What you need to do to renew in Montana
Montana lets you renew your driver's license in person at a local Driver Services office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through their website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before it expires, and whether you need to update your photo or address.
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If it expired more than five years ago, or if you need a new photo, you must go in person. The online option is the fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home — but not everyone is may be able to access.
Key Takeaways
- Montana offers three renewal routes: online (fastest, if may be able to access), by mail (takes two to three weeks), or in person at a Driver Services office (same-day results possible).
- You can renew online or by mail only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you do not need a new photo.
- In-person renewal requires a valid form of identification, proof of Montana residency, and your current license or ID card.
- Montana driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so plan ahead to avoid driving on an expired license.
- If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to your address on file, which takes one to two weeks after approval.
Renewing online through the Montana website
The Montana Department of Justice runs the online renewal system at doj.mt.gov. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and choose whether to keep your current photo or request a new one.
Online renewal works only if your license expired fewer than five years ago, you do not need a new photo, and your address has not changed. If any of those conditions do not explore, the system will tell you to renew in person instead. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation email, and your new license will arrive by mail in one to two weeks.
There is a renewal fee, which varies depending on how many years you are renewing for. Check the Montana Department of Justice website for the current fee amount, as it changes periodically. You will pay by credit card or debit card during the online process.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, you will need to request a renewal form from the Montana Department of Justice or read it from their website. Fill out the form completely, include your current license, and mail both to the address listed on the form along with the renewal fee.
Mail renewal takes longer than online — typically two to three weeks for processing, plus mail delivery time in both directions. Your new license will be mailed to you once approved. This method works only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you do not need a new photo. If you need a photo update or your license is older than five years, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
Montana has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check their hours on the Department of Justice website. Bring your current driver's license or ID card, a valid form of identification (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof that you live in Montana (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address. The office will take your photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot or within a few days. You will pay the renewal fee at the office by cash, check, or card.
Wait times at Driver Services offices vary by location and time of day. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others use appointment systems. Check ahead by calling your local office or visiting the website to see whether you need to book a time slot.
What documents to bring
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last four digits of Social Security number, email address |
| By Mail | Completed renewal form, current license, renewal fee |
| In Person | Current license or ID card, valid ID (passport, birth certificate, etc.), proof of Montana residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement from last 60 days), renewal fee |
Montana license validity and expiration dates
Montana driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it as long as it expired fewer than five years ago — but only by mail or in person, not online. Once a license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to explore for a new license rather than renewing, which involves a written test and in-person visit.
Renewal fees and payment
The renewal fee depends on how many years you are renewing for and whether you are renewing online, by mail, or in person. Montana offers four-year and eight-year renewal options. The fee is the same regardless of which method you choose, but you will pay it differently: online and by mail you pay by card, and in person you can pay by cash, check, or card.
Check the Montana Department of Justice website for the exact current fee, as it may change. If you are renewing in person and need a new photo, there may be an additional photo fee on top of the renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is expired?
No. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Montana, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. Plan your renewal so your new license arrives before your current one expires.
What if I need to change my address when I renew?
If you are renewing online or by mail, you cannot change your address — the system will only mail your new license to the address already on file. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office and bring proof of your new Montana address.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take one to two weeks for delivery after approval. In-person renewal may give you your license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office. Call your local Driver Services office to ask about their specific timeline.
What if my license was lost or stolen?
A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal, and requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services office. You will need to report the loss and pay a replacement fee. Bring valid ID and proof of residency.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Montana does not automatically block renewal for unpaid tickets, but some counties may place a hold on your license if you have a court-ordered suspension. Contact your local Driver Services office or the court that issued the ticket to find out whether a hold is in place before you renew.