Yes, you can renew your Montana driver's license online if you meet certain conditions
Montana allows online renewal through its online services portal, but not everyone is may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is not expired by more than three years, you have no medical or legal holds on your record, and your address on file is current. If your license expired more than three years ago, or if you need to change your address, photograph, or name, you must renew in person at a Montana Motor Vehicle Division office.
The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $35 for a four-year renewal or $55 for an eight-year renewal. You'll need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last three years and you have no medical or legal holds.
- Online renewal costs $35 for four years or $55 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
- You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to renew online.
- Your renewed license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person from an online renewal.
- If your license expired more than three years ago or you need to change your address or photo, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online renewal process. You'll need your current Montana driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card for payment. Have the address that is currently on file with the Motor Vehicle Division ready — if this address is wrong, you cannot fix it online and must visit an office in person.
Check that your license has not expired by more than three years. If it has, the online system will not let you proceed. You should also confirm that there are no medical holds, legal holds, or other restrictions on your license. If you're unsure, you can call the Montana Motor Vehicle Division at 406-444-3933 before you start.
Steps to renew online
Go to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division's online services portal at mv.mt.gov. Click on "Renew Your Driver's License" and select "Online Renewal." You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity.
Review your current information on the screen. This includes your name, address, and date of birth as they appear in the Motor Vehicle Division's system. If any of this information is wrong, stop and renew in person instead — the online system cannot change it. If everything is correct, proceed to the next step.
Choose your renewal term: four years for $35 or eight years for $55. Enter your payment information and complete the transaction. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
When you must renew in person instead
Visit a Motor Vehicle Division office if your license expired more than three years ago. The online system will reject your renewal request, and you'll need to complete an in-person renewal to restore your driving privileges. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment.
You must also renew in person if you need to change your address, update your photograph, change your name, or if there are any holds or restrictions on your license. The Motor Vehicle Division has offices in Helena, Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, and Butte, as well as in smaller towns. You can find the office nearest you and hours of operation at mv.mt.gov.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
After you complete your online renewal, your confirmation number appears on screen when ready. Save or print this number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal. You'll also receive a confirmation email at the address associated with your account.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license during this time. If you don't receive your new license within two weeks, contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 406-444-3933 to check the status of your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my address changed since I got my current license?
You cannot change your address through online renewal. You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. Bring your current license and payment.
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or has a medical hold?
No. The online system will not allow you to renew if there are any holds or restrictions on your license. You must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person to resolve the hold before you can renew. Call 406-444-3933 to find out why your license has a hold.
How long is my license valid after I renew online?
Your new license is valid for either four years or eight years, depending on which term you chose when you renewed. The expiration date will be printed on your new license when it arrives.
What if I need my new license before it arrives in the mail?
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can use your current license. The Motor Vehicle Division does not issue temporary licenses for online renewals. If you need your license urgently, you can renew in person at an office and receive your license the same day.
Can I renew my license online if I'm out of state?
Yes. As long as your license has not expired by more than three years and you have no holds, you can renew online from anywhere. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file in Montana. If you've moved out of state and need to update your address, you must renew in person or contact the Motor Vehicle Division.