Bulletproof Handyman

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana?

By , Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

Montana does not have a traditional general contractor license or a dollar-threshold handyman exemption. Instead, contractors must register with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry: sole proprietors without employees can obtain an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) for $125 (2 years), while contractors with employees or those operating as corporations/manager-managed LLCs must register as Construction Contractors for $70 (2 years). Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing) require separate state licenses. Great Falls requires a city Business License (formerly called Safety Inspection Certificate) through Planning & Community Development, with fees not published online but typically $50–$200 annually. Malmstrom Air Force Base is located within Great Falls city limits and requires federal contractor registration (SAM.gov) for any on-base work.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Great Falls

Based on the MT threshold, handymen in Great Falls commonly take on:

⚠️ What Requires a License

Business License — Great Falls

Required. Business License (formerly called Safety Inspection Certificate / SIC)

Setting Up Your Business in MT

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in MT: $35 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Great Falls

  1. Step 1: Determine your business structure. If you are a solo contractor without employees, you can operate as a sole proprietor or form an LLC. If you have employees, you MUST form an LLC or corporation and register as a Construction Contractor.
  2. Step 2: Register with Montana Department of Labor & Industry. File either a Construction Contractor Registration ($70, 2 years) if you have employees or operate as a corporation/manager-managed LLC, OR an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate ($125, 2 years) if you are a solo contractor. Apply at https://erd.dli.mt.gov/work-comp-regulations/montana-contractor/construction-contractor-registration or call (406) 444-7734.
  3. Step 3: Form an LLC (optional but recommended). File Articles of Organization with the Montana Secretary of State at biz.sosmt.gov for $35 (one-time). Annual reports are free through 2027 if filed by April 15.
  4. Step 4: Obtain a City of Great Falls Business License. Contact Planning & Community Development at (406) 455-8430 or visit #2 Park Drive South, Room 112, Great Falls, MT 59403. Complete the Contractor License Verification Form and provide proof of state licensing, insurance, and bonding. Confirm the current fee amount (not published online).
  5. Step 5: Obtain general liability insurance. Most cities and property owners require proof of insurance. Typical cost: $300–$800 annually.
  6. Step 6: If you perform electrical or plumbing work, obtain the appropriate state trade license. Contact the Montana State Electrical Board or State Plumbing Board through the Business Standards Division at https://bsd.dli.mt.gov or (406) 444-6880.
  7. Step 7: If you plan to work on Malmstrom Air Force Base, register in SAM.gov at https://sam.gov (free) and contact the Malmstrom AFB Contracting Office at (406) 731-1110 for specific procedures.
  8. Step 8: If you plan to work on tribal land, contact the specific tribal business licensing office for the reservation where you plan to work.

Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.