---
title: Montana Certified Payroll: Where It Goes | WellStanding
url: https://wellstanding.com/guides/montana-certified-payroll/
description: Montana has no routine DLI payroll submission. See the 5 day clock after a wage complaint and MDT's monthly CRL withholding by contract size.
updated: 2026-11-05
type: guide
publisher: WellStanding Certified Payroll
---
# Montana certified payroll: who requires it and where it goes

This page reads [MCA 18-2-423](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0230/0180-0020-0040-0230.html) (2025 text), the [Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) public contracts page](https://erd.dli.mt.gov/labor-standards/public-contracts-prevailing-wage-law/) and the [Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) specification book effective June 25, 2026](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/specifications/2025/2026-SPEC-BOOK-JUNE.pdf).

Last reviewed November 5, 2026 against the sources it cites

The short answer

DLI collects no payroll on a schedule; [18-2-423](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0230/0180-0020-0040-0230.html) lets it require certified copies after a complaint, with 5 days to provide an employee's records after a wage violation complaint. On [MDT contracts that carry the CRL specification](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/business/contracting/pw-resources.aspx), the prime and every sub submit weekly in AASHTOWare CRL. In the specification books effective [January 15, 2026](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/specifications/2025/2026-SPEC-BOOK-JAN.pdf) and June 25, 2026, MDT also withholds [$7,500 to $60,000 a month](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/specifications/2025/2026-SPEC-BOOK-JUNE.pdf) while a contract is in non-compliance status.

- [MCA 18-2-423](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0230/0180-0020-0040-0230.html) gives a contractor or subcontractor 5 days from receiving DLI's payroll request to provide the employee's payroll records once a wage violation complaint is filed.
- [MCA 18-2-401(11)(a)](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0010/0180-0020-0040-0010.html) covers contracts with a total cost in excess of $25,000, so a $25,000 contract is outside it even though one DLI page says $25,000 or more.
- MDT's [CRL resources page](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/business/contracting/pw-resources.aspx) says contracts will have a special provision if CRL applies, and subsection 108.01.4(A) of the [specification book effective June 25, 2026](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/specifications/2025/2026-SPEC-BOOK-JUNE.pdf) requires the prime and every subcontractor to use AASHTOWare CRL.
- Table 108-2 in the [same book](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/specifications/2025/2026-SPEC-BOOK-JUNE.pdf) withholds $7,500 a month from the progress estimate of a contract in non-compliance status when the original contract amount is up to $250,000, rising to $60,000 above $40,000,000.
- Specification 108.01.4(A)(1) requires the prime and every subcontractor to hold a CRL login before work, and MDT's [CRL guide](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/manuals_guidelines/AASHTOWARE-CRL/AASHTOWareElectronicPayrolls.pdf) says access can take a minimum of 2 business days.
- Under [MCA 37-45-302](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0370/chapter_0450/part_0030/section_0020/0370-0450-0030-0020.html), a DLI determination of unprofessional conduct subjects the person to a penalty of up to $5,000 and a suspension or debarment of rights to public works contracts.

## A payroll request from DLI, or a held MDT estimate

After a wage violation complaint, you have 5 days from receiving DLI's payroll request to provide the employee's payroll records ([18-2-423](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0230/0180-0020-0040-0230.html)); if you refuse, the commissioner can [subpoena them](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0240/0180-0020-0040-0240.html). For a held MDT estimate, see the MDT section.

## Does Montana require certified payroll?

Not as a routine DLI submission. Every public works contract must carry a clause requiring you to keep payroll records ready to certify ([18-2-422](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0220/0180-0020-0040-0220.html)), and when a complaint alleges noncompliance with it, DLI may require the project to submit certified copies ([18-2-423](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0230/0180-0020-0040-0230.html)). Find your row:

