Montana Contractor License BondRegistration Required

Montana does NOT require a state-level bond for general contractors - only registration. However, water well contractors must post a bond: $4,000 for individuals or $10,000 for corporations/firms/partnerships. The bond expires June 30 annually. Some municipalities like Missoula, Billings, and Whitefish require local contractor bonds ranging from $3,000-$20,000.

Montana contractor registration costs $70 for a 2-year Construction Contractor Registration. Independent contractor registration is $125. Water well contractor bond costs depend on the bond amount: $4,000 individual bonds cost approximately $60-$120 annually, while $10,000 corporate bonds cost $150-$300 annually with good credit.

Montana requires registration for: (1) Contractors with contract value over $2,500 (labor + materials), (2) Corporations or manager-managed LLCs engaged in construction, (3) Contractors with employees. Exemptions include work under $2,500 and owner-occupied residential work. No exam is required for general contractors.

Water well contractors in Montana must be licensed by the Montana Board of Water Well Contractors. Per Montana Code Annotated Section 37-43-306: Individual contractors need a $4,000 bond, while corporations/firms/partnerships need a $10,000 bond. The bond term is 1 year, expiring June 30 annually.

Several Montana cities require contractor bonds: Missoula requires $20,000 for excavation, $10,000 for sidewalk/paving, and $3,000 for gas fitting. Billings requires $10,000 for contractors. Whitefish requires $5,000 for sidewalk/excavation work. Always verify with the local building department before starting work.

Montana penalties for unregistered contracting include $500 per instance. For unlicensed specialty work (like water well drilling without a license), penalties range from $250-$1,000 plus possible imprisonment of 90 days to 1 year. Protect yourself and your business by maintaining current registration and any required bonds.