Montana Renewal by Mail or Online
Montana lets you renew your driver's license by mail or online if you meet basic requirements: your license must not be expired by more than three years, you must be under 21 or over 69 (or between those ages with no violations in the past five years), and you cannot have a commercial license. If you fit those rules, you can renew without visiting a driver services office.
Online renewal through the Montana Department of Justice website is the fastest route. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, pay the renewal fee (currently $35 for an eight-year license), and your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. Mail renewal takes longer — you send in the renewal form, a check or money order, and your current license — but follows the same fee structure.
If your license has been expired for more than three years, or if you have a commercial license, or if you are between 21 and 69 with violations on your record, you must renew in person at a driver services office. The same applies if you want to change your address, add or remove endorsements, or correct information on your license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Montana Department of Justice website is available if your license expired less than three years ago and you meet age and violation requirements.
- The renewal fee is $35 for an eight-year license, and your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.
- Mail renewal is an option if you cannot renew online, but takes longer and requires you to mail in your current license and payment.
- If your license expired more than three years ago, you have a commercial license, or you need to change your address or other information, you must visit a driver services office in person.
- Montana driver services offices are located in most county seats, and you can find your nearest office and check wait times on the Department of Justice website.
What You Need for Online Renewal
To renew online, you need your current Montana driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check. You do not need to print anything or mail anything in. The entire process happens on the Montana Department of Justice website and takes about ten minutes.
After you complete the online renewal, you receive a confirmation number. Your new license is mailed to the address on file. If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address before you renew, or your new license will go to the old address and you will have to request a replacement.
Mail Renewal: Forms and Timing
If you choose to renew by mail, you need the renewal form DL 44, your current license, and payment. You can read form DL 44 from the Montana Department of Justice website or request it by phone at 406-444-3933. Mail your completed form, your current license, and a check or money order for $35 to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal typically takes three to four weeks from the time the Department receives your envelope. Processing time varies depending on mail delivery and the volume of renewals the Department is handling. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license, so if you have moved, contact the Department before you mail in your renewal to update your address.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Office
If you must renew in person, you need your current Montana driver's license, proof of Montana residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment. The renewal fee is $35 for an eight-year license. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations accept appointments to reduce wait times — check the Department of Justice website to see if your local office offers them.
Driver services offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Processing at the office takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. If you need your license the same day, some offices can issue a temporary license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one.
Licenses Expired More Than Three Years
If your Montana driver's license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a driver services office in person and complete a full renewal process. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and payment.
The renewal fee is the same — $35 for an eight-year license — but the process is longer because the office staff must verify your information and may ask additional questions about why your license lapsed. You still receive a temporary paper license at the office and your permanent license by mail within seven to ten business days.
Commercial Licenses and Endorsements
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a driver services office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, medical certification (if required), and payment. The renewal fee for a commercial license is $50 for an eight-year license.
If you want to add or remove endorsements — such as hazmat, passenger, or tanker — you must also renew in person. The office staff can help you understand what endorsements you need and what additional testing or documentation may be required. Some endorsements require a written test or skills test, which adds time to the renewal process.
Finding Your Nearest Driver Services Office
Montana has driver services offices in most county seats. You can find the office nearest you, check current wait times, and see whether appointments are available on the Montana Department of Justice website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer waits, while rural offices may have shorter lines.
If you live in a remote area far from an office, mail renewal or online renewal may be your best option. If you must visit an office and want to avoid a long wait, calling ahead to ask about typical wait times for your location can help you plan when to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Montana license if I moved out of state?
No. Montana requires you to be a resident to hold a Montana driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state. If you still have a Montana address on file and have not yet moved, you can renew before you leave.
What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal to arrive?
Your license is considered valid until your new license arrives, as long as you have a confirmation number from online renewal or proof that you mailed in your renewal process. Keep your confirmation number or a copy of your mailed process with you while you wait.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Montana does not automatically deny renewal for unpaid tickets, but some courts may place a hold on your license. Check with the court in the county where the ticket was issued. If a hold exists, you must resolve it before you can renew.
How much does it cost to renew a Montana driver's license?
The standard renewal fee is $35 for an eight-year license. Commercial licenses cost $50. If you are renewing in person and need a temporary license, there may be a small additional fee, but most offices include it in the renewal cost.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
If you have lost your license, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a driver services office in person with proof of residency and payment. The office will issue a replacement license, which costs the same as a renewal.