| Who owns the job | What you submit | To whom, and when |
| --- | --- | --- |
| State, county, municipal or school contract over [$25,000](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0010/0180-0020-0040-0010.html) | Nothing on a schedule; DLI or the agency can ask to inspect records ([DLI's guide](https://erd.dli.mt.gov/labor-standards/public-contracts-prevailing-wage-law/prevailing-wage-guide)) | DLI or the agency, on request ([DLI's guide](https://erd.dli.mt.gov/labor-standards/public-contracts-prevailing-wage-law/prevailing-wage-guide)). After a wage violation complaint, the employee's records are due within 5 days of receiving DLI's request ([18-2-423](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0230/0180-0020-0040-0230.html)) |
| MDT contract with the CRL specification | Weekly payroll in [AASHTOWare CRL](https://wellstanding.com/guides/aashtoware-civil-rights-labor-certified-payroll/) | MDT. The prime must ensure subs submit within 7 calendar days of the contractor's scheduled payment date (108.01.4(A)) |
| Davis-Bacon or Related Acts job | Weekly certified payroll ([29 CFR 5.5(a)(3)(ii)(A)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-A/part-5/subpart-A/section-5.5)) | The agency, or the applicant, sponsor or owner if the agency is not a party |

This part of the state act, which includes 18-2-423, does not apply where federal law determines the standard prevailing rate ([18-2-402(2)](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0020/0180-0020-0040-0020.html)). On a federally funded transportation contract, MDT says its Labor Compliance office accepts complaints about nonpayment of prevailing wages ([MDT's prevailing wage page](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/business/contracting/prevailing-wage.aspx)). See our [WH-347 guide](https://wellstanding.com/guides/wh-347/) and [state table](https://wellstanding.com/guides/certified-payroll-requirements-by-state/).

## State and local jobs over $25,000

A public works contract is one for construction services let by the state, county, municipality, school district or political subdivision, or for nonconstruction services let by the state, county, municipality or political subdivision, with a total cost in excess of $25,000 ([18-2-401(11)(a)](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0010/0180-0020-0040-0010.html)). Human services contracts of the Department of Public Health and Human Services are excluded (18-2-401(11)(b)). DLI's [overview](https://erd.dli.mt.gov/labor-standards/public-contracts-prevailing-wage-law/) says $25,000 or more; the statute controls, so exactly $25,000 is outside it. If a public works contract omits the provisions 18-2-422 requires, the wage obligation moves to the agency ([18-2-403(9)](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0030/0180-0020-0040-0030.html)).

Hourly employees must be paid weekly (18-2-423). Contracts must carry a clause requiring you to keep payroll records readily capable of being certified for at least 3 years after you finish your work (18-2-422(2)). A statement of all wages and fringe benefits must be posted at the site by the first day of work ([18-2-406](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0060/0180-0020-0040-0060.html)).

DLI's [FAQ](https://erd.dli.mt.gov/labor-standards/public-contracts-prevailing-wage-law/faqs) defines a certified payroll as a copy of the weekly payroll the employer has signed to affirm that it is correct and complete, that job classifications conform with the work performed, and that wages paid are not less than the applicable rates. The statute sets the 5 days only for a wage violation complaint, and no deadline for the certified copies DLI may require after a noncompliance complaint. DLI's overview links its [prevailing wage administrative rules](https://rules.mt.gov/browse/collections/aec52c46-128e-4279-9068-8af5d5432d74/sections/09998dbb-2ca2-4bcb-a241-694b7da03687); that site could not be read when this page was written, so this page does not describe them.

### When it goes wrong

- **Penalties.** Underpayers forfeit to the worker the wages owed plus $25 a day, and to DLI up to 20% of delinquent wages plus fringe benefits and costs ([18-2-407(1)](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0070/0180-0020-0040-0070.html), subject to 18-2-403).
- **Money held.** Every public works contract keeps at least $1,000 of the price until it ends ([18-2-404(2)](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0040/0180-0020-0040-0040.html)). On any failure to comply with the part, the agency must also retain $1,000 as liquidated damages, and for gross negligence the commissioner may retain up to $10,000 more ([18-2-432(1)](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0320/0180-0020-0040-0320.html)).
- **Debarment.** A commissioner's finding of aggravated or willful violation brings ineligibility for up to 3 years after final judgment (18-2-432(2)).

