Montana contractor license requirements

Licenses and registrations

Construction Contractor License (formerly Construction Contractor Registration)

Individuals and businesses that, as an independent business, offer, bid on or perform construction, alteration, repair, demolition or similar work on real estate for others, and that have employees.

• When it applies: Exempt: casual, minor or inconsequential projects where the aggregate contract price for labor, materials and all other items is less than $2,500 a job. The exemption does not apply to work that is part of a larger operation or split up to evade the law.
• Good to know: Registrations converted automatically to licenses on January 1, 2026 and kept their expiration dates. Independent contractors with no employees are exempt but may register voluntarily. Licensed Montana electricians and plumbers working within their license scope are exempt.

Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC)

Sole proprietors, partners, and LLC members or managers working on a Montana jobsite who are not personally covered by Montana workers' compensation.

• Good to know: Separate $125 application. This is a workers' compensation exemption, not a contractor license.

What you need to qualify

• Exams: No exam is mentioned; the license is issued on application.
• Insurance: Businesses with employees must provide proof of a valid Montana workers' compensation policy before approval. No general liability minimum is stated on the pages we checked.
• Business registration: LLCs and corporations must be registered with the Montana Secretary of State, and the business name must match that registration. Applicants provide an FEIN or SSN and the names of owners, officers, members or managers.
• Also required: Out-of-state contractors may request bid-only status if they are not working in Montana, and must show Montana workers' compensation coverage once awarded a job. Corporate officers working in Montana are treated as employees unless they meet the ownership exemption.

Fees, renewal and continuing education

• Fees: Application fee: $70.00 (non-refundable). Renewal fee: $70.00. Late renewal fee: $70 on top of the renewal fee. ICEC: $125.
• Renewal: Registrations issued under the former program were valid for two years. Renewal is based on the anniversary date of issuance and opens 60 days before expiration.
• Continuing education: Not required.

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work

Electricians are licensed by the Montana State Electrical Board and plumbers by the Montana Board of Plumbers, both under the Department of Labor & Industry.

City and county rules

The Montana Department of Commerce says local city and county offices provide all business licensing in Montana, so contractors should check with the city and county where they work.

Working without a license

Under the former registration program, contractors could be fined up to $500 per violation for working without a required registration, working while suspended, or transferring a registration. Under the 2026 licensing statute, a finding of unprofessional conduct (including fraud, misclassifying workers, or failing to follow workers' compensation, unemployment insurance or wage laws) can bring a penalty of up to $5,000 and suspension or debarment from public works contracts (MCA 37-45-302).

What to confirm with the state

We couldn't confirm these on an official page when we checked. Ask the licensing office before you rely on them:

• License term under the new 2026 licensing program (two years was confirmed only for the former registration)
• Liability insurance or bond requirements (none listed on the pages we checked)
• Which agency, if any, licenses HVAC work statewide
• Statewide written contract or deposit rules for home improvement work
• Current fine for working without a license under the 2026 program

Sources

1. Construction Contractor license information (DLI Business Standards Division)
2. Construction Contractor License Program application checklist (DLI)
3. HB 239 Notice to Construction Contractors (DLI)
4. Title 37, Chapter 45 Construction Contractors (DLI copy of MCA)
5. MCA 37-45-104 Exemptions
6. Montana Construction Contractor License (CCL) Program (DLI Business Standards Division)
7. Application for Construction Contractor Registration (DLI form)
8. Business Licensing (Montana Department of Commerce)
9. Montana State Electrical Board
10. Montana Board of Plumbers