Montana Contractor License Types
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Contractor Registration Required by MCA Title 39, Ch. 71 for construction contractors with employees, corporations, and manager-managed LLCs. The registration verifies the business is paying Montana rates for workers' compensation insurance. It is a registration, not a competency license — no exam or experience requirement. | $70 | Valid for 2 years; renewed through DLI Employment Standards Division | None at the state level |
| Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate Required for self-employed contractors who want to work without carrying workers' compensation insurance on themselves. The applicant must show they satisfy the statutory two-prong independent-contractor test under MCA 39-71-417 (control + independently established business). Without an ICEC, a solo contractor is presumed to be an employee of whoever hires them and must be covered under that hirer's workers' comp policy. | $125 | Valid for 2 years; renewed through DLI Employment Standards Division | None at the state level |
| Electrical Contractor Business license required to offer electrical contracting services in Montana. Issued by the Montana State Electrical Board under MCA Title 37, Ch. 68. The contractor license is separate from the personal electrician licenses (Master, Journeyman, Residential) held by the individuals doing the work. | Posted at ebiz.mt.gov/POL | Biennial — renewal cycle opens May 17 and closes July 15 in renewal years | None at the state level |
| Master Electrician Top-tier personal license for electricians in Montana (MCA Title 37, Ch. 68). Required to supervise electrical installations and qualify an electrical contractor business. Requires passing a Master examination and documenting journey-level experience. | Posted at ebiz.mt.gov/POL | Biennial; 16 hours continuing education per renewal (ARM 24.225.2102) | None at the state level |
| Journeyman Electrician Mid-tier personal electrician license issued under MCA Title 37, Ch. 68. Allows the licensee to perform electrical installations without direct supervision after completing an approved apprenticeship and passing the Journeyman exam. | Posted at ebiz.mt.gov/POL | Biennial; 16 hours continuing education per renewal (ARM 24.225.2102) | None at the state level |
| Residential Electrician Personal license limited to residential electrical work under MCA Title 37, Ch. 68. Issued by the Montana State Electrical Board through DLI. | Posted at ebiz.mt.gov/POL | Biennial; 16 hours continuing education per renewal (ARM 24.225.2102) | None at the state level |
| Master Plumber Top-tier personal plumbing license issued by the Montana Board of Plumbers under MCA Title 37, Ch. 69. Required to supervise plumbing installations and qualify a plumbing contracting business. Requires journey-level experience and passing the Master exam. Montana plumbing work follows the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted by the Board. | Posted at ebiz.mt.gov/POL | Biennial through DLI Business Standards Division | None at the state level |
| Journeyman Plumber Mid-tier personal plumbing license under MCA Title 37, Ch. 69. Allows the licensee to perform plumbing work without direct supervision after completing an approved apprenticeship and passing the Journeyman exam. | Posted at ebiz.mt.gov/POL | Biennial through DLI Business Standards Division | None at the state level |
| Medical Gas Endorsement Specialty endorsement on a plumbing license for installation of medical gas piping systems in hospitals and clinics. Administered by the Montana Board of Plumbers. | Posted at ebiz.mt.gov/POL | Biennial through DLI Business Standards Division | None at the state level |
| Boiler Operator License Personal license to operate high-pressure boilers in Montana, issued through DLI's Boiler Operator Program. License grades correspond to boiler size and pressure; required in addition to any contractor registration. | Posted at ebiz.mt.gov/POL | Through DLI Business Standards Division | None at the state level |
Processing time: Construction Contractor Registration and ICEC: typically a few weeks after a complete application is received by DLI. Electrical and plumbing license timelines depend on exam scheduling through the respective boards. from application submission to license issuance.
Montana (MT) does not license general contractors in the traditional sense. Instead, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) operates a two-track registration system under the Workers' Compensation Act (MCA Title 39, Chapter 71): construction businesses with employees must obtain a Construction Contractor Registration, while self-employed contractors who want to opt out of workers' compensation must obtain an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) after satisfying the statutory two-prong independent-contractor test under MCA 39-71-417 (control + independently established business). Montana does issue true state-level licenses for electricians (MCA Title 37, Ch. 68), plumbers (MCA Title 37, Ch. 69), and boiler operators, each administered by a dedicated board under DLI's Business Standards Division. There is no statewide bond requirement for general contractors — bond requirements, if any, are set by individual cities.