## MDT contracts that carry the CRL specification: weekly payroll in AASHTOWare CRL

MDT's [CRL resources page](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/business/contracting/pw-resources.aspx) says MDT is transitioning to AASHTOWare CRL from the hard copy paper process and that contracts will have a special provision if the new system applies. Subsection 108.01.4 carries the CRL duty in the 2025 Edition books, from the [January 9, 2025 book](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/specifications/2025/2025-SPEC-BOOK-JAN.pdf) onward; the [2020 Edition V5.1](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/specifications/2020/SPEC-BOOK/2020-SPEC-BOOK-5-1.pdf), still listed on MDT's [specifications page](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/business/contracting/standard-specs.aspx), has no CRL text. So the duty comes from 108.01.4 or from a special provision; check your contract.

Where it applies, 108.01.4(A) of the [2025 Edition specifications, effective June 25, 2026](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/specifications/2025/2026-SPEC-BOOK-JUNE.pdf) requires the prime and every subcontractor, regardless of tier, to submit certified payrolls in AASHTOWare Project Civil Rights and Labor (CRL) and to pay and submit payrolls weekly. The prime must ensure subs submit within 7 calendar days following the contractor's scheduled payment date.

### The withholding table

Under 108.01.4(C) of the specification books effective [January 15, 2026](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/specifications/2025/2026-SPEC-BOOK-JAN.pdf) and [June 25, 2026](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/specifications/2025/2026-SPEC-BOOK-JUNE.pdf), a contract in non-compliance status takes a monthly withholding from the progress estimate under Table 108-2, more for continued non-compliance, and the whole estimate if the withholding is larger.

| Original contract amount | Monthly withholding |
| --- | --- |
| Up to $250,000 | $7,500 |
| More than $250,000 to $1,000,000 | $10,000 |
| More than $1,000,000 to $3,000,000 | $15,000 |
| More than $3,000,000 to $10,000,000 | $20,000 |
| More than $10,000,000 to $20,000,000 | $32,500 |
| More than $20,000,000 to $40,000,000 | $45,000 |
| More than $40,000,000 | $60,000 |

Withholdings become permanent if outstanding payrolls are not submitted before you submit the Final Acceptance and the Final Labor Certificate is issued with a non-compliant finding. The specification does not define non-compliance status. The [June 26, 2025 edition](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/specifications/2025/2025-SPEC-BOOK-JUNE.pdf) has no payroll withholding.

### Get CRL access before work

1. **Request access.** Hold an MDT Vendor Number, then submit the [CRL Access Request Form](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/business/contracting/crl-access.aspx) with a legal officer's attestation that the person may sign and submit.
2. **Wait for the login,** which 108.01.4(A)(1) requires before work. MDT's [CRL guide](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/manuals_guidelines/AASHTOWARE-CRL/AASHTOWareElectronicPayrolls.pdf), updated June 22, 2023, says a minimum of 2 business days.

### Where MDT's documents disagree

- **The clock.** The specification counts from the scheduled payment date. On federal-aid projects, MDT's [manual](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/manuals_guidelines/Labor-Compliance-Manual.pdf) (January 5, 2023) has the prime submit every weekly payroll within 7 days after the regular payment date, and its [Davis-Bacon guide](https://ftp.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/manuals_guidelines/Davis-Bacon-Guide.pdf) (July 9, 2019) counts 7 days from the payroll period end date, the earlier date when payment follows it. Ask MDT in writing which applies; without an answer, use the earlier.
- **Where payrolls go.** The manual and the guide, which cover federal-aid projects, send payrolls to the MDT engineering project manager (EPM), and the guide does not mention CRL; the specification and CRL guide use CRL. Ask your project manager which applies.
- **Paper.** The CRL guide says paper payrolls will not be accepted, while the resources page says contracts carry a special provision where CRL applies. The [June 25, 2026 FHWA-1273 that MDT hosts](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/contractor_resources/Contract-Provisions-for-Federal-Aid-Construction-Contracts-June-25-2026.pdf) says an agency requiring an electronic system must permit other methods where a contractor is unable or limited in its ability to use or access it (paragraph 3.b.(1)); ask MDT in writing. See [FHWA-1273 changes](https://wellstanding.com/guides/fhwa-1273-changes-2026/).

