Special thanks to Crew member Marie for sharing her firsthand experience and for sending us the official Montana state links that make this guide possible. Her diligence helps every parent in the Crew stand stronger.
The Street-Level Summary (Tony’s View)
Montana’s one of the last states where a parent can still walk in free — and walk out freer.
It’s simple, fast, and legal — but Tony says don’t mistake “easy” for “weak.”
“Just because it’s easy doesn’t mean you let your guard down.
You walk in calm, confident, and already holding the paperwork they’re too lazy to read.”
What You Need to Know
1️⃣ The Law
Montana allows religious exemptions for both school and childcare settings.
You’re not asking permission — you’re exercising a protected right under Montana Code Annotated § 20-5-403 and § 20-7-117.
The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) confirms: “Parents may file a religious exemption affidavit in lieu of immunization records.”
👉 State policy page: DPHHS School & Childcare Resources
2️⃣ The Form
Montana makes it official and simple:
Use Form HES 113 — Affidavit of Exemption on Religious Grounds
Key facts:
- No notary required anymore (that requirement was dropped a few years ago).
- One form per child.
- You only sign — no explanation, no pastor letter, no church name.
- Schools must accept the signed affidavit.
Tony’s take:
“Never volunteer details they didn’t ask for. You’re claiming a right, not asking for a favor.”
3️⃣ How to File
- Print and sign the HES 113 form (black ink, clean copy).
- Submit directly to the school or district office — not to your doctor.
- Keep a copy with your records.
- If anyone “loses” it or claims they can’t accept it, re-submit calmly with a printed copy of the DPHHS webpage.
Tony says:
“When they act confused, it’s not your job to educate ’em.
Just slide the form across the counter and let the silence do the work.”
4️⃣ Real-World Insight — Marie’s Story
Marie’s family came from California — straight out of the SB 277 chaos.
She remembers schools threatening, double-talking, and pushing Tdap for a 20-minute teacher meeting.
In Montana? Total opposite.
“We moved here 2½ years ago — exemptions are so easy to get it almost feels strange.
I was told my son’s religious exemption from California was still on file, but I just filled the Montana form anyway to keep it clean.”
That’s how it’s done: stay organized, stay calm, stay one step ahead.
Tony’s Street Rules
- Bring the law, not your nerves.
You’re covered by statute — not by opinion. - No extra explanations.
The form says “religious grounds.” That’s it. No essays. - Don’t mix stories.
Religious exemption ≠ medical exemption ≠ philosophical objection. Stick to one. - Keep copies like cash.
File it in two places — paper + digital. - If they threaten exclusion during an outbreak:
- That’s temporary.
- It’s policy theater, not punishment.
- Use the time to reinforce your child’s health naturally and document everything.
Tony’s closer:
“They want you scared of the door. Don’t be.
The law’s on your side — and the Crew’s got your back.”
Finding Vaccine-Choice Friendly Doctors in Montana
Many parents discover that some clinics fully respect exemptions — while others still pressure or refuse care.
You can browse our Montana directory of vaccine-choice friendly doctors here:
👉 Find a Vaccine-Choice Friendly Doctor in Montana
Each doctor listing includes ratings from parents who’ve actually been there — so you can walk in prepared and confident.
Montana in One Line
✅ Religious exemption available
✅ No notary
✅ No explanation
✅ Simple one-page form
✅ Works statewide (public, private, and home-based programs)
Get Daily Parent Intel
Got your exemption filed? Tell your story — and get real-world vaccine choice updates straight from Chris & Tony.
Prepared by: Chris & Tony
VaxCalc Labs — Protecting parents from medical pressure, one state at a time.