Step 1: Ask the Contractor Which Montana Credential They Hold
Montana does not license general contractors. For a contractor with employees, the correct credential is a Construction Contractor Registration (CCR). For a solo contractor opting out of workers' comp, it is an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC). For electrical, plumbing, or boiler work, a separate state license from DLI Business Standards is required. If a contractor cannot tell you which of these they hold, that is a red flag.
Step 2: Look Up Contractor Registration or ICEC
Use the DLI Employment Standards Division lookup at erdcontractors.mt.gov to verify a Construction Contractor Registration or Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate. You can search by business name or certificate number. The lookup shows the current status of the registration or exemption.
DLI Contractor / ICEC Search →
Step 3: Look Up Electrical, Plumbing, or Boiler Licenses
Electricians, plumbers, and boiler operators are licensed through the DLI Business Standards Division, not through the contractor registration program. Use the state's professional-licensing public search to verify these credentials.
Montana Professional License Lookup →
Step 4: Verify Workers' Compensation Coverage
If the contractor has employees, Montana law requires workers' compensation insurance. You can confirm coverage through the state's workers' compensation coverage verification service.
Workers' Comp Coverage Verification →
- Construction Contractor Registration on file with DLI
- Workers' comp policy active (if the contractor has any employees)
- Electrical, plumbing, or boiler license for the specific trade being performed
- Local city/county contractor license or permit where applicable
Step 5: Check Local City Requirements
Because Montana does not have a statewide general contractor license, cities and counties set their own rules. Many Montana municipalities require a local contractor business license, permits, and in some cases a local bond. Call the building department for the city where the work will happen to confirm local requirements before signing a contract.
Montana Contractor Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Workers' Compensation | Required for any construction contractor with employees under MCA Title 39, Ch. 71. Construction Contractor Registration exists specifically to verify that Montana workers' comp rates are being paid. A solo contractor can opt out only by obtaining an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) — otherwise they are presumed to be an employee of whoever hires them. |
| General Liability | Not required at the state level. Individual municipalities and project owners commonly require proof of general liability insurance. |
Montana Contractor Bond Requirements
Montana does not impose a statewide surety bond on general contractors. Bond requirements, when they exist, come from individual cities and counties and vary by jurisdiction and project value.
Montana Consumer Protections for Home Improvement
Montana law provides several important protections for homeowners hiring contractors:
- Construction Contractor Registration publicly verifies that a contractor with employees is paying Montana workers' comp rates (MCA Title 39, Ch. 71).
- Independent Contractor Exemption Certificates are public and searchable, so homeowners can confirm a solo contractor is legitimately self-exempted rather than an unreported employee.
- Electrical, plumbing, and boiler licenses are tied to individuals with verified exams and experience under MCA Title 37.
- Workers' comp coverage can be independently verified through the state's ewccv.com coverage verification service, protecting homeowners from liability for on-the-job injuries.
- DLI's Employment Standards Division investigates misclassification complaints where a contractor treats workers as independent contractors without the required ICEC.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Montana puts you at risk:
- A contractor with employees but no Construction Contractor Registration is likely operating outside Montana's workers' compensation requirements, which can expose the hiring homeowner to liability for on-the-job injuries.
- A solo contractor without an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate is presumed under MCA 39-71-417 to be an employee of whoever hires them unless they satisfy the statutory two-prong independent-contractor test (control + independently established business) — the hirer may otherwise be required to cover them under their own workers' comp policy.
- Electrical or plumbing work performed by someone without a state license under MCA Title 37, Ch. 68 or Ch. 69 can be red-tagged by a local building inspector and is often not covered by homeowners insurance.
- Uninsured or unregistered contractors are harder to pursue in court, and their work may not qualify for mechanic's lien rights.
- Municipal fines and stop-work orders can be issued where a local contractor license or permit was required and not obtained.
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Montana
Report unregistered contractors, misclassification of workers, or unlicensed electrical/plumbing/boiler work to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. DLI investigates misclassification (ESD) and unlicensed trade work (Business Standards) on separate tracks.
