Where to go and what you'll need
You can replace your Montana driver's license at any Montana Motor Vehicle Division office. The state has offices in most counties; the main office is in Helena, but you do not have to go there. Find your nearest office on the Montana Department of Justice website under Motor Vehicle Division locations.
Before you go, gather these documents: your Social Security number, proof of Montana residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your current out-of-state ID if you have one. If your license was stolen, bring a police report. You will also need to pay a replacement fee, which is $8.00 for a standard license valid for eight years.
You do not need to pass a written test or driving test to replace a lost or damaged license — the Motor Vehicle Division will reissue your existing license record. The only exception is if your license has been suspended or revoked; in that case, you will need to resolve that issue first before a replacement is issued.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Montana Motor Vehicle Division office in your county; you do not have to go to Helena.
- Bring proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, your Social Security number, and $8.00 for the replacement fee.
- If your license was stolen, bring a police report to document the loss.
- You will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days if the office needs to mail it.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you must clear that status before a replacement will be issued.
How long the replacement takes
Most Montana Motor Vehicle Division offices issue your replacement license when ready after you complete the paperwork and pay the fee. You will walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you.
In some cases, the office may mail your license instead of issuing it on the spot — this happens if the office is processing a high volume of requests or if there is a system delay. When this occurs, you will still receive the temporary paper license, and your plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Ask the staff member at the counter which process applies to your replacement before you leave.
What to do if your license was suspended or revoked
If your Montana license is under suspension or revocation, the Motor Vehicle Division will not issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support.
Contact the Motor Vehicle Division directly at 406-444-3933 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to clear it. You may need to pay outstanding fines, resolve a court case, or complete a reinstatement process. Once the suspension is lifted, you can return to any Motor Vehicle Division office and request your replacement license.
Replacing a license that expired while lost
If your license expired before you reported it lost or damaged, you will need to renew it rather than straightforward replace it. Renewal requires a new written test and vision screening, whereas replacement does not.
To renew, bring the same documents you would for a replacement (proof of residency, Social Security number, and the $8.00 fee), plus you will need to pass the written knowledge test and vision test at the Motor Vehicle Division office. The office staff will tell you whether your situation qualifies as a replacement or a renewal when you arrive.
Replacing a license without a Social Security number
Montana requires a Social Security number to issue or replace a driver's license. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration before the Motor Vehicle Division can issue your replacement.
You can explore for a Social Security number at your local Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a photo ID. Once you receive your Social Security number, return to the Motor Vehicle Division with your other documents and the $8.00 fee to complete your replacement.
If you need a replacement before your office appointment
Montana does not issue temporary driving permits or emergency licenses while you wait for your replacement. Your temporary paper license is the only valid form of ID you will have between the time you explore and when your plastic license arrives.
If you need to drive before you can visit a Motor Vehicle Division office, you have two options: visit the office as soon as possible to get your temporary paper license, or contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 406-444-3933 to ask whether any office in your area has extended hours or walk-in availability. Some offices accept walk-ins during specific hours; others require appointments.
Replacing a license if you have moved out of state
If you no longer live in Montana but still hold a Montana license, you can request a replacement by mail. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 406-444-3933 or visit the Motor Vehicle Division website to request a mail-in replacement form.
You will need to mail in proof of your current address, your Social Security number, and a check or money order for $8.00 payable to the State of Montana. The Motor Vehicle Division will process your request and mail your new license to your out-of-state address. Processing time is typically 10 to 14 business days from the date they receive your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
No. Montana does not offer online license replacement. You must visit a Motor Vehicle Division office in person or request a mail-in replacement if you have moved out of state. In-person replacement is faster — you will have a temporary license the same day.
What if I lost my license and my vehicle registration at the same time?
You will need to replace both separately. The Motor Vehicle Division handles driver's licenses; vehicle registration is handled by the same office but is a different transaction. Bring documents for both and let the staff know you need both replacements. You will pay separate fees for each.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
This varies by office. Some Montana Motor Vehicle Division offices accept walk-ins during certain hours; others require appointments. Call your local office or check the Motor Vehicle Division website to find out the policy at the office nearest you before you go.
What if the Motor Vehicle Division says my license is still valid and I cannot replace it?
This can happen if the office's records show your license as active and not lost. Bring a police report documenting the loss, or ask the staff to place a note in your file that you reported it lost. Once the loss is documented, you can request a replacement.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must be present to receive your temporary paper license and to sign the paperwork. If your plastic license is mailed to you, it will be sent to the address you provide on your process.