Montana plumbing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Montana plumbing license lookup: who issues plumber licenses (Montana Board of Plumbers (Department of Labor & Industry)), how to check one online, the license types, and 692 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do plumbers need a license in Montana?
| Who licenses them | Montana Board of Plumbers (Department of Labor & Industry) |
|---|---|
| License types | Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber |
| When a license is required | State license required |
Montana licenses plumbers statewide through the Board of Plumbers; licensees must complete continuing education. Verify the license on the state lookup and ask whether a permit is needed.
How do you look up a plumber's license in Montana?
- Ask the plumber for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Montana plumbing license lookup run by Montana Board of Plumbers (Department of Labor & Industry).
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the plumber about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact Montana Board of Plumbers (Department of Labor & Industry).
What plumbing licenses does Montana issue?
- Master Plumber
- Journeyman Plumber
How do you get a plumbing license in Montana?
Licenses are issued by the Montana Board of Plumbers (Department of Labor & Industry). Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official Montana Board of Plumbers (Department of Labor & Industry) source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
How many plumbers are there in Montana?
The Census Bureau counted 692 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in Montana in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Gallatin County | 111 |
|---|---|
| Flathead County | 99 |
| Yellowstone County | 89 |
| Missoula County | 69 |
| Ravalli County | 46 |
| Lewis and Clark County | 45 |
| Cascade County | 43 |
| Park County | 22 |
What do Montana homes mean for plumbing work?
The median home in Montana was built in 1980, 31% of households rent and 74% of homes are single-family houses. 51% of homes heat with utility gas and 27% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose a plumber in Montana?
- Ask for the license number and look it up yourself on the state or city license search. Licensing is set by the state in some places and by the city or county in others.
- Ask whether the job needs a permit. Water heater swaps, gas work and moving fixtures often do, and the licensed plumber pulls it.
- Get the price in writing: a flat rate for the job, or the hourly rate, the trip fee and how parts are billed.
- For emergencies, ask what the after-hours rate is before the plumber drives out.
- Ask who does the work. A licensed master can send helpers, but the license holder is responsible for the job.
Plumbers in other states
Sources: Montana licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.