Montana physicians must hold an active Montana medical license before practicing in the state. The Montana Board of Medical Examiners accepts both the FSMB Uniform Application and a direct online application, giving physicians flexibility in how they apply. Montana does not issue temporary licenses, and all 1099 independent contractors are required to hold a Montana Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) before starting work. Physicians authorized to prescribe must also register with the Montana Prescription Drug Registry (MPDR). This guide covers the full process, including fees, DEA registration, and what to expect on timeline.
Montana Board of Medical Examiners Contact Information
Montana Board of Medical Examiners
Mailing Address: PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513
Physical Address: 301 S. Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT 59620
Phone: (406) 444-6880
Email: [email protected]
Website: Montana Board of Medical Examiners
Montana Physician Licensing: At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $375 (nonrefundable, covers a two-year license) |
| Temporary License | Not available. Montana does not issue temporary licenses for physicians. |
| Fingerprint/Background Check Fee | $30 (paid to the Montana Department of Justice) |
| Total Fees | $405 |
| Initial Review Timeline | Approximately 30 days for a complete, routine application |
| Application Options | FSMB Uniform Application or Montana online/paper application |
| FSMB Uniform Application | Accepted. Apply through fsmb.org/uniform-application if you have an existing UA. |
| Compact State | No. All physicians must apply for a Montana medical license to practice in the state. |
| MPDR Registration | Required for all physicians authorized to prescribe or dispense. $60 ($30 annual fee) collected at each two-year license renewal, not required at initial application. |
| ICEC Required | Yes. All 1099 independent contractors must hold a Montana ICEC before starting work, unless they have a Montana-registered corporation. |
Physician License Application
Montana accepts applications through three routes. The online application through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry portal is the fastest option. The FSMB Uniform Application is accepted for physicians who already have an existing UA or prefer to apply through FSMB. A paper application is also available for download from the Board of Medical Examiners website.
- Online application: ebiz.mt.gov
- FSMB Uniform Application: fsmb.org/uniform-application
- Paper application: boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/med/renewal/phy-app.pdf
The Board of Medical Examiners maintains a FAQ page with answers to common physician licensing questions. Reviewing this before starting your application can clarify requirements and reduce back-and-forth with the board.
Licensing Fees
- Physician license application fee: $375 (nonrefundable, two-year license)
- Fingerprint/background check fee: $30 (paid to the Montana Department of Justice)
- MPDR annual fee: $30/year ($60 collected at each two-year license renewal), not required at initial application.
Licensing Timeline
A routine, complete application typically takes approximately 30 days to process once the board has received all required materials. Non-routine applications, where additional information is needed, will take longer. The board will notify applicants of any deficiencies. Montana does not issue temporary licenses, so the permanent license must be in hand before starting any assignment. Submit your application as early as possible relative to your target start date.
No Temporary License
Montana does not issue temporary licenses for physicians. Your permanent Montana medical license must be active before you can begin any assignment in the state. With a standard processing window of approximately 30 days for complete applications, plan accordingly when scheduling your first Montana assignment.
DEA Registration
You will need a Montana address registered on your DEA license before starting any assignment where you will be prescribing. This is not a prerequisite for the Montana medical license itself, but it is required before you can legally prescribe in the state.
Most locum tenens physicians transfer their existing DEA license to Montana immediately before an assignment begins rather than purchasing an additional license. Either approach is acceptable. Changes to your DEA registration can be made through the DEA Diversion Control Division website.
Note: Transferring an existing DEA license to a new state can take up to 5 business days. Plan accordingly.
Montana Prescription Drug Registry (MPDR)
All Montana-licensed physicians authorized to prescribe or dispense prescription drugs are required to register with the Montana Prescription Drug Registry (MPDR). The MPDR is a state-run controlled substance monitoring program that gives prescribers access to a patient’s controlled substance prescription history for Schedules II through V, helping improve patient care and identify potential misuse or diversion.
MPDR registration is separate from your DEA registration. DEA authorizes prescribing at the federal level; MPDR is the Montana-specific monitoring program that prescribers must enroll in independently.
Register through the MPDR’s PMP AWARxE portal. For full registration instructions, review the MPDR Healthcare Provider Registration guide. You can log in to the MPDR at montana.pmpaware.net. For more information, visit the MPDR Overview page.
Fee: $30 annually, collected as part of the Montana license renewal process. This fee is required whether or not you are physically located in Montana or actively using the MPDR online program.
Fingerprinting
Montana requires all physician license applicants to submit a full set of fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check, per MCA 37-20-402. The fingerprint card (Form FD-258) is obtained from the Montana Board of Medical Examiners or your local law enforcement agency and must be mailed to the Montana Department of Justice with a $30 processing fee.
The board will send you a fingerprint card example upon application submittal that includes the correct code and field instructions specific to your license type. Follow those instructions carefully — an incorrectly completed or unreadable card will cause delays.
