Where to Renew Your Montana License in Billings

The Billings Driver Services office is located at 2716 West Main Street, Billings, MT 59102. This is the only Montana Department of Justice Driver Services location in Yellowstone County. 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, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. If you cannot visit in person, Montana allows mail-in renewal for standard license renewals only — not for commercial licenses, hazmat endorsements, or if your license is suspended or revoked. The mail-in process takes longer than in-person renewal, so plan accordingly.

You can also renew online through the Montana Driver Services website if you meet specific conditions: your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have any suspensions or restrictions. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • The Billings Driver Services office at 2716 West Main Street is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and accepts walk-ins without appointments.
  • Montana allows online renewal if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no suspensions, which costs $25 and takes about 10 business days.
  • Mail-in renewal is available for standard licenses but takes longer than in-person or online renewal and requires you to mail in your current license.
  • In-person renewal at the Billings office takes about 30 minutes and costs $40 for an eight-year license or $20 for a four-year license.
  • You must bring a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of Montana residency to renew in person.

Documents You Need for In-Person Renewal in Billings

Montana requires two categories of documents at the Billings Driver Services office: proof of identity and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, or a Tribal ID card. The document must be current or expired no more than one year.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Montana address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a vehicle registration. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you have moved recently and cannot produce a 60-day-old document, bring two documents showing your old address and one showing your new address, plus a signed statement explaining the move.

Bring your current Montana driver's license to the office. If your license is lost or stolen, tell the staff when you arrive — you will need to pay an additional $5 fee for a replacement. If you are renewing a commercial license or adding an endorsement, bring your current medical certificate (if required) and any other endorsement-specific documents.

Renewal Fees and License Duration in Montana

Montana charges different fees based on the license type and how long you want it to be valid. A standard eight-year driver's license costs $40 in person. A four-year license costs $20. Online renewal costs $25 and produces an eight-year license. Mail-in renewal costs $40 for an eight-year license.

The Billings office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to the Montana Department of Justice. The office does not accept payment plans or partial payments — you must pay the full fee at the time of renewal.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. In-person renewal produces a temporary paper license you can use when ready while your plastic card is being printed and mailed. The plastic card typically arrives within 10 to 15 business days. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the Billings office to report it.

Renewing Online or by Mail from Billings

Online renewal through the Montana Driver Services website is the fastest and cheapest option if you meet the requirements. Your license must have expired less than one year ago, you must have no suspensions or restrictions, and you must have a valid email address on file with the state. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the online process.

The online system will ask you to verify your identity, confirm your address, and choose your license duration (four or eight years). You pay $25 by credit or debit card. Your new license is printed and mailed to your address on file within about 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary paper license with online renewal, so plan your timing if you need to drive before the plastic card arrives.

Mail-in renewal requires you to print a form from the Montana Driver Services website, fill it out, and mail it along with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $40 to the address listed on the form. The state processes mail-in renewals in the order they are received, which can take three to four weeks. Your new license is mailed back to you separately from your old license, so you will not have a valid license to carry during the processing period. Mail-in renewal is not recommended if you need to drive regularly.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired or Suspended

If your Montana license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires taking the written test, vision test, and photo at the Billings Driver Services office. Bring the same documents as you would for renewal, plus $40 for the new license fee. The process takes about one hour.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at all until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Montana Driver Services office at (406) 444-3933 to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps you must take to restore your driving privileges. Some suspensions are lifted automatically after a set period; others require you to pay a reinstatement fee or complete a program.

If you have an outstanding traffic fine or child support obligation, Montana may suspend your license. The Billings office cannot lift the suspension — you must resolve the underlying issue first. Once resolved, contact the office that imposed the suspension to request reinstatement.

Billings Office Hours and Contact Information

The Billings Driver Services office is located at 2716 West Main Street, Billings, MT 59102. Phone: (406) 444-3933. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed on state holidays. There is no online appointment system for the Billings office — you must arrive in person during business hours.

Wait times are typically shortest on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. Avoid Monday and Friday if possible, as these days tend to have longer lines. If you call the office, expect a wait to reach a staff member during peak hours (9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.).

If you have questions about your specific renewal situation before visiting, call ahead. Staff can tell you whether you are may be able to access for online or mail-in renewal, whether you need additional documents, and approximately how long the in-person process will take.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing in Billings

The most common mistake is bringing the wrong proof of residency. Montana requires a document dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill from three months ago will not work. If you have recently moved and cannot produce a current document, bring two old documents plus one new one and a signed statement. Do not assume a document will work; call the Billings office ahead of time if you are unsure.

Another frequent error is attempting to renew online when you are not may be able to access. If your license expired more than one year ago, or if you have any suspension on your record, the online system will reject your process and you will have wasted time. Check your license expiration date and call the office to confirm you have no suspensions before attempting online renewal.

Do not mail in your license without making a copy first. If your mail-in renewal is lost or delayed, you will have no proof of your old license number. Keep a photocopy of both sides of your current license until you receive your new one in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Montana license at a different office if I am not in Billings?

Yes. Montana has Driver Services offices in Helena, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, and Butte, in addition to Billings. Any office can process your renewal. However, if you live in Billings, the Billings office is the most convenient. You can also renew online or by mail from anywhere.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and your other required documents to the Billings office. The staff will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. This takes about 30 minutes and costs the standard renewal fee.

Do I need a Real ID to renew my Montana driver's license?

No. A standard Montana driver's license is not a Real ID. If you want a Real ID-compliant license, you must request it at renewal and bring additional documents (passport, birth certificate, or state ID). A Real ID costs the same as a standard license but is required for federal building access and domestic flights after May 2025.

How long does it take to get my new license after renewing in person?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready after paying your fee. Your plastic license card is mailed to your address on file and typically arrives within 10 to 15 business days. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Billings office to report it missing.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?

Yes, you can renew your license if you have an unpaid ticket. However, if you have an unpaid fine that has been referred to collections or if a warrant has been issued, your license may be suspended. Call the Billings office or the court that issued the ticket to find out your status before visiting.