewer than 10 cigarette vending
machines.
Vendor $50 For businesses that own and operate 10 or more cigarette vending
machines.
Wholesaler $50 For wholesale distribution businesses that purchase and affix tax stamps
to cigarettes and offer to sell tobacco products to licensed subjobbers,
retailers or vendors.
Subjobber $50 For wholesale distribution businesses that purchase stamped
cigarettes from licensed wholesalers and offer to sell tobacco products
to a licensed retailer or vendor.
Alternative Nicotine or Vapor Products
Retailer $ 5 For businesses that sell alternative nicotine or vapor products, an
alternative nicotine or vapor product retailer’s license is required for
each physical location where alternative nicotine or vapor products are
sold.
Note: Fees are assessed annually.
Upon receipt of your completed eStop Master Application (Form MA), the Department of Revenue may
request additional information about your distribution and sales of tobacco and alternative nicotine or
vapor products.
Fair-Trade Laws
Montana is a fair-trade state. To sell cigarettes in Montana, you first need to verify that the manufacturer
has provided the base cost, before taxes or discounts, to the Department of Revenue and that the
department has established the wholesale and retail minimum price. The minimum price list can be found
on our website at https://mtrevenue.gov/liquor-tobacco/tobacco/.
Master Settlement Agreement
Montana is a signatory of the National Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). Tobacco product
brands sold in Montana are required to be approved by the Department of Justice. Licensed retailers,
vendors, subjobbers or wholesalers cannot stamp or sell cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco from
manufactures that do not participate in the Tobacco MSA. Information about Montana’s MSA is
available on our website at https://mtrevenue.gov/liquor-tobacco/tobacco/.
Stamping Equipment
The department purchases tax stamps from Meyercord Company. You can call Meyercord about
stamping equipment at (630) 682-6200.
Reporting Requirements
Tobacco product tax payments and returns are due monthly to the Montana Department of Revenue. Tax
returns and tax stamps are managed by the department’s Miscellaneous Tax Unit. If you have
questions, call (406) 444-6900.
Administrative Rules of Montana
Administrative Rules of Montana for tobacco products are at
http://www.mtrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=42%2E31.
Off-Premises Beer and Wine License
Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABCD)
Department of Revenue
PO Box 1712
Helena, MT 59624-1712
Phone: (406) 444-6900
Email: DORAlcoholicBe[email protected]
Website: https://mtrevenue.gov/liquor-tobacco/
Important Note
You must obtain a retail food license to maintain an off-premises beer and/or wine license.
Fees
Processing Fee (non-refundable) $200
Beer $200
Wine $200
Beer and Wine $400
Off-Premises Beer and Wine Application
Please complete the eStop master Application and submit to the eStop Business License Program.
Additionally, complete the ABCD Application Guide and Checklist and forms required to process your
Off-Premises Beer and Wine License Application and submit to ABCD. Additional information is available
on our website at https://mtrevenue.gov/liquor-tobacco/liquor-licenses/off-premises-retail-licenses/.
Forms and Information
The fillable forms listed below are available on the Department of Revenue website Forms Directory at
https://app.mt.gov/myrevenue/Endpoint/Directory?type=SiteMenu or by calling the department at (406)
444-6900.
● Liquor Division Authorization to Disclose Tax Information, (LIQ-AUTH). Form is to be completed
by the SELLER, (if applicable) and the buyer of the business. The entity and individuals that have
an ownership interest of 10% or more must complete the request form and return with the
application.
● Personal/Criminal History Statement (Form 10) accompanies Fingerprint Cards for all managers,
owners, officers, directors and non-institutional sources of funds.
● Fingerprint Cards. Contact your local law enforcement agency to get your fingerprints done. This
form is not available on our website. You must submit a set of fingerprint cards for every individual
involved in ownership or management.
● Alcohol, Tobacco, Tax and Trade Bureau Alcohol Dealer Registration form TTB F 5630.5d is
available at https://ttb.gov/forms/f56305d.pdf.
Montana Code Annotated
The Montana Code Annotated for off-premises beer and wine licenses is located at
https://www.leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0160/chapters_index.html
