Plumbing 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)

1. Montana Board of Plumbers — Master Plumber License (business registers as construction contractor)

   Montana licenses individual plumbers (journeyman and master) through the Montana Board of Plumbers — there is no separate 'plumbing contractor' license from the board. A plumbing business must have a Montana-licensed Master Plumber and register with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry as a construction contractor (registration is being converted to a DLI license under MCA Title 37, ch. 45, effective January 1, 2026). Per-project plumbing permits are pulled from the local building department.

   Official government source

   Individual master/journeyman license fees are set by the board (see the current application; FY2026 renewal fees were 100% abated). Construction contractor registration fee is separate.·4–8 weeks

   Individual master/journeyman license fees are set by the board (see the current application; FY2026 renewal fees were 100% abated). Construction contractor registration fee 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 Plumbing Permit (per project)

   A separate permit must be pulled with the local building/plumbing department for each job. Inspections are required upon job 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 State Plumbing Board — Plumbing Contractor License
• City of Billings City Clerk

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