- DLI Employment Standards Division (registration / ICEC / misclassification): (406) 444-6543 or (406) 444-7734, dlierdiccr@mt.gov
- DLI Business Standards (electrical / plumbing / boiler complaints): (406) 841-2319, dlibsdcomplaints@mt.gov
- Mail: DLI, P.O. Box 8011, Helena, MT 59604
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in Montana
Complaints fall into two tracks in Montana. Misclassification and failure-to-register complaints go to DLI's Employment Standards Division. Complaints about licensed electricians, plumbers, or boiler operators go to DLI's Business Standards Division.
You can file a complaint by:
- Contractor registration / ICEC / misclassification: (406) 444-6543 or (406) 444-7734; dlierdiccr@mt.gov
- Electrical / Plumbing / Boiler license complaints: (406) 841-2319 or dlibsdcomplaints@mt.gov
- Mail: Montana DLI, P.O. Box 8011, Helena, MT 59604 (ESD) / P.O. Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513 (BSD)
For contract disputes or financial recovery, Montana consumers typically pursue small-claims or district court; DLI does not mediate payment disputes.
Montana Contractor Bond Schedule
There is no state-level contractor license bond in Montana. Any bond requirement will come from a local building department, a project owner, or a general contractor subcontracting the work.
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local Municipal Bond | Varies by city | Some Montana cities (such as Billings, Missoula, Bozeman) require a local contractor license and may require a bond. Check with the local building department. |
What Makes Montana Contractor Licensing Unique
Registration, Not Licensing, for General Contractors
Montana is one of a small group of states that does not license general contractors at all. Instead, construction businesses with employees file a Construction Contractor Registration ($70) with DLI under MCA Title 39, Ch. 71. The registration confirms workers' compensation compliance — it is not a competency credential.
ICEC: The Montana Workaround for Solo Contractors
A solo contractor who wants to work without carrying workers' comp must obtain an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate ($125) by satisfying the statutory two-prong independent-contractor test under MCA 39-71-417 (control + independently established business). Without an ICEC, Montana law presumes them to be an employee of whoever hires them — which can leave the hiring party on the hook for their workers' comp.
Electrical and Plumbing Are Fully Licensed
Even though general contractors only register, Montana does fully license electricians and plumbers under MCA Title 37, Ch. 68 and Ch. 69. The Montana State Electrical Board issues Master, Journeyman, Residential, and Contractor credentials. The Montana Board of Plumbers issues Master, Journeyman, and Medical Gas credentials. Both require exams.
Bonds Are a Local Matter
Montana imposes no statewide contractor bond. Any bond requirement comes from the city or county where work will happen. Always call the local building department before signing a contract.
Two Separate Lookup Systems
Contractor registrations and ICECs are searched at erdcontractors.mt.gov. Electrical, plumbing, and boiler licenses live in a completely different database on the state's Accela-hosted Professional Licensing portal (ebiz.mt.gov/POL, which redirects to aca-prod.accela.com/pol). Verifying a Montana contractor often requires checking both.
Montana Contractor License Fees
Frequently Asked Questions: Montana Contractor Licensing
Does Montana license general contractors?
No. Montana does not issue a general contractor license. Instead, construction businesses with employees must obtain a Construction Contractor Registration from the Department of Labor and Industry for $70, and self-employed contractors who want to opt out of workers' compensation must obtain an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate for $125. The registration system is administered under MCA Title 39, Ch. 71 and focuses on workers' comp compliance rather than competency.
What is a Montana Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC)?
An ICEC is a $125 certificate issued by the DLI Employment Standards Division that lets a self-employed contractor work without carrying workers' compensation insurance on themselves. To qualify, the applicant must satisfy the statutory two-prong independent-contractor test under MCA 39-71-417 (control + independently established business) — Montana uses an AB test, not the California-style ABC test. Without an ICEC, a solo contractor is presumed to be an employee of whoever hires them.
How do I look up a Montana contractor?
Use the DLI contractor and ICEC search at erdcontractors.mt.gov to verify a Construction Contractor Registration or Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate. For electricians, plumbers, and boiler operators, use the separate Professional Licensing portal at ebiz.mt.gov/POL (which redirects to aca-prod.accela.com/pol). Many Montana contractors need to appear in both systems.
Does Montana require electrical and plumbing licenses?
