Business Licenses & Permits

All businesses in Butte-Silver Bow are required to maintain a business license, as described in Butte-Silver Bow Municipal Code Title 5. Application and renewal forms for a business license can be picked up in the Treasurer's Office on the second floor of the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse, 155 W Granite St, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, or downloaded using the link below. Fees vary depending on the type of business; refer to the fee list for complete details.

New business licenses are issued only after approval by the Butte-Silver Bow Building and Code Department and zoning approval from the Butte-Silver Bow Planning Department. The Butte-Silver Bow Treasurer's Office can advise you if any additional permits are needed, depending on your business.

Licenses are valid for one calendar year, from January 1 through December 31. Business and liquor license renewals are accepted from January 1 through January 31. Any renewals received February 1 or later are charged a late fee equal to the original renewal fee, effectively doubling the cost of license renewal. For more information on Butte-Silver Bow business licenses, contact the Treasurer's Office at 406-497-6306.

Businesses may also require certain licenses from the State of Montana. The Montana Department of Revenue offers One-Stop Business Licensing for businesses to reply or renew up to seven state licenses with one payment. Visit the Department of Revenue website for details.

Checklist: Applying for a Butte-Silver Bow Business License

  1. Download the Business License Application Form or pick one up at the Butte-Silver Bow Treasurer's Office.
  2. Complete the form.
  3. Visit the Butte-Silver Bow Building and Code Department for approval.
  4. Visit the Butte-Silver Bow Planning Department for zoning approval.
  5. Return the completed form to the Butte-Silver Bow Treasurer's Office with the appropriate fee.
  6. Don't forget to renew your license between January 1 and January 31.

Checklist: Renewing a Butte-Silver Bow Business License

  1. Don't forget to renew your license between January 1 and January 31.
  2. Pick-up the Business License Renewal Form from the Butte-Silver Bow Treasurer's Office or download the form.
  3. Complete the form.
  4. Return the completed form to the Butte-Silver Bow Treasurer's Office with the appropriate fee.

Local, State and Federal License and Permit Info from the SBA

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can help you understand the license and permit requirements for your business, determine which licenses and permits you will need, and apply. Visit the SBA website to get started.

Annual Reporting to the Montana Secretary of State

An annual report is required to be filed by statute for each corporation and limited liability company that is registered with the Secretary of State’s office to remain in good standing in the State of Montana. An annual report provides a current listing of officers and directors for a corporation and members/managers for a limited liability company. The name and address of the registered agent and registered office may also be changed when filing the annual report.

Refer to the Secretary of State's website for more information. To file online, visit the Secretary of State's Business Entity Annual Report online system.

In-Street Excavation Permits

Projects that involve in-street excavations in Butte-Silver Bow require a permit from the Public Works Department. The Roads & Bridges Division has compiled information about Butte-Silver Bow Codes & Constructions Requirements for In-Street Excavation. Contact the Roads & Bridges Division for more information, and to begin the permitting process.

For details on road construction standards in Butte-Silver Bow, refer to the Roads & Bridges Division page.

Building and Construction Permits