Montana Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Plumber · Issued by the Montana Board of Plumbers.

🔧 PlumberMT ✔ Verified 2026-07-11

In Montana, plumbers must hold the Plumber, issued by the Montana Board of Plumbers, and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed plumber in Montana

Follow these steps to earn your Plumber. Every figure is verified against the Montana Board of Plumbers; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Journeyman: 5 years of legally obtained plumbing experience verified by affidavit and voucher from licensed master plumber. Master: 4 years as licensed journeyman with 3 years in supervisory capacity, OR 9 years of verified plumbing experience.
Pass the Journeyman Plumber Examination and Master Plumber Examination exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (—).
Clear the background check. Criminal history reviewed on case-by-case basis; no fingerprint background check required
Meet the credit / financial requirement. —
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Montana Board of Plumbers — $100 application fee, plus a $170 license fee. Processing time: Up to 30 days for routine applications.
Keep the license active. Renew annual (expires September 1st), completing 4 hours annually of Board-approved code-related coursework.

Montana plumber license lookup

To confirm a plumber 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

Journeyman Plumber — Perform plumbing work under licensed supervision or as employee; cannot operate own plumbing business
Master Plumber — Supervise journeymen plumbers and operate plumbing business (with CCR or ICEC registration)

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Journeyman: 5 years of legally obtained plumbing experience verified by affidavit and voucher from licensed master plumber. Master: 4 years as licensed journeyman with 3 years in supervisory capacity, OR 9 years of verified plumbing experience.
Application fee	$100
License fee	$170
Renewal fee	$120
Renewal period	Annual (expires September 1st)
Continuing education	4 hours annually of Board-approved code-related coursework
Bond required	None required for plumber license; surety bond requirement determined at contractor registration level
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	—
Background check	Criminal history reviewed on case-by-case basis; no fingerprint background check required
Credit requirement	—
Reciprocity	Oregon; Idaho; North Dakota; South Dakota
Processing time	Up to 30 days for routine applications

Exams

Journeyman Plumber Examination	Provider: IAPMO / PSI Services LLC · Passing: 70% · Fee: $85
Master Plumber Examination	Provider: IAPMO / PSI Services LLC · Passing: 70% · Fee: $85

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

Local / municipal notes

Journeyman license does not authorize operating plumbing business. Master license required to supervise journeymen and operate business. Individual wishing to operate as plumbing contractor must hold master license and register with Montana DLI as Construction Contractor (CCR) with workers' compensation insurance if employees, or apply for Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) for sole proprietor status. Reciprocal licensure (Oregon, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota) available for journeyman tier only. Insurance requirements of $300,000 liability/$100,000 property damage and workers' compensation apply to contractors operating under CCR registration.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Montana plumber license cost?

Application: $100. License: $170. Renewal: $120.

How do I look up a plumber 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 plumbers in Montana need a surety bond?

None required for plumber license; surety bond requirement determined at contractor registration level

What experience is required for a Montana plumber license?

Journeyman: 5 years of legally obtained plumbing experience verified by affidavit and voucher from licensed master plumber. Master: 4 years as licensed journeyman with 3 years in supervisory capacity, OR 9 years of verified plumbing experience.

Is insurance required for plumbers in Montana?

Liability: — Workers' compensation: —

How often must a Montana plumber license be renewed?

Annual (expires September 1st). Continuing education: 4 hours annually of Board-approved code-related coursework

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-07-11 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Montana Board of Plumbers before applying. This is not legal advice.