Running a vendor market in Billings.
To run a vendor market in Billings, an organizer files a Special Event and Right of Way Permit application with Public Works Engineering at least 60 days ahead. Every vendor needs a City of Billings business license, Montana has no general sales tax, and food booths need a temporary food service license from RiverStone Health.
Updated
Event permit.
Special Event and Right of Way Permit
Completed application packets are turned in at the Public Works Engineering office for approval and processing. Ask the office whether a private-property market needs the permit.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- City of Billings Public Works, Engineering Division
- When
- Events needing a Special Event and Right of Way permit; block parties use a separate process. The page does not list size or location thresholds.
- Fee
- $100 filing fee
- Timing
- Turn in the packet at least 60 days before the event
Vendor and business licenses.
City of Billings business license
Billings requires a license before business begins, with an annual tax paid per business and location. Operating without one can bring penalties and citations. A temporary license receipt is issued once the application and payment are complete. The page states no one-day or event rate.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- City of Billings Finance Department
- When
- Anyone conducting business in Billings, even if based outside the city or licensed by another city
Sales tax.
No general state sales tax
The Department of Revenue states that Montana does not have a general-use sales tax, so there is no state sales tax permit for market vendors. A local resort tax of up to 3% applies in designated resort areas to lodging, restaurants, bars and certain recreational facilities.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Montana Department of Revenue
- When
- Selling goods at a market or event in Montana
Food vendors.
Temporary food service license
Each event coordinator submits an application, and the coordinator must make sure every food vendor meets the minimum requirements. RiverStone inspects during the event and publishes a vendor guidelines sheet, a handsink guide and a farmers market guide.
- Who
- Organizer and vendors
- From
- RiverStone Health (Yellowstone City-County Health Department)
- When
- Special events, farmers markets and bake sales operating at a fixed location up to 21 days for a single event
- Timing
- Coordinator application at least seven days before the event
When to apply.
- Special Event and Right of Way Permit: Turn in the packet at least 60 days before the event
- Temporary food service license: Coordinator application at least seven days before the event
Collect the paperwork with each application.
Ask vendors for their sales tax registration, business license, food permit and insurance certificate as required documents on your application form, so you can check them before you approve anyone. Booth fees, tickets and day-of check-in run from the same dashboard.
Selling at markets in Billings, MT?
The vendor license, sales tax and food permits above are yours to get before the event; the organizer will usually ask for copies with your application. On bzar you apply to markets and pay booth fees by card in one place, and keep your licenses, permits and insurance certificates on file to reuse on every application. Free for vendors. Join bzar free or read how to become a market vendor.
Where the sources are unclear.
- The Public Works permit packet linked from the page is a scanned PDF and could not be read, so insurance, vendor and fire details of the permit are not recorded.
- A November 2014 draft of the application inside a city agenda item refers vendors to RiverStone Health and mentions fire extinguisher rules, but it is a draft and is not cited.
- RiverStone Health lists 406.256.2770 for environmental health; its application packet fees were not read.
- Because Montana has no general sales tax, there is no state promoter duty about vendor sales tax; local resort tax rules apply only in designated resort areas.
- Check the market itself for stricter rules; the DPHHS guidance says markets may require vendors to be licensed or permitted even where state law does not.
Common questions.
Do I need a permit to host a vendor market in Billings?
Special Event and Right of Way Permit (City of Billings Public Works, Engineering Division): Completed application packets are turned in at the Public Works Engineering office for approval and processing. Ask the office whether a private-property market needs the permit.
Do vendors need a license to sell at events in Billings?
City of Billings business license (City of Billings Finance Department): Billings requires a license before business begins, with an annual tax paid per business and location. Operating without one can bring penalties and citations. A temporary license receipt is issued once the application and payment are complete. The page states no one-day or event rate.
Who handles sales tax at a market in Billings?
No general state sales tax (Montana Department of Revenue): The Department of Revenue states that Montana does not have a general-use sales tax, so there is no state sales tax permit for market vendors. A local resort tax of up to 3% applies in designated resort areas to lodging, restaurants, bars and certain recreational facilities.
Do food vendors need a separate permit in Billings?
Temporary food service license (RiverStone Health (Yellowstone City-County Health Department)): Each event coordinator submits an application, and the coordinator must make sure every food vendor meets the minimum requirements. RiverStone inspects during the event and publishes a vendor guidelines sheet, a handsink guide and a farmers market guide.
How far ahead should I apply in Billings?
Special Event and Right of Way Permit: Turn in the packet at least 60 days before the event Temporary food service license: Coordinator application at least seven days before the event
Keep reading.
Sources.
This page summarizes official government sources and isn't legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and forms change; confirm with each agency before you apply.
Special events contact: Public Works Engineering: 406-657-8231
Every fact on this page comes from these official pages, checked on 2026-10-11. Details change; tell us at hello@bzar.app if something here is out of date.
Collect every vendor permit in one place.
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