Montana HVAC Contractor License Guide

To get a HVAC contractor license in Montana, you don’t earn a separate HVAC card. As of January 1, 2026, HVAC businesses must hold the state Construction Contractor License (CCL), comply with workers’ comp or hold an ICEC, and follow EPA Section 608 and mechanical permit rules. DLI CCL; ICEC; EPA 608; Mechanical permits. ([boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov](https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/construction-contractor/))

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-16

How to get a HVAC contractor license in Montana

1. Confirm your business setup and workers’ comp status. Form your entity, and if you have employees, secure a Montana workers’ compensation policy. If you’re a solo independent contractor, either self-elect WC or apply for an ICEC. ICEC. ([erd.dli.mt.gov](https://erd.dli.mt.gov/work-comp-regulations/montana-contractor/independent-contractor/?utm_source=openai))
2. Apply for the Montana Construction Contractor License (CCL). Submit the online application and $70 fee through DLI’s portal; include any required business details listed in 37-45-201, MCA. CCL program. ([boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov](https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/construction-contractor/))
3. Obtain EPA Section 608 certification (if you handle refrigerants). Technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of appliances that could release refrigerant must be EPA 608 certified. Keep copies on file. EPA 608. ([epa.gov](https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-0?trk=public_profile_see-credential&utm_source=openai))
4. Pull required mechanical and building permits. Apply at the state Building Codes Program or your local jurisdiction before work begins. Separate mechanical permits are required in code-enforcing areas. Mechanical permits. ([bsd.dli.mt.gov](https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/Building-Codes-Permits/permit-applications/mechanical-permits/?utm_source=openai))
5. Meet local business licensing and tax rules. Many cities (e.g., Billings) require a municipal business license to operate. Verify requirements where you work. Billings Business License. ([billingsmt.gov](https://billingsmt.gov/981/Business-License-Information?utm_source=openai))
6. Renew your CCL each year. Renew online on your license anniversary date; $70 renewal plus $70 late fee if past due. No continuing education is required. Renewal details. ([boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov](https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/construction-contractor/License-Information/construction-contractor))

Montana HVAC contractor license: what changed in 2026?

Effective January 1, 2026, Montana moved from “registration” to full licensing for construction contractors via House Bill 239. Existing registrations were converted to licenses and are now administered by the DLI Business Standards Division. Program announcement; HB 239. ([boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov](https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/construction-contractor/))

Costs to get and keep your Montana HVAC contractor license

The state charges $70 to apply and $70 to renew the CCL; renewals occur on the anniversary of issuance and late renewals add $70. There’s no CE requirement. Separately, expect permit fees set by state/local code offices and any city business license tax. CCL fees; Building Codes. For a deeper cost breakdown, see our guide on HVAC contractor license cost in Montana. ([boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov](https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/construction-contractor/License-Information/construction-contractor))

Permits, code compliance, and EPA 608 for HVAC work

Montana enforces the International Mechanical Code and International Fuel Gas Code statewide, with mechanical permits required for certain state and local projects. Anyone opening a refrigerant circuit must hold EPA Section 608 certification—this is federal law, not a state HVAC license. Mechanical permits; EPA 608. ([bsd.dli.mt.gov](https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/Building-Codes-Permits/permit-applications/mechanical-permits/?utm_source=openai))

Workers’ comp or ICEC: choose the right path

Under 37-45-201, MCA, the CCL requires workers’ comp compliance. Independent contractors without employees may either buy coverage on themselves or obtain an ICEC (fee $125). Using subs? Verify their ICEC or WC coverage before they start. 37-45-201; ICEC. ([mca.legmt.gov](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0370/chapter_0450/part_0020/section_0010/0370-0450-0020-0010.html?utm_source=openai))

Local business licensing for HVAC companies

Many municipalities require a local business license in addition to the state CCL. For example, the City of Billings requires a business license before you commence operations. Always check with your city/county before bidding. Billings license info. ([billingsmt.gov](https://billingsmt.gov/981/Business-License-Information?utm_source=openai))

Compare licensing across Montana trades

Montana regulates some occupations separately; for instance, becoming a private investigator follows different rules and costs than HVAC contracting. If you’re exploring security or investigative services, see our guide to the Montana Private Investigator License.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a separate Montana HVAC contractor license?

No. HVAC contractors must hold the statewide Construction Contractor License (CCL). There is no separate, statewide HVAC trade license. You must still comply with EPA Section 608 for refrigerants and pull mechanical permits where required. CCL program; EPA 608. ([boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov](https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/construction-contractor/))

What are the exact fees to get and renew the CCL?

$70 to apply, $70 to renew each anniversary year, and a $70 late fee in addition to renewal if you miss the deadline. No continuing education is required for the CCL. Official CCL fee/renewal page. ([boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov](https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/construction-contractor/License-Information/construction-contractor))

Do I need workers’ comp if I’m a solo HVAC contractor?

If you have no employees, you may either self-elect workers’ comp coverage or obtain an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC). Hiring entities should verify your ICEC/WC status before work begins. ICEC program. ([erd.dli.mt.gov](https://erd.dli.mt.gov/work-comp-regulations/montana-contractor/independent-contractor/?utm_source=openai))

Is there a state HVAC exam or required hours?

No state HVAC exam or state-mandated experience hours apply to the CCL. However, EPA Section 608 certification is required by federal law for refrigerant work, and local jurisdictions may set permit or inspection requirements. EPA 608 Q&A; Building Codes Program. ([epa.gov](https://www.epa.gov/section608/epas-refrigerant-management-program-questions-and-answers-section-608-certified?utm_source=openai))

Do cities in Montana require their own licenses?

Often, yes. Many cities impose a local business license or tax in addition to the state CCL. For example, Billings requires a business license before starting work in city limits. Always check locally. Billings example. ([billingsmt.gov](https://billingsmt.gov/981/Business-License-Information?utm_source=openai))

Need help mapping these steps to your business? License Navigator can walk you through fees, forms, and permits so you get licensed fast and stay compliant.