What you need to do to replace your Montana driver's license

If your Montana driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it by visiting a Montana Motor Vehicle Division office in person or by mail. The process takes about two weeks by mail and is usually faster in person. You will need to bring proof of identity and pay a replacement fee — currently $10 for a standard license — though this amount can change.

The key difference between a replacement and a renewal is that a replacement happens before your license expires, while a renewal happens at or near your expiration date. Both use the same process form and require the same documents, but they are processed separately by the Motor Vehicle Division.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your Montana driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Division office or by mail using Form MV-14.
  • A replacement costs $10 and requires proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, passport, or tribal ID card.
  • In-person replacement usually takes a few minutes; by mail it typically takes two weeks.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local law enforcement and request a new license number to protect against identity theft.

Replacing your license in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office

The fastest way to replace your license is to visit a Motor Vehicle Division office. You will fill out Form MV-14 (process for Montana Driver's License or Permit) on the spot, show your proof of identity, pay the $10 fee, and receive your replacement license when ready or within a few minutes. You do not need to take a new written test or road test unless your license was suspended or revoked.

Bring your current license if you still have it, even if it is damaged. If it is lost or stolen, bring one form of acceptable proof of identity: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a tribal ID card, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, such as a Social Security card and a utility bill with your current address.

Motor Vehicle Division offices are located in Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, Missoula, and several smaller towns. You can find the full list and office hours on the Montana Department of Justice website. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also call ahead to confirm wait times.

Replacing your license by mail

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can request a replacement by mail. Complete Form MV-14, make a copy of your proof of identity, and mail both documents along with a check or money order for $10 to the Motor Vehicle Division address listed on the form. Include a note explaining that you are requesting a replacement (not a renewal) and whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.

Processing by mail typically takes two weeks from the date the Motor Vehicle Division receives your packet. Mail delivery itself can add several days on each end, so plan for three to four weeks total. If you need your license sooner, in-person replacement is your faster option.

Do not send cash through the mail. The Motor Vehicle Division will not accept it, and you risk losing the money. Use a check, money order, or credit card. If you pay by credit card, you will need to include a completed credit card authorization form, which you can read from the Motor Vehicle Division website.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, consider reporting the theft to local law enforcement. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. You do not need a police report to replace your license, but having one on file can help if identity theft occurs later.

When you request your replacement, you can ask the Motor Vehicle Division to issue you a new license number instead of reissuing the same number. This adds a small layer of protection against someone using your old number. Let the office staff or include a note with your mail-in request explaining that your license was stolen and you would like a new number assigned.

Replacing a damaged or unreadable license

If your license is still in your possession but is damaged, faded, or unreadable — for example, if the photo or information is no longer visible — you can replace it the same way you would replace a lost license. Bring the damaged license with you to an office, or mail it along with your Form MV-14 if you are requesting a replacement by mail.

The Motor Vehicle Division will destroy the old license and issue a new one with the same number (unless you request otherwise). You do not need to explain the damage in detail; straightforward tell the staff member or include a brief note that the license is unreadable.

License replacement fees and what they cover

A replacement license costs $10 in Montana. This is a one-time fee that covers the cost of producing and issuing your new license. The fee does not change based on whether you replace it in person or by mail, or whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.

If you are replacing your license before it expires, you will not pay a renewal fee later. Your new license will have the same expiration date as your original license would have had. For example, if your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement will also expire in 2027.

Temporary driving while you wait for your replacement

Montana does not issue a temporary paper license or permit while you wait for your replacement to arrive. If you replaced your license in person, you can drive when ready with your new license. If you requested a replacement by mail and do not yet have it, you cannot legally drive until it arrives.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, your only option is to visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person to get your license when ready. This is why in-person replacement is the better choice if you need to drive soon after losing or damaging your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. Montana does not offer online license replacement. You must either visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person or mail in your request with Form MV-14 and proof of identity.

What if I lost my license and do not have any proof of identity?

You will need to obtain at least one form of acceptable proof of identity before you can replace your license. Start with a U.S. passport process or a certified birth certificate from the state where you were born. Your local county clerk or vital records office can help you get a birth certificate.

Do I have to take a new written test or road test to replace my license?

No. A replacement is not a renewal or a new license. You do not retake any tests unless your license was suspended or revoked for a traffic violation or other reason.

How long is my replacement license valid?

Your replacement license is valid until the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement will also expire in 2027, even if you just received it.

What if the Motor Vehicle Division loses my mail-in request?

If you do not receive your replacement license within four weeks of mailing your request, contact the Motor Vehicle Division directly. Have your name, date of birth, and the date you mailed your request ready. They can check whether your packet was received and reissue your license if needed.