Montana General Contractor License Requirements

Official classification: Construction Contractor Registration · Issued by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Employment Relations Division.

🏗️ General ContractorMT ✔ Verified 2026-07-11

In Montana, general contractors must hold the Construction Contractor Registration, issued by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Employment Relations Division. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed general contractor in Montana

Follow these steps to earn your Construction Contractor Registration. Every figure is verified against the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Employment Relations Division; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Must have employees covered by Montana workers' compensation; no other experience requirement specified
Confirm exam requirements. Montana sets no state trade exam for this license, though your city or county may require one.
Secure your surety bond. Montana requires —.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (—), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. —
Meet the credit / financial requirement. —
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Employment Relations Division — $70 application fee, plus a $70 license fee. Processing time: 5-7 business days for mail applications; up to 10 business days after payment.
Keep the license active. Renew 2 years.

Montana general contractor license lookup

To confirm a general contractor is properly licensed in Montana — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Verify a license now: Search the official erdcontractors.mt.gov database →

License types

Construction Contractor Registration (CR) — For contractors with employees who perform construction work; must maintain Montana workers' compensation coverage

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Must have employees covered by Montana workers' compensation; no other experience requirement specified
Application fee	$70
License fee	$70
Renewal fee	$70
Renewal period	2 years
Continuing education	Not required
Bond required	—
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required - contractors must maintain Montana workers' compensation coverage on employees
Background check	—
Credit requirement	—
Reciprocity	Wyoming; Idaho; South Dakota; Utah
Processing time	5-7 business days for mail applications; up to 10 business days after payment

Exams

No state trade exam is required — the Construction Contractor Registration is a registration, not an examined license. Local jurisdictions may set their own exam requirements.

Preparing for the General Contractor exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

Montana does not issue state licenses for general contractors. Registration is tied to workers' compensation compliance. Local jurisdictions may impose additional bond or insurance requirements. Contractors from Wyoming, Idaho, South Dakota, and Utah may work temporarily in Montana under Extra-Territorial agreements.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Montana general contractor license cost?

Application: $70. License: $70. Renewal: $70.

How do I look up a general contractor license in Montana?

Search the official license database at erdcontractors.mt.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do general contractors in Montana need a surety bond?

—

What experience is required for a Montana general contractor license?

Must have employees covered by Montana workers' compensation; no other experience requirement specified

Is insurance required for general contractors in Montana?

Liability: — Workers' compensation: Required - contractors must maintain Montana workers' compensation coverage on employees

How often must a Montana general contractor license be renewed?

2 years. Continuing education: Not required

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-07-11 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Employment Relations Division before applying. This is not legal advice.