Montana General Contractor License Requirements

Official classification: Construction Contractor License (CCL) · Issued by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Business Standards Division (Construction Contractor License program).

🏗️ General ContractorMT ✔ Verified 2026-07-12

In Montana, general contractors must hold the Construction Contractor License (CCL), issued by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Business Standards Division (Construction Contractor License program). 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 License (CCL). Every figure is verified against the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Business Standards Division (Construction Contractor License program); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Required of contractors with employees and of any corporation or manager-managed LLC regardless of employee count; an independent contractor with no employees is exempt but may register voluntarily (MCA 37-45-104(24)). No experience requirement is specified.
Confirm exam requirements. Montana sets no state trade exam for this license, though your city or county may require one.
Check the insurance rules. Workers' compensation: Required - contractors must maintain Montana workers' compensation coverage on employees.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Business Standards Division (Construction Contractor License program) — $70 application fee, plus a $70 license fee. Processing time: About 5-7 business days for mailed applications (not officially published).
Keep the license active. Renewal: 2 years.

For the general path in every state, see the General Contractor guide →

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 ebizws.mt.gov database →

License types

Construction Contractor License (CCL) — For contractors with employees, and for any corporation or manager-managed LLC regardless of employee count; contractors with employees must maintain Montana workers' compensation coverage

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Required of contractors with employees and of any corporation or manager-managed LLC regardless of employee count; an independent contractor with no employees is exempt but may register voluntarily (MCA 37-45-104(24)). No experience requirement is 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 · compare all states
Processing time	About 5-7 business days for mailed applications (not officially published)

What a Montana general contractor license costs

Application fee	$70.
License fee	$70.
Renewal fee	$70.
Renewal period	2 years.

Exams

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

Renewing a Montana general contractor license

The Construction Contractor License (CCL) renews on a fixed cycle set by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Business Standards Division (Construction Contractor License program). Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.

Renewal period	2 years
Renewal fee	$70
Continuing education	Not required
Where to renew	Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Business Standards Division (Construction Contractor License program)

Local / municipal notes

Since January 1, 2026 Montana requires a state Construction Contractor License (House Bill 239 of 2025, MCA 37-45-201); active registrations were converted to licenses. It has no exam or experience requirement and is tied to workers' compensation compliance and business details. 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 ebizws.mt.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do general contractors in Montana need a surety bond?

Not stated by the board.

What experience is required for a Montana general contractor license?

Required of contractors with employees and of any corporation or manager-managed LLC regardless of employee count; an independent contractor with no employees is exempt but may register voluntarily (MCA 37-45-104(24)). No experience requirement is specified.

Is insurance required for general contractors in Montana?

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

How long does it take to get a Montana general contractor license?

Processing time: About 5-7 business days for mailed applications (not officially published).

How often must a Montana general contractor license be renewed?

2 years.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-07-12 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Business Standards Division (Construction Contractor License program) before applying. This is not legal advice.