## City contracts: Billings and Missoula

Two documents, not citywide rules. **Billings:** Section 01.42.50 of [Addendum 1, April 2, 2026](https://www.billingsmt.gov/DocumentCenter/View/55545/Annafeld-Park-6-and-7-Filing---Addenda1) for one park project has the contractor and each sub keep weekly certified payroll and submit it to the owner on request. **Missoula:** the City's [example agreement](https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/74191), a 2025 template, has you keep records ready to certify under 18-2-423 for 3 years and forwards infractions to DLI. It sets no scheduled submission.

## The Construction Contractor License since January 1, 2026

DLI's [HB 239 notice](https://erd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/work-comp-regs/HB-239-Notice-to-Construction-Contractors.pdf) says registration became a license on January 1, 2026. Under [37-45-201(1)](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0370/chapter_0450/part_0020/section_0010/0370-0450-0020-0010.html) you may not engage in business as a construction contractor without a license, with exemptions in [37-45-104](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0370/chapter_0450/part_0010/section_0040/0370-0450-0010-0040.html). The public works link is a penalty: unprofessional conduct under [37-45-301](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0370/chapter_0450/part_0030/section_0010/0370-0450-0030-0010.html) carries up to $5,000 and a suspension or debarment of rights to public works contracts ([37-45-302(1)](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0370/chapter_0450/part_0030/section_0020/0370-0450-0030-0020.html)).

We prepare certified payroll for public works contractors. Tell us about your project.

## Questions

**Does Montana require certified payroll?**

Not as a routine DLI filing. A wage violation complaint starts a 5 day clock. MDT contracts that carry the CRL specification require weekly submission in CRL, and Davis-Bacon jobs carry the weekly Davis-Bacon payroll.

**Is there a Montana state certified payroll form?**

18-2-423 names no form, and the three DLI pages cited here link only the federal WH-347. On MDT jobs with CRL you enter the payroll in CRL by hand, XML import or MDT's spreadsheet.

**Does MDT give the withholding back?**

In the specification books effective January 15, 2026 and June 25, 2026, subsection 108.01.4 makes a withholding permanent if outstanding payrolls are not submitted before you submit the Final Acceptance and the Final Labor Certificate is issued with a non-compliant finding. It does not say how a withholding is released before then. Ask your MDT project manager.

**Does the license decide whether I can bid public work?**

The statute requires a license to do business as a construction contractor, with exemptions. Its public works text is the penalty above.

## Sources

Every figure on this page links to its source where it first appears. The full list, in order:

