Montana Electrician License Reciprocity Guide
Yes. Montana has reciprocity with 14 states.
Typical timeline: 4–5 weeks. Always confirm details with Montana State Electrical Board (Department of Labor & Industry) before applying.
Reciprocal states (14)
| State | Classes covered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AK · Alaska | Journeyman, Master | — |
| AR · Arkansas | Journeyman, Master | — |
| CO · Colorado | Journeyman, Master | — |
| ID · Idaho | Journeyman, Master | State-to-state agreement only — verify with Board |
| MN · Minnesota | Journeyman, Master | — |
| ND · North Dakota | Journeyman, Master | — |
| NE · Nebraska | Journeyman, Master | — |
| NH · New Hampshire | Journeyman, Master | — |
| NM · New Mexico | Journeyman, Master | — |
| OK · Oklahoma | Journeyman | — |
| SD · South Dakota | Journeyman, Master | — |
| TX · Texas | Journeyman, Master | — |
| UT · Utah | Journeyman, Master | — |
| WY · Wyoming | Journeyman, Master | — |
Requirements checklist
- Licensed 1+ year in your home stateLicense must be current and in good standing.
- 8,000 hours of documented experience
- No exam for reciprocal applicantsReciprocal-state applicants exempt from Montana exam. Credentialing-state applicants (non-reciprocal but recognized) must have obtained original license by exam with 75%+ score.
- Experience affidavitNot required.
- Letter of good standingNot required.
Board accepts continuing education from any reciprocal state (16 hours per renewal, 8 minimum on code updates). Complete and routine applications processed within 30 days. Contact: DLIBSDHELP@MT.GOV.
Fees
| License class | Total | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman | $250 | Application by reciprocity: $250 ($240 if by exam) |
| Master | $250 | Application by reciprocity: $250 ($240 if by exam) |
How to apply in Montana
- Complete the Montana State Electrical Board (Department of Labor & Industry) reciprocal application — official application.
- Attach proof of 1+ year of licensure.
- Submit to Montana State Electrical Board (Department of Labor & Industry), 301 South Park, 4th Floor, Helena, MT 59620.
- Questions? Call (406) 444-6880. Allow 4–5 weeks for processing.
Apprentice Registration
- Registration fee
- Contact board — Contact MT State Electrical Board for current apprentice registration fee — not published in application PDFs
- Renewal
- Not published
- License duration
- 4 years
- Employer requirements
- Must work under supervision of a licensed MT journeyman, master, or residential electrician. Registration through Montana Registered Apprenticeship program (apprenticeship.mt.gov).
1. Secure employment with a licensed MT electrical contractor 2. Register through Montana Registered Apprenticeship (apprenticeship.mt.gov) 3. Complete required practical work hours over minimum 4 years under supervision 4. Complete required classroom instruction 5. Apply for journeyman exam upon completion
Montana's apprenticeship runs through the state's Registered Apprenticeship program rather than a standalone electrical apprentice card. Fees are set at the program level — contact the Board or apprenticeship.mt.gov for current schedule.
Moving from another state?
- Must re-register: Yes
- Out-of-state hours transfer: Unclear — contact board
Montana does not publicly document a policy for transferring apprentice hours from another state. Contact MT State Electrical Board at (406) 444-6880 or DLIBSDHELP@MT.GOV to confirm your specific case.
Apprentice rules change often — confirm with Montana before relying on this summary.
Coming from a non-reciprocal state?
If you're not from a reciprocal state, MT offers a "credentialing" pathway: your out-of-state license must be currently active, held for at least 1 year, obtained by state exam with a score of 75% or greater, with no active complaints. You obtain the license verification yourself (unlike reciprocal states where the Board obtains it).
If neither reciprocity nor credentialing applies, you take the MT exam via PSI (open-book, 2020 NEC). Temp work permit available for $50 while waiting for exam.
Application by exam: $240. Temporary work permit: $50.
Local licensing notes
No additional municipal electrician licenses in Montana. State Electrical Board license covers Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Great Falls, and all other MT cities.
Related
These states accept your Montana license: Oklahoma, Utah, Arkansas, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, Idaho, Oregon, Alaska, New Mexico.
Current openings in Montana: Journeyman Electrician jobs · Apprentice Electrician jobs.
Licensed and ready for more? See which certifications unlock higher pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Montana have electrician license reciprocity?
Yes. Montana has reciprocity agreements with 14 states: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, and 9 others.
How much does electrician reciprocity cost in Montana?
journeyman: $250 (Application by reciprocity: $250 ($240 if by exam)); master: $250 (Application by reciprocity: $250 ($240 if by exam))
How long does the Montana reciprocity process take?
Typical processing time is 4-5 weeks once the Montana State Electrical Board (Department of Labor & Industry) receives a complete application with verification from your issuing state.
Do I need to take an exam to reciprocate my license into Montana?
No. Reciprocal applicants from partner states are exempt from the Montana exam. Reciprocal-state applicants exempt from Montana exam. Credentialing-state applicants (non-reciprocal but recognized) must have obtained original license by exam with 75%+ score.
Can I transfer apprentice hours to Montana?
Unclear — the Montana licensing agency does not publicly document a policy on transferring apprentice hours. Montana does not publicly document a policy for transferring apprentice hours from another state. Contact MT State Electrical Board at (406) 444-6880 or DLIBSDHELP@MT.GOV to confirm your specific case.
Licensed in Montana? See the full list of states that accept your license.
Last verified 2026-09-26 · Source: Montana State Electrical Board (Department of Labor & Industry). Reciprocity data is informational only and may be stale. Confirm with the destination state licensing board before applying.