Yes. Even though Montana does not license general contractors, it does fully license electricians under MCA Title 37, Ch. 68 (Master, Journeyman, Residential, and Electrical Contractor) and plumbers under MCA Title 37, Ch. 69 (Master, Journeyman, and Medical Gas). Both require passing an exam, and electrical licenses require 16 hours of continuing education each renewal cycle per ARM 24.225.2102.
Does a Montana contractor need a surety bond?
Not at the state level. Montana does not impose a statewide contractor license bond. Bond requirements, when they apply, come from the city or county where the work is being done. Some Montana cities require a local contractor license and bond; call the local building department before signing a contract.
What happens if I hire an unregistered Montana contractor with employees?
A construction contractor with employees who has not filed a Construction Contractor Registration is likely not in compliance with Montana's workers' compensation requirements. If one of their workers is injured on your project and the contractor has no workers' comp, you could be exposed as the statutory employer. Always verify the registration at erdcontractors.mt.gov before hiring.
How do I file a complaint against a Montana contractor?
For failure to register, misclassification, or workers' comp issues, contact the DLI Employment Standards Division at (406) 444-6543 or (406) 444-7734, or dlierdiccr@mt.gov. For complaints against licensed electricians, plumbers, or boiler operators, contact DLI Business Standards at (406) 841-2319 or dlibsdcomplaints@mt.gov. For contract and payment disputes, Montana consumers generally use small-claims or district court.
How long does Montana contractor registration take?
A Construction Contractor Registration ($70) and an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate ($125) are typically processed in a few weeks once DLI receives a complete application and supporting documents. Electrical and plumbing license timelines depend on exam scheduling and vary by license class.
Sources
Facts on this page were verified against the following primary sources on April 20, 2026. Licensing laws, fees, and bond amounts change — always confirm with the official board before acting.
- Montana DLI — Montana Contractor Program (Employment Standards Division) — Authoritative overview of Construction Contractor Registration and the Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate under MCA Title 39, Ch. 71. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Montana DLI — Contractor Applications and Forms — Fees: $70 Construction Contractor Registration, $125 Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate, $80 Home Inspector Registration. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Montana DLI — Independent Contractor Resources (ESD) — Program contact info: (406) 444-6543 and (406) 444-7734; P.O. Box 8011, Helena, MT 59604; 301 South Park Avenue, Floors 4-5, Helena, MT 59601. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Montana DLI — Contractor / ICEC Public Search — Official public lookup for Construction Contractor Registration and Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Montana DLI — Professional License Lookup — Public search for electricians, plumbers, boiler operators, and other DLI Business Standards licenses. The ebiz.mt.gov/POL portal redirects here (Accela-hosted). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Montana DLI — ebiz.mt.gov Professional Licensing Portal (Accela) — Apply for and renew electrical, plumbing, and boiler licenses. Fee schedules published in the portal. ebiz.mt.gov/POL redirects here. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Montana State Electrical Board — Administers Master, Journeyman, Residential, and Electrical Contractor licenses under MCA Title 37, Ch. 68. Continuing education: 16 hours per ARM 24.225.2102. Mailing: Board of Electrical, P.O. Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513. Phone: (406) 444-6880. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Montana Board of Plumbers — Administers Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and Medical Gas endorsements under MCA Title 37, Ch. 69. Adopts the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (adopted effective June 10, 2022). Scope-of-practice contact: (406) 841-2258, dlibsdplu@mt.gov. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Montana Boiler Operator Program — DLI program licensing boiler operators. Program manager: (406) 841-2217. Complaints: (406) 841-2319 / dlibsdcomplaints@mt.gov. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Montana Licensing Boards Directory (DLI Business Standards Division) — Directory of all DLI-administered professional licensing boards, including Electrical, Plumbers, and Boiler Operators. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Montana Code Annotated (MCA) — Title 39, Ch. 71 (Workers' Compensation) — Statutory authority for Construction Contractor Registration and Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate, including the MCA 39-71-417 two-prong (AB) independent-contractor test: (A) freedom from control/direction and (B) engagement in an independently established business. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Montana Workers' Compensation Coverage Verification (ewccv.com) — Referenced by DLI as the authoritative source for verifying a Montana employer's workers' compensation coverage. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
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