1. [MCA 18-2-423](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0230/0180-0020-0040-0230.html) mca.legmt.gov
2. [Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) public contracts page](https://erd.dli.mt.gov/labor-standards/public-contracts-prevailing-wage-law/) erd.dli.mt.gov
3. [Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) specification book effective June 25, 2026](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/specifications/2025/2026-SPEC-BOOK-JUNE.pdf) mdt.mt.gov
4. [MDT contracts that carry the CRL specification](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/business/contracting/pw-resources.aspx) mdt.mt.gov
5. [January 15, 2026](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/specifications/2025/2026-SPEC-BOOK-JAN.pdf) mdt.mt.gov
6. [MCA 18-2-401(11)(a)](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0010/0180-0020-0040-0010.html) mca.legmt.gov
7. [CRL guide](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/manuals_guidelines/AASHTOWARE-CRL/AASHTOWareElectronicPayrolls.pdf) mdt.mt.gov
8. [MCA 37-45-302](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0370/chapter_0450/part_0030/section_0020/0370-0450-0030-0020.html) mca.legmt.gov
9. [subpoena them](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0240/0180-0020-0040-0240.html) mca.legmt.gov
10. [18-2-422](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0220/0180-0020-0040-0220.html) mca.legmt.gov
11. [DLI's guide](https://erd.dli.mt.gov/labor-standards/public-contracts-prevailing-wage-law/prevailing-wage-guide) erd.dli.mt.gov
12. [29 CFR 5.5(a)(3)(ii)(A)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-A/part-5/subpart-A/section-5.5) ecfr.gov
13. [18-2-402(2)](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0020/0180-0020-0040-0020.html) mca.legmt.gov
14. [MDT's prevailing wage page](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/business/contracting/prevailing-wage.aspx) mdt.mt.gov
15. [18-2-403(9)](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0030/0180-0020-0040-0030.html) mca.legmt.gov
16. [18-2-406](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0060/0180-0020-0040-0060.html) mca.legmt.gov
17. [FAQ](https://erd.dli.mt.gov/labor-standards/public-contracts-prevailing-wage-law/faqs) erd.dli.mt.gov
18. [prevailing wage administrative rules](https://rules.mt.gov/browse/collections/aec52c46-128e-4279-9068-8af5d5432d74/sections/09998dbb-2ca2-4bcb-a241-694b7da03687) rules.mt.gov
19. [18-2-407(1)](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0070/0180-0020-0040-0070.html) mca.legmt.gov
20. [18-2-404(2)](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0040/0180-0020-0040-0040.html) mca.legmt.gov
21. [18-2-432(1)](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0180/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0320/0180-0020-0040-0320.html) mca.legmt.gov
22. [January 9, 2025 book](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/specifications/2025/2025-SPEC-BOOK-JAN.pdf) mdt.mt.gov
23. [2020 Edition V5.1](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/specifications/2020/SPEC-BOOK/2020-SPEC-BOOK-5-1.pdf) mdt.mt.gov
24. [specifications page](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/business/contracting/standard-specs.aspx) mdt.mt.gov
25. [June 26, 2025 edition](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/specifications/2025/2025-SPEC-BOOK-JUNE.pdf) mdt.mt.gov
26. [CRL Access Request Form](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/business/contracting/crl-access.aspx) mdt.mt.gov
27. [manual](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/manuals_guidelines/Labor-Compliance-Manual.pdf) mdt.mt.gov
28. [Davis-Bacon guide](https://ftp.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/manuals_guidelines/Davis-Bacon-Guide.pdf) ftp.mdt.mt.gov
29. [June 25, 2026 FHWA-1273 that MDT hosts](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/other/webdata/external/const/contractor_resources/Contract-Provisions-for-Federal-Aid-Construction-Contracts-June-25-2026.pdf) mdt.mt.gov
30. [Addendum 1, April 2, 2026](https://www.billingsmt.gov/DocumentCenter/View/55545/Annafeld-Park-6-and-7-Filing---Addenda1) billingsmt.gov
31. [example agreement](https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/74191) ci.missoula.mt.us
32. [HB 239 notice](https://erd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/work-comp-regs/HB-239-Notice-to-Construction-Contractors.pdf) erd.dli.mt.gov
33. [37-45-201(1)](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0370/chapter_0450/part_0020/section_0010/0370-0450-0020-0010.html) mca.legmt.gov
34. [37-45-104](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0370/chapter_0450/part_0010/section_0040/0370-0450-0010-0040.html) mca.legmt.gov
35. [37-45-301](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0370/chapter_0450/part_0030/section_0010/0370-0450-0030-0010.html) mca.legmt.gov

## Related

- [Certified payroll requirements by state](https://wellstanding.com/guides/certified-payroll-requirements-by-state/)
- [AASHTOWare CRL payroll by state DOT](https://wellstanding.com/guides/aashtoware-civil-rights-labor-certified-payroll/)
- [How to fill out Form WH-347](https://wellstanding.com/guides/wh-347/)
- [FHWA-1273 changes in 2026](https://wellstanding.com/guides/fhwa-1273-changes-2026/)
- [SF-1444 additional classification](https://wellstanding.com/guides/sf-1444-additional-classification/)