What you need to get a Montana driver's license
Montana issues driver's licenses through the Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division. You will need to visit a local Motor Vehicle office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. To get your first license or renew an expired one, bring proof of identity, proof of Montana residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Proof of identity means a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. If you do not have one of those, you can bring a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a school or work ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, with your name and current address on it.
You will also take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving test (unless you are renewing and have not had violations). The written test is offered in multiple languages. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, such as a tax return or W-2.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Motor Vehicle office in person with proof of identity, proof of Montana residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- First-time applicants take a written test, vision test, and driving test; renewals may skip the driving test depending on your record.
- A standard Montana driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, and renewal by mail is available in some cases if you meet certain conditions.
- The Motor Vehicle Division website lists all local office locations and hours, which vary by county.
How to find your local Motor Vehicle office
Montana has Motor Vehicle offices in most counties. The Department of Justice Motor Vehicle Division website has a searchable list of all office locations, phone numbers, and hours. Offices are not open on weekends, and hours vary — some close for lunch or operate limited hours on certain days. Call ahead or check the website before you go, because some smaller offices have limited staff and may close unexpectedly.
If you live in a rural area far from an office, some counties offer mobile services or allow you to schedule an appointment at a different location. The office staff can tell you whether that option is available in your county.
Costs and how long the process takes
A standard eight-year driver's license costs money, and the fee varies slightly depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing a lost or damaged one. Check the Motor Vehicle Division website or call your local office for the exact fee in your county, as some offices charge slightly different amounts.
You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass your tests. Your actual plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before the card arrives, the temporary license is valid for driving.
Renewing your license before it expires
You can renew your Montana driver's license up to one year before the expiration date printed on the front. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old one expired.
If you have a clean driving record with no violations or suspensions, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting an office in person. The Motor Vehicle Division will tell you whether you are may be able to access when you contact them. If you have had violations, you will need to visit an office and may need to retake the driving test.
What happens if your license expires
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Montana. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to retake all tests — written, vision, and driving — as if you were a new applicant. If it has been expired for less than one year, you may only need to retake the vision test, depending on the Motor Vehicle Division's rules at the time you renew.
The sooner you renew after expiration, the fewer tests you will have to repeat. If you are unsure whether you need to retake tests, call your local Motor Vehicle office and ask.
Getting a Real ID-compliant Montana license
Montana offers a standard driver's license and a Real ID-compliant license. The Real ID version meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings without a passport. It looks similar to a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner.
Getting a Real ID license requires the same documents as a standard license, plus additional proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The fee is slightly higher than a standard license. If you already have a valid passport or passport card, you do not need a Real ID license for air travel — your passport works instead.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit a Motor Vehicle office and bring proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. You do not need to retake any tests. The office will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your replacement card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and keep a copy of the report. Some people also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, though this is not required by Montana law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Montana license online?
You can renew online only if you meet specific conditions: your license must not be expired, you must have a clean driving record, and you must have a Real ID-compliant license or be willing to get one. Not all drivers are may be able to access. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division or your local office to find out whether you can renew online.
What if I move to Montana from another state?
You must get a Montana driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Montana residency, and proof of identity. You will take the written and vision tests but may not need to take the driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have no violations.
How do I change my name or address on my license?
Visit a Motor Vehicle office with proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order) or proof of your new address (such as a utility bill). You do not need to retake tests. The office will issue a replacement license with the updated information.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test. The Motor Vehicle office will tell you how many days you must wait before scheduling another test — this varies by location. You do not need to retake the written or vision tests unless they have also expired.
Is there a grace period if my license expires while I'm out of state?
Montana does not have an official grace period for expired licenses. However, if you are deployed with the military or have a documented emergency, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to ask about options. Otherwise, renew before your license expires to avoid driving illegally.