Renew your Montana driver's license in Billings at the Department of Justice office on North 27th Street

In Billings, you renew your driver's license at the Montana Department of Justice, Driver Services Bureau office located at 303 North 27th Street. You can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The in-person office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and does not require an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

Your renewal timeline depends on when your license expires and whether you need a Real ID-compliant card. Standard renewals take about 10 business days by mail or same-day if you renew in person. Real ID cards take longer because they require additional document verification.

Key Takeaways

  • The Billings Driver Services office is at 303 North 27th Street and is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no appointment needed.
  • You can renew by mail, online, or in person, but online renewal is only available if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements.
  • Bring your current license, proof of Montana residency, and payment; Real ID renewals require additional documents like a birth certificate or passport.
  • Standard renewals cost $60 for an eight-year license; Real ID cards cost $75 and take two to three weeks to arrive by mail.
  • If your license is expired by more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online and must appear in person.

What documents you need to bring to the Billings office

Bring your current Montana driver's license or ID card. If you do not have it, bring a valid passport or passport card. You also need proof of your current Montana address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government check or tax return also works.

If you are renewing a standard license (not Real ID), those two items are usually enough. If you want a Real ID-compliant card, you must also bring proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099) and proof of your date of birth and citizenship. A birth certificate, passport, passport card, or naturalization papers all work for this.

Bring payment in cash, check, or debit/credit card. The office does not accept personal checks, only cashier's checks or money orders by mail.

Renewing by mail from Billings

Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired or expired by fewer than 12 months. Complete the process for Driver License or Identification Card (form DL 40), which you can read from the Montana Department of Justice website or request by calling the Billings office at (406) 444-3933.

Mail your completed form, current license, proof of residency, and payment to the address on the form. Processing takes about 10 business days from the date the office receives your envelope. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your new license mailed back to you; otherwise, you can pick it up at the Billings office.

If you are renewing a Real ID card by mail, include your proof of Social Security number and proof of citizenship as well. Real ID renewals by mail take two to three weeks because the office must verify your documents before printing your card.

Renewing online through Montana's system

Online renewal through the Montana Department of Justice website is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have a valid email address, and you do not need a Real ID card. You cannot renew online if you have changed your name, address, or other information since your last license was issued.

Visit the Montana Department of Justice Driver Services website, log in or create an account, and follow the steps to renew. You pay by credit or debit card. Your new license is mailed to your address on file within 10 business days. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal: $60 for a standard eight-year license.

If you need a Real ID card, you must renew in person at the Billings office because the state requires you to show original documents for citizenship and identity verification.

Real ID requirements and what they cost

A Real ID-compliant driver's license or ID card meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings without a passport. Montana began issuing Real ID cards in 2009, and they are now the standard. Your current license may or may not be Real ID-compliant depending on when you last renewed.

A Real ID renewal in Billings costs $75 for an eight-year license, compared to $60 for a standard license. You must renew in person or by mail and bring your original birth certificate, passport, or passport card, plus proof of your Social Security number. The office verifies these documents before printing your card, which adds one to two weeks to processing time.

If you are not sure whether your current license is Real ID-compliant, look for a small star in the upper right corner of the card. If the star is there, your license already meets federal requirements. If not, you can renew to a Real ID card at your next renewal or request one sooner by visiting the Billings office.

Fees, payment methods, and what happens if your license is expired

A standard eight-year Montana driver's license costs $60. A Real ID card costs $75. A four-year license costs $40 if you are 21 or older and do not want the full eight-year term. Payment is due at the time of renewal. The Billings office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards in person. By mail, send a check or money order only; do not send cash.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must appear in person at the Billings office and may be required to pass a vision test or written test depending on how long it has been expired. Bring all the same documents you would for a standard renewal.

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the standard process. There is no penalty or extra fee for renewing a license that is slightly expired.

What to expect at the Billings office on North 27th Street

Walk in during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) with your documents and payment. There is no appointment system. Wait times are usually shortest in the early morning or late afternoon on weekdays. The office is busier on Mondays and Fridays.

A staff member will review your documents, take your photo, and process your payment. If you are renewing a standard license, you will receive your new card the same day. If you are renewing a Real ID card, the office will mail it to you within two to three weeks.

If any of your documents are missing or incomplete, the staff member will tell you what you need to bring back. You cannot complete your renewal that day if documents are missing. Ask for a list of what is needed so you do not make a second trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Montana license if I have moved out of state?

No. You must be a Montana resident to hold a Montana driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you need to get a license from your new state of residence. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Montana resident, you can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You must appear in person at the Billings office. Bring a valid passport, passport card, or other government-issued ID instead of your Montana license. You will also need proof of residency and payment. The office will issue a replacement license the same day.

How long does a Real ID card take to arrive if I renew by mail?

Real ID cards take two to three weeks to arrive by mail after the office receives your process. Standard licenses take about 10 business days. If you need your license quickly, renew in person at the Billings office and pick up a standard license the same day, then request a Real ID card at your next renewal.

Do I need a Real ID card to drive in Montana?

No. A standard Montana driver's license is valid for driving in all 50 states. You only need a Real ID card if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without a passport. For driving, either card works.

Can I renew my license if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person at the Billings office or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and all other required documents. The office will update your name and issue a new license.