What You Need to Do to Renew in Montana
Montana renews driver's licenses by mail or in person at a local Motor Vehicle Division office. You do not have to take a written test or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than three years, or unless the state flags your record for a retest. Most people complete a mail renewal in about two weeks; in-person renewal takes one visit and a few minutes at the counter.
Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains a barcode and instructions specific to your situation. If you did not receive one, you can still renew, but you will need to provide more information when you explore.
Key Takeaways
- Montana sends a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration; use that notice to renew by mail or bring it to an office for faster processing.
- Mail renewal costs $40 for an eight-year license and takes about two weeks; in-person renewal costs the same and is when ready.
- You need a current address on file with Montana; if you moved, update your address before renewing or bring proof of residency to the office.
- If your license expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests.
- Montana Motor Vehicle Division offices are located in each county; you can find hours and locations at doj.mt.gov/mvd.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is the most common route. Fill out the renewal notice you received, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $40 to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current proof of residency if you have moved since your last renewal — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.
Montana processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. You should receive your new license in about two weeks, though processing can take up to four weeks during busy periods. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, stop by a Motor Vehicle Division office instead.
Renewing in Person at a Motor Vehicle Division Office
Walk into any Montana Motor Vehicle Division office with your renewal notice, your current license, and payment. Bring your renewal notice even if it is damaged — the barcode speeds up the process. If you do not have the notice, bring two forms of identification, one with a photo.
The office will verify your information, take a new photo, and print your license on the spot. The whole visit usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. The cost is $40 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Find your nearest office and current hours at doj.mt.gov/mvd or call 406-444-3933.
If Your Address Changed
Montana requires your current address on file. If you moved and your renewal notice went to your old address, you have two options: update your address online before mailing your renewal, or bring proof of your new address to an office.
To update online, go to doj.mt.gov/mvd and use the address change tool. You will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once updated, mail your renewal as usual. If you prefer not to update online, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days to the office, and staff will update your address during renewal.
When You Need to Renew in Person
You must renew in person if your license expired more than three years ago. Montana treats licenses expired longer than three years as invalid, and you will need to pass the written test and vision test again. Bring your renewal notice if you have it, your current identification, and proof of residency. The fee is still $40.
You will also need to renew in person if Montana sends you a notice requiring a retest — this happens if your driving record shows violations or if the state has questions about your medical fitness to drive. The notice will explain what tests you need to take.
What Happens If You Renew Late
Montana allows a grace period of up to one year after expiration to renew without penalty. During that year, you can still drive on your expired license, though law enforcement may stop you. After one year, your license is considered invalid, and you must renew in person with a new photo, written test, and vision test.
If you are stopped while driving on an expired license, you may receive a citation. The fine varies, but it is usually between $25 and $100. Renewing before your license expires avoids this risk entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Montana license if I live out of state?
Yes. Use mail renewal and send your completed renewal notice, payment, and proof of your current address to the address on the notice. Montana will mail your new license to your out-of-state address. If you are in Montana temporarily, you can also walk into any Motor Vehicle Division office and renew in person.
What if my name changed since my last license?
Bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — to a Motor Vehicle Division office along with your renewal notice and payment. You cannot renew by mail if your name changed. The office will update your name and issue a new license on the spot.
Do I need a new photo for renewal?
Yes. If you renew by mail, Montana uses your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the office takes a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail, you must go to an office instead.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew by mail or in person without it. By mail, send your current license, a check or money order for $40, and proof of your current address to the Motor Vehicle Division, 303 N Roberts, Helena, MT 59601. In person, bring your current license, two forms of identification (one with a photo), and proof of residency to any office.
How much does Montana driver's license renewal cost?
An eight-year license renewal costs $40. If you are 21 or older, this is the standard renewal period. Drivers under 21 renew every four years for $20. Payment must be by cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card — no personal checks by mail.