Where to Renew Your License in Billings
In Billings, you renew your driver license at the Montana Department of Justice, Driver Services Bureau. The main office is located at 303 North Roberts Street in Helena, but Billings residents can use the Yellowstone County Driver Services office at 2815 Third Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101. This is the only location in Yellowstone County where you can renew in person.
You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Montana Driver Services website if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. The online option is the fastest route if you are may be able to access — you pay the fee, upload a new photo if required, and your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Walk-in appointments are accepted at the Billings office, but wait times vary. You can also schedule an appointment online through the Montana Driver Services website to reduce your time in the office. During peak hours (lunch and late afternoon on weekdays), waits can exceed 30 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- The Yellowstone County Driver Services office in Billings is at 2815 Third Avenue North and handles all in-person renewals for the area.
- You must renew before your license expires; Montana does not issue grace periods, and driving on an expired license is illegal.
- Online renewal is available if your license is not yet expired and you have not moved, and takes 7 to 10 business days.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment; the renewal fee is $80 for an eight-year license.
- If your license is already expired, you must renew in person at the Billings office or by mail; online renewal is not an option.
Documents You Need to Bring
For an in-person renewal at the Billings office, bring your current Montana driver license, one form of proof of residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Billings address. A government-issued ID from another state does not count as proof of residency.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your address since your last renewal, you must bring proof of your new address even if you are renewing online.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your immigration status and work authorization. Bring your current license even if it is expired; it speeds up the process and helps the staff verify your identity.
Renewal Fees and License Validity
A standard Montana driver license renewal costs $80 and is valid for eight years from the date of issue. This fee applies whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. Montana does not offer shorter validity periods or reduced fees for partial-year renewals.
If you are 21 or older, your license will expire on your birthday eight years after renewal. If you are under 21, your license expires on your birthday when you turn 21, and then again eight years after that. Check the expiration date on your current license to know when you must renew; you cannot drive legally after that date.
Payment methods at the Billings office include cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Online and mail renewals accept credit and debit cards only. There are no additional fees for scheduling an appointment or renewing by mail.
How to Renew by Mail from Billings
Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired, you have not had any address changes, and you have not had any violations or suspensions since your last renewal. To renew by mail, read the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL 40) from the Montana Driver Services website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $80 to the address listed on the form.
Processing time for mail renewals is typically 15 to 20 business days from the date the office receives your process. Your old license will be returned to you with your new one. Mail your process to the Montana Department of Justice, Driver Services Bureau, 303 North Roberts Street, Helena, MT 59601.
Do not mail your process to the Billings office; it must go to Helena. If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access to renew by mail, call the Billings office at (406) 247-5100 before you send your process. Ineligible applications are returned, which delays your renewal by several days.
Online Renewal and Photo Requirements
Online renewal through the Montana Driver Services website is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You must have a valid (not expired) license, no address changes since your last renewal, and no recent violations or suspensions. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to start the process.
If your license photo is more than eight years old, you will be required to upload a new digital photo as part of the online renewal. The photo must meet Montana's specifications: a clear, color headshot taken within the last 30 days, with a plain background, no sunglasses, and your face clearly visible. If your photo does not meet these requirements, your online renewal will be rejected and you will have to renew in person or by mail.
After you complete the online renewal, you will receive a confirmation email. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your license within 15 business days, contact the Billings office to check the status.
What to Do If Your License Is Already Expired
If your Montana license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at the Yellowstone County Driver Services office in Billings. Bring the same documents as for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
An expired license does not add any extra fees or requirements — the renewal cost is still $80 and the process is the same. However, you cannot legally drive until you have renewed. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving on an expired license, you can be cited, even if you have an appointment to renew or have already submitted a renewal process.
If your license expired more than three years ago, you may be required to retake the written knowledge test and vision test in addition to the standard renewal. Call the Billings office at (406) 247-5100 before you visit to confirm whether a test is required for your situation.
Hours, Contact Information, and Scheduling
The Yellowstone County Driver Services office in Billings is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. The office is located at 2815 Third Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101. Phone: (406) 247-5100. You can schedule an appointment online through the Montana Driver Services website or by calling the office directly.
If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all required documents. Walk-in appointments are accepted but may have longer wait times, especially during lunch hours (noon to 1:00 p.m.) and late afternoon (4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.). If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, do so at least 24 hours in advance through the website or by phone.
The office is closed on weekends and all Montana state holidays, including New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If a holiday falls on a Friday, the office is also closed on that day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Montana license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired. Renewing early does not extend the total validity of your license.
What if I have moved out of Billings but still have a Montana address?
If you have moved to a different Montana city or county, you must update your address before or during renewal. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). You can renew by mail or in person at the Billings office, but you cannot renew online if your address has changed.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
Only if you are renewing online and your current photo is more than eight years old. If you renew in person or by mail, the office will use your existing photo unless you request a new one. You can request a new photo at any renewal for no additional fee.
What happens if I lose my license before renewal?
You will need to obtain a replacement license before you can renew. Visit the Billings office in person with your proof of residency and payment ($80 for a replacement). Once you have the replacement, you can renew when ready if you wish, or wait until the replacement expires.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew in person, by mail, or online yourself. A family member or representative cannot renew on your behalf. If you are unable to visit the office, mail renewal is your best option.