Montana renewal guide
Construction Contractor Registration
If this license is up for renewal, this page gives you the fee, the timeline, and the items that usually hold the filing up.
Start here
What matters before you file.
Check the fee, the renewal window, and the documents or insurance records that can slow approval down.
Issuing authority
Renewal period
Every 24 months
Renewal fee
$70.00
Bond requirement
No
Insurance requirement
Yes — Workers' Compensation
Before you renew
Get the filing straight.
- 1
Check the insurance certificates
Make sure the required policies are current and match what the board or agency expects before you file.
- 2
File with the board
File through Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) and pay the $70.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online - 3
Leave room for processing
Typical processing time is 14 days, so do not wait until the last minute.
Detailed notes
The fine print is here.
Montana Construction Contractor Registration
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) requires construction contractors to register through the Construction Contractor Registration (CR) program. Any person or business that has employees and performs construction work, or is organized as a corporation or manager-managed LLC engaged in construction, must register when performing projects with a total contract value exceeding $2,500.
Who Must Register
- Any construction contractor with employees
- Corporations engaged in construction work
- Manager-managed LLCs performing construction
- Projects exceeding $2,500 in total contract value (labor and materials)
Insurance Requirements
- Workers' Compensation: Required through the Montana State Fund, a licensed private carrier, or by qualifying as a self-insured employer
- No state-level bond requirement for general construction contractors
Application and Fees
- Application Fee: $70 (non-refundable)
- Renewal Fee: $70
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years
Renewal Process
A renewal application is mailed approximately 60 days before the registration expires to the last known address on file. Renewals can be submitted online through the DLI Montana Contractor Portal.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Contractors who perform work without a valid CR, perform work with a suspended CR, or transfer their CR to another person face penalties of up to $500 per violation. Inadvertent errors may be exempt from penalties. Penalties are deposited into the Uninsured Employers' Fund.
*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry.*
Official links
Check the board or agency directly.
Required documents
- Proof of Insurance
Source notes
Montana Department of Labor & Industry . Verified March 2026. https://erd.dli.mt.gov/work-comp-regulations/montana-contractor/construction-contractor-registration
Rules move. Check Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) again before you pay, renew, or schedule work around this requirement.
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Next steps
Turn it into a handoff.
Once the rule is clear, these tools help you hand it off cleanly or turn it into a cost plan.
Printable checklist
Montana checklist
Use the checklist when you need the board link, required documents, and renewal notes in one handoff.
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Keep Construction Contractor Registration dates, proof, and official links with the rest of your license work.