Montana renewal works by mail, online, or in person depending on your license type and how long it's been since you last renewed
Montana offers three paths to renew: mail, online through the state's website, or at a local Motor Vehicle Division office. Which one you can use depends on whether your license is a standard driver's license or a REAL ID, how many years have passed since your last renewal, and whether you've had any address changes or violations. Most people can renew by mail or online without visiting an office at all.
Your Montana driver's license is valid for eight years if you're under 21, or eight years if you're 21 and older. The state will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for that notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Montana sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you can renew anytime during the last year your license is valid.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not a REAL ID and you have no address changes or violations to report.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and payment, and takes two to three weeks for the new license to arrive.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office is required if you have a REAL ID, need a new photo, or cannot use mail or online options.
- Renewal fees in Montana are $80 for an eight-year license, though the cost may vary if you add endorsements or change your address.
Renewing online through the Montana website
Online renewal is the fastest method if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your current license is a standard Montana driver's license (not a REAL ID), you have no address changes, and you have no recent violations or suspensions. Go to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division website, select the renewal option, and enter your driver's license number and date of birth to start.
You'll need to upload a recent photo or use the photo already on file with the state. The system will ask you to review your information, confirm your address, and pay the renewal fee of $80 using a credit or debit card. Once you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks.
If the online system tells you that you don't meet the requirements for online renewal, you'll need to use mail or visit an office in person. This usually happens if your address has changed, you have a REAL ID, or there are flags on your driving record.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal takes longer than online but requires no office visit. Request a renewal form from the Motor Vehicle Division by calling 406-444-3933, or read the form from the state website. You can also pick up a form at any Motor Vehicle Division office or authorized sub-office.
Fill out the form completely, including your current address. Attach a copy of your current Montana driver's license (both sides), a recent photo if you want a new one on your license, and a check or money order for $80 made payable to the Motor Vehicle Division. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the Motor Vehicle Division receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. If you need your license faster, mail renewal is not the best choice—consider visiting an office in person instead.
Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office
In-person renewal is required if you have a REAL ID, need a new photo, or cannot renew by mail or online. Bring your current Montana driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
The Motor Vehicle Division has offices in most Montana cities and towns, as well as authorized sub-offices in smaller communities. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the state website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online to reduce your wait.
At the office, staff will take a new photo for your license, verify your information, and process your payment. You'll receive a temporary paper license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you, which usually arrives within two weeks. The renewal fee is $80.
REAL ID renewal and what's different
If your current license has a gold star or says "REAL ID" on it, you cannot renew it by mail or online. REAL ID licenses require an in-person visit to verify your identity and documents. Bring your current REAL ID license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a valid passport, passport card, or birth certificate.
The process at the office is the same as a standard in-person renewal, except the staff will examine your identity documents more carefully. Your new REAL ID license will be mailed to you within two weeks and will have the same gold star or REAL ID marking. The renewal fee is the same: $80.
If you don't have a REAL ID and want one, you must renew in person and bring the additional identity documents. A REAL ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, so many people choose to upgrade when they renew.
What to do if your license has expired or is about to expire
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using any of the three methods—mail, online, or in person. Montana allows you to renew a license for up to one year after it expires. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as possible.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it. Instead, you'll need to explore for a new license as if you were a first-time driver. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a road test. Contact your local Motor Vehicle Division office for details on how to reapply.
Fees, payment methods, and what happens next
The standard renewal fee for an eight-year Montana driver's license is $80. If you're renewing by mail or online, you can pay by credit card or debit card. If you're renewing in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card—policies vary by office, so call ahead if you want to confirm.
If you add endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement) or make other changes to your license, the fee may be higher. The Motor Vehicle Division website lists all fees. Once you've paid and submitted your renewal, you cannot get a refund, even if you change your mind.
After you renew, your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address with the Motor Vehicle Division and have the license forwarded. If your license doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Montana license before the renewal notice arrives?
Yes. You can renew anytime during the last year your license is valid. You don't have to wait for the renewal notice from the state. Renewing early means your new license will arrive before your current one expires, so you won't risk driving with an expired license.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
If you're renewing by mail or in person, you can update your address on the renewal form or at the office. If you're renewing online and have an address change, the system will direct you to renew in person or by mail instead. You can also update your address with the Motor Vehicle Division without renewing your license by visiting an office or calling 406-444-3933.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, the state will use your current photo unless you request a new one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. If you're renewing by mail, you can include a recent photo and request that it be used, though the office may not be able to accommodate this depending on their equipment.
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
Online renewal takes about two weeks. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Motor Vehicle Division receives your packet. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks.
What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?
Contact the Motor Vehicle Division right away to report it lost. You can request a replacement license at any office. If you've already submitted a renewal, the office can check the status and may be able to expedite the process. You'll pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.