How to get a roofing license in Montana

Yes, if you have employees. Since January 1, 2026 Montana requires construction contractors, including roofers, to hold a state Construction Contractor License. Independent contractors with no employees are exempt.

PartlyState license for some work, or a registration
$70Construction contractor license application or renewal
The short version for Montana
  • No license needed for independent contractors without employees. Montana law lists other exemptions in MCA 39-9-211.
  • Renew online through the state citizen portal.

Do you need a state license in Montana?

Montana licenses some roofing work at the state level and leaves the rest alone. Which side of that line a job falls on decides whether you need the state license.

No license needed for independent contractors without employees. Montana law lists other exemptions in MCA 39-9-211.

The Montana license for this work

There is one license to aim for here.

LicenseWhat it covers
Construction Contractor LicenseAnyone who builds, alters or repairs structures for others, including installing or repairing roofing or siding

Steps to get licensed in Montana

  1. Check if you are exempt. Independent contractors with no employees do not need the license.
  2. Gather your social security number, federal EIN if you have one, and the names of owners, partners or officers.
  3. Have proof that you comply with Montana workers comp laws.
  4. Apply online for the Construction Contractor License and pay the $70 fee.
  5. Keep your license current and report ownership, name or officer changes within 30 days.

Experience and other requirements

Experience. The official pages we read do not say. Check with the board (official site).

The license to apply for. Construction Contractor License.

Montana roofing exams

Trade exam. The official pages we read do not say. Check with the board (official site).

Business and law exam. The official pages we read do not say. Check with the board (official site).

What it costs in Montana

The board lists one fee for this license. These are the state's own numbers. Insurance, any bond, exam prep and your business registration come on top.

FeeAmount
Construction contractor license application or renewal$70

Insurance and bond

Insurance. The license application must include proof that you comply with Montana workers comp laws.

Bond. The official pages we read do not say. Check with the board (official site).

Renewal and licenses from other states

Renewal. Renew online through the state citizen portal.

Reciprocity. The official pages we read do not say. Check with the board (official site).

Good to know in Montana

  • The license replaced the old construction contractor registration. Registrations active on December 31, 2025 were converted to the new license.
  • The department does not review the quality of your work when it handles licensing complaints. Enforcement is focused on fraud and misrepresentation.

After you are licensed

The license lets you take the work. Getting the work is the next job.

  • Register the business. If you work under a name other than your own, register it where your state asks (often the Secretary of State, sometimes the county), and keep the name the same on your license, your truck and your invoices.
  • Claim your Google Business Profile. It is the listing people see when they search for a roofer near them. Fill in your service area, hours and real photos of your work.
  • Put up a website that shows the license. Customers look for it before they call. Koira builds a contractor website for you and keeps it current.
  • See where you stand. The free Koira report checks how your business shows up in search and on maps against shops near you.

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page comes from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Construction Contractor Licensing Program and the official pages below, checked October 8, 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the board before you file.

More for your trade: how roofing companies run on Koira.

FAQ

Do you need a state roofing license in Montana?

Yes, if you have employees. Since January 1, 2026 Montana requires construction contractors, including roofers, to hold a state Construction Contractor License. Independent contractors with no employees are exempt.

Can you do small jobs in Montana without a license?

No license needed for independent contractors without employees. Montana law lists other exemptions in MCA 39-9-211.

How much does a roofing license cost in Montana?

The fees the board lists: construction contractor license application or renewal, $70. Insurance, a bond if one applies, and exam prep cost extra.

How often do you renew in Montana?

Renew online through the state citizen portal.

Who issues roofing licenses in Montana?

The Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Construction Contractor Licensing Program. Its site is the place to check current forms and fees before you apply.

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How to Get a Roofing License in Montana (2026 Requirements)