Idaho · 15 statewide requirements covered
Business licences and permits in Idaho
Idaho requires no child care licence at all below seven children, but mandates one at seven. Its food safety exam is free and is only one of three ways to satisfy the person-in-charge knowledge requirement.
What applies everywhere in Idaho
15 requirements are set by Idaho itself and apply whichever city you open in. Local permits sit on top of them.
| Requirement | Issued by | Fee | Applies | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Report | Idaho Secretary of State, Business Services Division | $20 only if filed on paper in person — filing online is free | Only in some cases | 2026-09-04 |
| Articles of Incorporation | Idaho Secretary of State, Business Services Division | $100 filed online; $120 in person or by mail | Only in some cases | 2026-09-04 |
| Automotive Repair Shop Licence (not required by Idaho) | Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Motor Vehicles | No fee | Only in some cases | 2026-09-04 |
| Barber or Cosmetology Establishment Licence | Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses | $50 to open, effective from 1 July 2026; renewal is $25 a year or $50 for a two-year cycle | To every business | 2026-09-04 |
| Certificate of Organization (LLC) | Idaho Secretary of State, Business Services Division | $100 filed online; $120 in person or by mail | Only in some cases | 2026-09-04 |
| Child Care Licence | Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Public Health | $100–$325 a year, banded by capacity — and not required at all below seven children | Only in some cases | 2026-09-04 |
| Contractor Registration | Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses | $120 to register, effective from 1 July 2026; renewal is $60 a year or $120 for two years | Only in some cases | 2026-09-04 |
| Electrical Contractor or Master Electrician Licence | Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses | $140 to open as a contractor, being a $15 application and $125 licence fee; a master electrician is $80 | Only in some cases | 2026-09-04 |
| Food Establishment Licence | Central District Health | $200–$250 a year, set by whichever of seven independent health districts covers the address | To every business | 2026-09-04 |
| Food Safety Exam or Certified Food Protection Manager | Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Food Protection Program | No fee | Only in some cases | 2026-09-04 |
| General Business Licence (not required by Idaho) | Idaho Secretary of State, Business Services Division | No fee | Only in some cases | 2026-09-04 |
| HVAC Contractor Licence | Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses | $260 to open, being a $35 application and $225 licence fee; renewal is $150 | Only in some cases | 2026-09-04 |
| Plumbing Contractor Licence | Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses | $244.50 to open, being a $22.50 application, a $75 exam fee and a $147 licence; renewal is $108 | Only in some cases | 2026-09-04 |
| Seller's Permit | Idaho State Tax Commission | No fee | To every business | 2026-09-04 |
| Veterinary Facility Permit (not required by Idaho) | Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses | No fee | Only in some cases | 2026-09-04 |
Which Idaho city are you opening in?
We do not yet publish a Idaho city. The statewide requirements above are verified as far as they go, but a city or county adds its own — a local business tax receipt, a food permit, a building sign-off — and we will not guess at those. The jurisdictions we do cover are listed in full.
Is there a single Idaho business licence?
No. Idaho has no single licence that covers every business. What you need depends on your industry, your city and your county, and most of the obligations that matter are issued locally rather than at state level.
The state-level registrations that do apply to nearly everyone are tax accounts rather than licences — which is why they are easy to miss.
Who issues permits in Idaho?
- Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional LicensesCosmetology and barbering · Contractor registration · Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licensing · Veterinary licensing6 permits
- Idaho Secretary of State, Business Services DivisionEntity formation · Annual reports4 permits
- Central District HealthFood establishment permits in Ada, Boise, Elmore and Valley counties1 permit
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Public HealthChild care licensing1 permit
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Food Protection ProgramStatewide food code rules · The free food safety exam1 permit
- Idaho State Tax CommissionSales tax seller's permits1 permit
- Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Motor VehiclesMotor vehicle dealer licensing1 permit
By industry
Commercial Compliance Hub publishes information, not legal advice. Requirements change — confirm anything you rely on with the issuing agency before you file.