HVAC Contractor Permit Requirements in Billings, MT

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Montana — No Sales Tax

   Montana has no state or local sales tax. Businesses do not need a sales tax permit. However, businesses must register with the Montana Department of Revenue for applicable business taxes (e.g., withholding, corporate income tax if applicable).

   Official government source

   Free (business registration)·Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)

   Free (business registration)

   Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)

2. EPA Section 608 Certification (for refrigerants)

   Technicians who purchase, recover, or handle refrigerants must hold EPA Section 608 certification. Required by federal law regardless of state.

   Official government source

   $20–$100 (exam)·1–2 days

   $20–$100 (exam)

   1–2 days

1. Montana DLI — Construction Contractor Registration (no state HVAC license)

   Montana does not issue a state HVAC or mechanical contractor license. HVAC businesses with employees must hold a Construction Contractor Registration from the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (solo operators may use an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate); effective January 1, 2026 the registration becomes a DLI construction contractor license under MCA Title 37, chapter 45. Federal EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerant handling, and mechanical permits are pulled from the local building department for each project.

   Official government source

   DLI construction contractor registration/license fee (see erd.dli.mt.gov for the current amount); EPA 608 certification exam cost is separate·4–8 weeks

   DLI construction contractor registration/license fee (see erd.dli.mt.gov for the current amount); EPA 608 certification exam cost is separate

   4–8 weeks

2. City of Billings — Business License (Finance Department)

   Billings requires a business license for any business activity conducted within the city — including home-based businesses and businesses located outside city limits that do business in Billings. The license documents payment of the city's annual business tax and is administered by the Finance Department. It is valid for one year from the month of issuance and must be renewed annually; a separate license is required for each business type and each location.

   Official government source

   Varies by business classification (annual business-license tax; some categories add employee-count and health fees). The city does not publish its Business Tax Fee Schedule online — contact City of Billings Finance, 406-657-8433, for current amounts.·1–3 weeks

   Varies by business classification (annual business-license tax; some categories add employee-count and health fees). The city does not publish its Business Tax Fee Schedule online — contact City of Billings Finance, 406-657-8433, for current amounts.

   1–3 weeks

3. Yellowstone County / Billings Mechanical Permit (per project)

   A mechanical permit must be obtained from the local building department for each HVAC installation or major repair. Inspections are required upon completion.

   Official government source

   Fees are project- and valuation-based per the City of Billings Building Division fee schedule; contact the Building Division (406-657-8270 area) or see the permit forms page for current amounts·1–5 business days

   Fees are project- and valuation-based per the City of Billings Building Division fee schedule; contact the Building Division (406-657-8270 area) or see the permit forms page for current amounts

   1–5 business days

Official Sources

• Montana Department of Labor and Industry — HVAC Mechanical Contractor License
• City of Billings City Clerk

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