Montana driver's license renewal by mail or online
Montana lets you renew your driver's license by mail or through the online system at drivingrecords.doj.mt.gov if you meet basic requirements: your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical suspensions, and your name and address have not changed since your last renewal. If you are renewing online, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. By mail, you fill out form DL 340 (process for Driver's License or Permit), include a check or money order, and send both to the address on the form.
The online process is faster — most renewals process within one to two business days — while mail renewals typically take two to three weeks. You do not need to visit a Driver Services office for either method unless your license has been expired for more than five years, your address has changed, or you want to update your photo.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through drivingrecords.doj.mt.gov is the fastest option and takes one to two business days if your license is current and your information has not changed.
- Mail renewal using form DL 340 takes two to three weeks and requires a check or money order sent to the address listed on the form.
- You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than five years, you have medical suspensions, or your name or address has changed.
- Montana charges a renewal fee that varies based on license type and validity period; check the current fee on the drivingrecords website before you submit payment.
- If you need to update your photo or address, you must visit a Driver Services office in person, even if you are otherwise may be able to access for mail or online renewal.
When you must go to a Driver Services office in person
Some situations require an in-person visit to a Montana Driver Services office. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use the online or mail system and must appear in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The same applies if you have an active medical suspension or if your name has changed since your last license was issued.
You also need to visit an office if you want to update your photo, change your address, or add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement). Driver Services offices are located in most county seats across Montana. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the drivingrecords website.
Documents and fees for Montana renewal
For online or mail renewal, you need only your current license and a valid payment method or check. The renewal fee depends on your license type and how long you want it to be valid — Montana offers one-year, four-year, and eight-year licenses. The eight-year license costs more upfront but is cheaper per year. Current fees are posted on drivingrecords.doj.mt.gov; they change periodically and vary slightly by license class.
If you are renewing by mail, make your check or money order payable to the Montana Department of Justice. Include your current license with the form DL 340 so the office can match your renewal to your existing record. Do not send cash through the mail.
How to renew online step by step
Go to drivingrecords.doj.mt.gov and select the renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current record and show you the renewal fee based on the license validity period you choose.
Review your name, address, and other information on the screen. If anything is incorrect, you cannot fix it online — you must visit a Driver Services office instead. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. Montana accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number and an email receipt. Your new license will arrive by mail within one to two business days.
How to renew by mail step by step
read or request form DL 340 from the Montana Department of Justice website or pick one up at any Driver Services office. Fill in all required fields: your full name, current address, date of birth, and license number. Sign and date the form.
Write a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to the Montana Department of Justice. Include your current driver's license with the form and check. Mail both to the address printed on form DL 340. Do not fold or damage your license in the envelope. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your materials, so send it well before your license expires if you plan to drive.
What to do if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the standard process. Montana does not charge a penalty for renewing a license that has been expired for a short time, though you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.
If your license expired more than five years ago, the online and mail systems will reject your renewal. You must visit a Driver Services office in person and bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. The office will process your renewal as a new license process, which takes longer and may cost more than a standard renewal.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you cannot complete renewal online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. The office will update your address and issue a new license with the current address printed on it.
The same rule applies if you want to change your name, add a motorcycle endorsement, or remove restrictions. These changes require an in-person visit and additional documentation. Plan ahead if you know you need to make changes — office wait times vary by location and time of day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Montana license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you meet the basic renewal requirements (license not expired more than five years, no medical suspensions, no name or address changes), you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is faster and does not require you to mail documents. If your address has changed, you must visit a Montana Driver Services office in person or contact the office to update your record before you can renew.
What happens if I renew online but my payment fails?
The system will notify you when ready if your payment is declined. You can try again with a different payment method or choose to renew by mail instead. If your payment fails, your renewal is not processed, and your license remains in its current status. There is no charge for a failed payment attempt.
How long is a renewed Montana driver's license valid?
Montana offers one-year, four-year, and eight-year licenses. You choose the validity period when you renew, and the fee changes based on how long you want the license to be valid. The eight-year option is the most common and is the default choice in the online system.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Montana allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for the full period you choose (one, four, or eight years) from the date it is issued.
What if I lost my current license before renewing?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Contact a Montana Driver Services office to report the loss and request a replacement. Once you have a replacement license, you can renew using the standard online or mail process. Some offices can issue a replacement and process a renewal in the same visit if you go in person.