Contractor License from Montana to Idaho: Does It Transfer? (2026)
There is no Idaho license to transfer into: Idaho issues no general contractor license and requires only a state registration. Register with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) rather than applying for reciprocity. Idaho's electrical and plumbing license reciprocity does cover Montana; choose that trade to check it.
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Same data, interactive — with share link and board links.
Verdict
No state license to transfer
There is nothing at state level to transfer your Montana license into: Idaho issues no general contractor license and requires only a registration. Register with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) and work from its rules; your Montana credentials and experience may help there, but no state agreement applies to general contracting. Its electrical, plumbing licenses do have reciprocity — select your trade in the checker.
What changes, Montana → Idaho
| Montana (current) | Idaho (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Registration fee on file: the DLI Construction Contractor Registration ($70, non-refundable, valid two years) | Registration fee not on file — check with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) |
| Processing time | Not on file — check with the Montana DLI Employment Relations Division | Not on file — check with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) |
| Licensing authority | Registration: Montana DLI Employment Relations Division; trade licenses: Montana State Electrical Board (DLI Business Standards Division); Construction Contractor Registration (DLI Employment Relations Division) | Registration: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL); trade licenses: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) — Electrical and Plumbing Boards |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Idaho sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Register with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL): Idaho issues no general contractor license, so there is no license to transfer by reciprocity.
- Check the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) (linked on this page) for its current registration requirements and fee — rules change.
- Electrical and plumbing work is licensed statewide in Idaho and handled separately: use the checker with your trade selected.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Idaho accept a Montana contractor license?
There is no Idaho license to transfer into: Idaho issues no general contractor license and requires only a state registration. Register with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) rather than applying for reciprocity. Idaho's electrical and plumbing license reciprocity does cover Montana; choose that trade to check it.
What applies in Idaho without a state general contractor license?
Idaho's contractor registration with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) — there is no state general contractor license or exam to transfer into. Trade licenses Idaho does issue are a separate question for the checker.
What fees apply in Idaho, and how long does processing take?
Registration fee not on file — check with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Registration processing: not on file — check with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL).
Would the NASCLA exam help for this move?
Not for general contracting: Idaho issues no state general contractor license, so there is no state GC exam for NASCLA to replace.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-09-01.
- Idaho DOPL — Electrical Program FAQs (reciprocal agreements) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Idaho DOPL — Licenses That Idaho Will Reciprocate (Electrical & Plumbing) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Idaho DOPL — HVAC Program FAQs (no reciprocity) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Montana State Electrical Board - License Information ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Montana DLI ERD - Construction/Independent Contractor Registration ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Montana State Electrical Board - Electrical Contractor licensing requirements and application checklist ($210 application fee) ↗ (accessed 2026-09-01)
- Montana State Electrical Board - Master Electrician checklist ($190 application fee, substantial equivalency or examination) ↗ (accessed 2026-09-01)
- Montana DLI ERD - Application for Construction Contractor Registration ($70 non-refundable, valid two years) ↗ (accessed 2026-09-01)
- Montana DLI ERD - Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate application ($125 non-refundable) ↗ (accessed 2026-09-01)
- Montana State Electrical Board - Journeyman Electrician application checklist ($190 application fee, substantial equivalency or examination; $50 temporary work permit) ↗ (accessed 2026-09-01)
- Montana State Electrical Board - Journeyman Electrician licence page ("ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE") ↗ (accessed 2026-09-01)
- Montana State Electrical Board - Electrical Contractor licence page ("Fees:(Non-refundable)") ↗ (accessed 2026-09-01)
Reviewed by the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-09-01
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]