Montana Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC)
All 1099 independent contractors in Montana are required to hold a valid Montana ICEC before starting work in the state. The ICEC exempts independent contractors from state-provided worker’s compensation coverage and functions as Montana’s equivalent of a business license.
For reference, a sample ICEC application is available to help guide you through the process.
Exception: If you have a corporation (LLC, PLLC, S-Corp, or similar) registered in Montana, the ICEC is not required.
Important: Independent contractors can be fined up to $1,000 for operating without a valid ICEC.
ICEC Point Requirement
Montana requires independent contractors to accumulate 15 points of business-related documentation to qualify for an ICEC. The point system demonstrates that you are genuinely established in your trade. For most locum tenens physicians working with WMS, some combination of the following documents will reach the 15-point threshold:
- Montana physician license – 3 points
- National Board Certificate (proof of board certification) – 3 points
- Medical degree or diploma – 3 points
- Signed and dated list of tools and equipment (e.g., stethoscope, reference books, laptop) – 6 points
- WMS Contract and Rate Sheet – 6 points
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Montana accept the FSMB Uniform Application for physician licensure?
Yes. Montana accepts the FSMB Uniform Application for physicians who already have an existing UA or prefer to apply through that route. Alternatively, physicians can apply directly through the Montana online portal at ebiz.mt.gov or by submitting a paper application.
Does Montana issue temporary physician licenses?
No. Montana does not issue temporary licenses for physicians. Your permanent Montana medical license must be active before starting any assignment in the state. A complete, routine application typically processes in approximately 30 days.
How long does it take to get a Montana physician license?
A routine application with no deficiencies typically takes approximately 30 days from the time the board receives a complete file. Non-routine applications that require additional information will take longer. The board will notify you of any deficiencies. Because Montana does not issue temporary licenses, plan your first assignment start date with this window in mind.
What happens if my application is non-routine?
If the board needs additional information to process your application, it will notify you of the deficiency. Addressing deficiencies promptly will keep the process moving. Contact the board at (406) 444-6880 or [email protected] if you have questions about your application status.
What is the Montana MPDR and do I need to register?
The Montana Prescription Drug Registry (MPDR) is a state-run controlled substance monitoring program. All Montana-licensed physicians authorized to prescribe or dispense are required to register. The MPDR gives you access to a patient’s controlled substance prescription history for Schedules II through V. Registration is done separately from your license application through the PMP AWARxE portal at montana.pmpaware.net.
Do I need a DEA registration for Montana?
If you will be prescribing controlled substances, yes. You need a Montana address registered on your DEA license before starting any assignment where prescribing is required. Most locum tenens physicians transfer their existing DEA registration to reflect their Montana practice location before an assignment begins rather than obtaining an additional license. Transfers can take up to 5 business days.
Is the MPDR the same as DEA registration?
No. DEA registration is a federal requirement that authorizes you to prescribe controlled substances. MPDR registration is a Montana-specific requirement that enrolls you in the state’s prescription monitoring program. Both are required for physicians prescribing in Montana, and each is handled through a separate process.
When is the MPDR fee due?
The $30 annual MPDR fee is collected as part of the Montana license renewal process, not at initial application. It is required whether or not you are physically located in Montana or actively using the MPDR online program.
What is the Montana ICEC and do I need one?
The Montana Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) is required for all 1099 independent contractors working in Montana, unless you have a Montana-registered corporation. It exempts you from state worker’s compensation and serves as Montana’s equivalent of a business license. Operating without a valid ICEC can result in a fine of up to $1,000.
How do I qualify for the Montana ICEC?
You need to accumulate 15 points of business documentation. For most locum tenens physicians, this typically includes some combination of: your Montana physician license (3 points), national board certification (3 points), medical degree or diploma (3 points), a signed list of professional tools and equipment (6 points), and your WMS contract and rate sheet (6 points).
What is the best way to follow up with the Montana Board of Medical Examiners?
You can reach the board by phone during business hours at (406) 444-6880, or by email at [email protected]. The online portal at ebiz.mt.gov also allows you to monitor your application status.
IT‘S TIME TO START YOUR LIFE’S
NEXT CHAPTER
Rediscover your love for medicine, and redefine what service means. Reset your expectations for what life can offer, and reinvigorate yourself in this beautiful country of ours. Wilderness Medical Staffing wants to put you on the path to life’s next chapter today.
IT‘S TIME TO START YOUR LIFE’S
NEXT CHAPTER
Rediscover your love for medicine, and redefine what service means. Reset your expectations for what life can offer, and reinvigorate yourself in this beautiful country of ours. Wilderness Medical Staffing wants to put you on the path to life’s next chapter today.
Wilderness Medical Staffing (WMS) is a team of experienced staffing experts. We provide locum tenens staffing of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs. We specialize in placing excellent, compassionate providers in rural clinics, hospitals, and communities across the continental Northwest and Alaska.
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