Montana renewal guide
Water Well Contractor License
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 12 months
Renewal fee
$375.00
Bond requirement
Yes — $25,000.00
Insurance requirement
No
Continuing education
4 hours
Before you renew
Get the filing straight.
- 1
Finish the CE first
Complete the 4 required hours before you start the renewal.
- 2
Make sure the bond still clears
The $25,000.00 bond requirement needs to stay active through the renewal.
- 3
File with the board
File through Montana Board of Water Well Contractors (DNRC) and pay the $375.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online - 4
Leave room for processing
Typical processing time is 30 days, so do not wait until the last minute.
Detailed notes
The fine print is here.
Montana Water Well Contractor License
The Montana Board of Water Well Contractors, under the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), issues the Water Well Contractor license. This license is required for individuals or firms that contract to construct, deepen, repair, or abandon water wells in Montana.
What This License Authorizes
Water Well Contractors may contract to construct, deepen, repair, and abandon water wells and monitoring wells throughout Montana. The contractor oversees drilling operations and ensures compliance with Montana well construction standards.
Bond Requirements
- Individual Surety Bond: $25,000 required per MCA 37-43-306
- Corporation/Firm/Partnership Bond: $10,000 required
- Bond must remain in effect and be renewed annually with a continuation certificate filed with the Board
Application and Fees
- Application/License Fee: $375
- Renewal Fee: $375 (annual)
Continuing Education
- 4 hours of approved continuing education required per renewal period
Renewal Process
- Renewal Period: Annual
- Must submit proper fee, proof of continuing education, and current bond
- Failure to submit required documentation will result in delay or disapproval of renewal
Consequences of Operating Without a License
Operating as a water well contractor without a valid license is a violation of the Montana Water Well Contractors Act, subject to penalties under Montana law.
*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the Montana DNRC Board of Water Well Contractors.*
Official links
Check the board or agency directly.
Required documents
- Bond Certificate
- Examination Results
Source notes
Montana DNRC Board of Water Well Contractors . Verified March 2026. https://dnrc.mt.gov/Water-Resources/Well-Contractors-Drillers/Well-Contractors-and-Drillers
Rules move. Check Montana Board of Water Well Contractors (DNRC) again before you pay, renew, or schedule work around this requirement.
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Next steps
Turn it into a handoff.
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Printable checklist
Montana checklist
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