Plumber Licensing in Montana

Montana Plumber License Verification

In Montana, the plumbing industry is regulated by the Montana Board of Plumbers, operating under the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Business Standards Division. This board is responsible for overseeing the licensing process for both Journeyman and Master Plumbers. To legally perform most plumbing work in the state, individuals must hold an active license.

To obtain a Journeyman Plumber license, applicants must complete a minimum of five years (approximately 8,500 hours) of registered on-the-job training as an apprentice or possess equivalent experience. Following this, candidates must pass the journeyman examination and submit an application with proof of experience, along with a fee of $270.

For a Master Plumber license, an individual must hold a valid journeyman license and accumulate four years (approximately 7,000 hours) of journeyman experience, including supervisory work. A master examination must be successfully passed, and an application, with proof of experience, submitted with a fee of $370. Master Plumbers are the only licensees authorized to advertise plumbing services, pull permits, and contract plumbing work.

All licensed plumbers are required to complete four hours of Board-approved continuing education annually to maintain their license. Licenses must be renewed annually by September 1st. Montana offers reciprocity for Journeyman Plumber licenses with Oregon, Idaho, North Dakota, and South Dakota, but not for Master Plumber licenses.

Insurance and Bonding Mandates

Plumbers operating in Montana are subject to specific insurance and bonding requirements to protect consumers and ensure compliance with state regulations. Licensed plumbers are mandated to carry general liability insurance. The minimum coverage requirements include $300,000 per occurrence for property damage and $100,000 per occurrence for professional liability.

For plumbing businesses with one or more employees, workers' compensation insurance is mandatory as per the Montana Workers' Compensation Act. Businesses must register as a construction contractor (CCR) with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry and provide proof of this coverage. Sole proprietors without employees may apply for an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) to opt out of workers' compensation coverage for themselves.

While a statewide plumbing contractor license bond is not universally mandated, certain local municipalities within Montana may require surety bonds as a condition for local licensing or permitting. For instance, the City of Billings requires plumbing contractors to post a $10,000 surety bond. These bonds help ensure ethical business practices and compliance with local building codes.

Permitting and Local Regulations

In Montana, plumbing permits are essential for any plumbing work beyond minor repairs or routine maintenance. A licensed Master Plumber is required to pull permits and supervise work on all public and commercial buildings. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring all work adheres to the state building code, including the Uniform Plumbing Code.

Montana adopted the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) which became effective on June 10, 2022. Inspections must be requested and conducted before any portion of the plumbing work is concealed.

Jurisdiction for plumbing code enforcement can vary; state-owned agencies must obtain permits through the Department of Labor and Industry, while Certified Local Governments may enforce the plumbing code within their areas. All other regions fall under the state's jurisdiction. Certain exemptions apply to plumbing permit requirements, including installations by homeowners in their personal residences (not for resale or rental), and work on farms, ranches, mines, mills, smelters, railroads, and public utilities.

Official Montana Resources

For comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding plumbing licensing, regulations, and resources in Montana, refer to the following official sources:

• Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI): https://dli.mt.gov/
• Montana Board of Plumbers: https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/plu/
• DLI Professional and Occupational Licenses (EBIZ.MT.GOV/POL): https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol
• DLI Building Codes Program (for Permits): https://dli.mt.gov/building-codes/permits
• Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program: https://apprenticeship.mt.gov/

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