Verified October 10, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What optometrists miss in Montana
- The board page says licensing staff run the NPDB query after the application is filed; the January 2020 form still asks for a self-query.
- The January 2020 form lists a $300 endorsement fee, while the current board page lists $175. Confirm the amount before paying.
- Montana has no temporary optometry license, and verifications are required from every state where the OD has held a license.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a Montana license?
Optometrists licensed in another state apply by endorsement with NBEO Parts I and II, Part III or an equivalent state exam, TPA certification and a current unrestricted license. Neither the board page nor the application form sets a years-of-practice minimum.
- By endorsement
- Board: Montana Board of Optometry
Citation: Mont. Code Ann. 37-10-302; board license page; application form OPT/OPT (rev. Jan. 2020)
Which NBEO exams does Montana require?
Endorsement: Parts I and II, plus Part III or an equivalent state exam, plus TPA certification in place of TMOD. Licensure by examination needs Parts I, II, III and TMOD, with scores sent straight from NBEO.
- NBEO: I, II
Does Montana require a law exam?
The board page and application list no law exam. Applicants must read and understand the Montana statutes and board rules.
- No law exam
Does Montana give its own exam or interview?
No state exam. A non-routine application may require a personal appearance at a board meeting and can take up to 120 days.
What scope does a Montana license carry?
Montana law lets optometrists prescribe board-approved ocular drugs, treat glaucoma, and prescribe codeine, hydrocodone and dihydrocodeine products.
- Tiers: TPA certificate
- Applicants from other states: TPA certification
Citation: Mont. Code Ann. 37-10-101(1)
Can optometrists perform laser procedures in Montana?
Optometrists may perform anterior segment laser procedures, excluding refractive surgery and intravitreal injection, only after the board certifies their accredited didactic and clinical laser training.
- Laser procedures authorized by statute or rule
- Separate credential required
Citation: Mont. Code Ann. 37-10-101(3), 37-10-302(5) (amended 2025, ch. 130)
Does Montana require a controlled substance license?
The practice act names oral codeine, propoxyphene, hydrocodone and dihydrocodeine, alone or combined with unscheduled drugs.
What does a Montana optometry license cost?
- Application: $175 application fee, plus $75 for the optional TPA certificate (as of Oct 2026)
- Renewal: $175 every year (as of Oct 2026)
Citation: Board license page
How often does a Montana license renew?
36 CE hours every 2 years under ARM 24.168.21. Late renewal online runs 45 days, to Aug. 16, with a $175 late fee.
- Renews every year
- Due July 1 (renewal opens May 4; licenses expire July 2)
- 36 CE hours
Licensing in Montana?
We prepare every supporting document and a question-by-question guide, order your verifications and NBEO scores, and track the file to a decision; you answer, sign, pay the board and sit every exam. A license is $699 per state, or $799 where the state gives its own exam or interview.