What You Need to Do to Renew in Montana

Montana renews driver licenses by mail, online, or in person at a local Driver Services office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people can renew without visiting an office, but some situations require you to appear in person.

Your Montana driver license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. Montana sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start.

Key Takeaways

  • Montana offers online renewal through its website for most drivers whose licenses are still valid and do not need address changes.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires you to send in your current license along with a completed form and payment.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license has been expired for more than three years or if you need to update your address.
  • The renewal fee is $80 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your method.
  • You will need to provide proof of Montana residency, such as a utility bill or lease, if you are renewing in person or by mail.

Renewing Online Through the Montana Website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not moved. Go to the Montana Department of Justice Driver Services website and select the renewal option. You will need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.

The online system will ask you to confirm your personal information and address. If everything is correct, you can pay the $80 renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than three years ago, if you need to change your address, or if you want to add or remove a Real ID designation. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal works for most situations and takes about two weeks from the time Montana receives your materials. Request a renewal form by calling the Driver Services Bureau at 406-444-3933, or read the form from the Montana Department of Justice website. Fill out the form completely and sign it.

Include your current driver license, a check or money order for $80 made payable to Montana Department of Justice, and proof of Montana residency if you have moved since your last renewal. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, property tax statement, or bank statement showing your current address. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Do not send cash through the mail. If you are renewing more than 30 days before your license expires, the processing time is usually faster. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form.

Renewing in Person at a Driver Services Office

Visit a local Driver Services office if your license expired more than three years ago, you need to change your address, or you want to add Real ID. Bring your current driver license, proof of Montana residency, and $80 in cash, check, or debit card. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary license to use while your permanent one is mailed.

Find the Driver Services office nearest you on the Montana Department of Justice website. Many offices require you to take a new photo, so plan to be there for at least 30 minutes. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them to your appointment.

Some offices are busier than others, especially near the end of the month or before major holidays. Calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you choose when to go.

What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired

If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can renew by mail or online using the same process as an active license. If your license expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot drive legally while your license is expired, even if you have started the renewal process.

When you renew an expired license in person, you may be asked to retake the written test or vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. Bring your Social Security card or other proof of your Social Security number, as well as proof of residency. The office staff will tell you what documents you need when you call or visit.

Real ID and Address Changes

Montana offers Real ID-compliant licenses, which are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025. If you want to add Real ID to your license during renewal, you must renew in person. Bring your current driver license, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last license.

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address online during renewal if your license is still valid. If your license is expired or you need to make other changes, renew in person or by mail. Mail renewal requires you to include proof of your new Montana address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Montana driver license before it expires?

Yes. You can begin renewal up to one year before your license expires. Online and mail renewal are available during this time. Renewing early means your new license will arrive before your current one expires, so you will not have a gap in valid identification.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Montana license?

You should get a driver license from your new state. If you still need a Montana license for identification purposes, you can renew it by mail or online if it is still valid. Contact the Driver Services Bureau at 406-444-3933 to discuss your situation.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time Montana receives your materials. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change when you renew in person. For mail renewal, include a copy of the document with your process. Online renewal may not be available if your name has changed.

Can I renew someone else's license for them?

For mail renewal, you can send in another person's materials if you have their signed permission. For online or in-person renewal, the person whose license it is must complete the process themselves, as they need to provide their Social Security number or answer security questions.