Montana driver's license renewal basics
Montana allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a local Motor Vehicle Division office. Which method you use depends on your license type, how much time you have before expiration, and whether your address or other information has changed. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your Montana license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew up to one year before it expires. The state sends no reminder notice, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date — check the front of your card or log into your account at dor.mt.gov to confirm when yours expires.
Key Takeaways
- Montana offers online renewal through the Department of Revenue website for most drivers, and the process takes about 10 minutes if your information has not changed.
- You must renew in person if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information.
- Mail renewal is available but slower than online; you will need to submit your current license, a completed process form, and payment by check or money order.
- The renewal fee is $45 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card online or by check or money order by mail.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 10 to 15 business days of approval if you renew online or by mail.
Online renewal through the Montana Department of Revenue
Online renewal is the fastest and most common route. Go to dor.mt.gov, select "Driver License Services," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to confirm your current address, verify your Social Security number, and review your personal information for accuracy. If everything matches your records, you can pay the $45 renewal fee by credit card or debit card and submit your process when ready.
After you submit, the system will tell you whether your renewal was approved on the spot or if the state needs to review it further. Most renewals are approved when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 to 15 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you need to change your name, address, or other personal details; or if your current license was issued outside Montana. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Division office
Visit any Montana Motor Vehicle Division office with your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days), and payment of $45. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the dor.mt.gov office locator to find the office nearest you and see current wait times if available.
In-person renewal is required if you are changing your name, address, or other personal information; if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled; or if you need to update your photo. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
You will receive your new license on the spot if you renew in person. The office will give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is being produced and mailed to you.
Mail renewal by submitting your current license
Complete the Driver License process (Form DL-44), available on the dor.mt.gov website. Print it, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license, a check or money order for $45 made payable to "Montana Department of Revenue," and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days) to:
Montana Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division 301 South Park Avenue Helena, MT 59601
Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal. The state typically processes mail applications within 10 to 15 business days of receipt, and your new license will arrive by mail within another 10 to 15 business days. Plan for a total of three to four weeks from the time you mail your process. Do not mail your current license until you are certain you will not need it for identification during the renewal period.
What to do if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled
If your Montana license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Bring your current license (or a state ID if your license is no longer valid), proof of residency, and payment of $45. The office will check the status of your license and tell you whether you can renew or whether you must resolve the suspension or revocation first.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain insurance. If your license is suspended for one of these reasons, you will need to resolve the underlying issue before the Motor Vehicle Division will renew it. Contact the office or call the Motor Vehicle Division at 406-444-3933 to find out what you need to do.
Changing your address, name, or other personal information during renewal
If you have moved, changed your name, or need to update any other personal information on your license, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days), and payment of $45. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change.
You cannot make these changes online or by mail. The Motor Vehicle Division requires you to appear in person so staff can verify your identity and the accuracy of the new information. You will receive your new license on the spot, valid when ready.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for an eight-year Montana driver's license is $45. Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card — payment methods may vary by office, so call ahead if you have questions about what your local office accepts.
There are no additional fees for standard renewal. If you need a replacement license before your renewal is complete (for example, if your license is lost or stolen), you can request an interim license at any Motor Vehicle Division office for $10, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being produced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Montana license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail regardless of where you live, as long as your current Montana license is still valid and your personal information has not changed. If you need to change your address to an out-of-state address, you must renew in person or contact the Motor Vehicle Division to confirm the process.
What if my license expired more than one year ago?
You cannot renew an expired license. You must explore for a new license in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and payment of $45. The office will issue you a new license on the spot.
How long does it take to receive my new license by mail?
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive within 10 to 15 business days of approval. Total time from process to receipt is usually two to three weeks for online renewal and three to four weeks for mail renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No. Montana allows you to keep your current photo when you renew online or by mail. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. A new photo is required if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled.
What if I lose my license before my renewal arrives?
Visit any Motor Vehicle Division office and request an interim license for $10. It is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your permanent renewed license is being produced and mailed. You can also request a replacement license if you prefer not to wait for your renewal to arrive.