Where to renew your license in Missoula

In Missoula, you renew your driver's license at the Montana Department of Justice, Driver Services Bureau. The office is located at 303 N. Jackson Street, Missoula, MT 59802. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. If you want to check current wait times or confirm hours before you go, call 406-444-3933. You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions, which is covered below.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at the Driver Services office on Jackson Street in Missoula, or by mail if your license is not suspended and you have not had a name change since your last renewal.
  • Bring your current license, proof of Montana residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or card.
  • A standard renewal costs $40 for an eight-year license and takes about 15 minutes in person.
  • If your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must come in person to retake the written test and eye exam.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses cost $10 more and require proof of citizenship or legal residency in addition to the standard documents.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current Montana driver's license or learner's permit. If you do not have it, bring a state ID card or passport. You also need one document showing your current Montana address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Have your Social Security number ready. You can bring your Social Security card, but you do not have to. If you have changed your name since your last renewal (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change order from the court.

If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead of a standard Montana license, bring proof of citizenship or legal residency. A U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card all work. Real ID licenses cost $10 more than standard renewals.

Renewal by mail

You can renew by mail if your current license is valid (not expired), you have not had a name change since your last renewal, and your license is not suspended or revoked. Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — typically three to four weeks from the time the office receives your process.

To renew by mail, contact the Driver Services Bureau at 406-444-3933 and ask them to send you a renewal form. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $40 (or $50 for Real ID), and mail it with a copy of your proof of residency to the address they provide. You will receive your new license by mail.

Mail renewal is useful if you cannot take time off work or have mobility issues, but it means you will be without a physical license for several weeks. Some people keep their old license as a backup during that time.

Cost and what you get

A standard eight-year Montana driver's license renewal costs $40. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead, add $10 for a total of $50. Real ID licenses meet federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings, and they have a gold star in the top right corner.

You do not have to get Real ID — a standard license is still valid for driving and most everyday uses. But if you plan to fly domestically or visit a federal courthouse or military base, Real ID is required starting in 2025. You can upgrade to Real ID at any renewal or visit.

The office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order only.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Montana license expired fewer than three years ago, you can renew it at the Missoula office just as if it were still valid. Bring the same documents and pay the same fee.

If your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew — you must reapply as a new driver. This means you will need to take the written test and the eye exam again, and you may need to take the driving test depending on how long it has been. Contact the Driver Services Bureau at 406-444-3933 to find out what tests you need and to schedule an appointment, since new applications require one.

Renewing if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Montana license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first clear the suspension or revocation. Suspensions are usually tied to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or unpaid court costs. Revocations are more serious and are usually tied to DUI convictions or reckless driving.

Contact the Driver Services Bureau at 406-444-3933 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to clear it. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew normally. Until then, you cannot legally drive in Montana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Montana does not offer online renewal. You must renew in person at the Missoula office or by mail. Phone renewal is not available either.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew in person?

You receive your new license the same day you renew in person. The office prints it on-site before you leave. If you renew by mail, expect three to four weeks.

What if I moved to Missoula from another state?

You need to get a Montana license within 30 days of moving here. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Montana residency, and your Social Security number. The fee is the same as renewal. You will take a new written test and eye exam.

Can I renew if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?

It depends. If the ticket resulted in a fine that is unpaid, your license may be suspended and you cannot renew until you pay it. Call 406-444-3933 to check your status before you go to the office.

Do I need an appointment?

No. Walk-ins are welcome at the Missoula office. However, if you need to reapply as a new driver (because your license expired more than three years ago), you must call ahead to schedule an appointment.