Montana replaces lost or damaged licenses through the Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division

To replace a lost or damaged Montana driver's license, you contact the Motor Vehicle Division directly — either in person at a local office, by mail, or online through their system. The process takes about two weeks if you mail it in, or you can walk out the same day if you go to an office. You will need to show proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee (currently $8.50 for a standard license), and provide your driver's license number if you have it.

Montana does not mail replacement licenses automatically. You have to request one. The state does not charge extra for a rush, but going in person is the fastest option if you need it quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your Montana license in person at any Motor Vehicle Division office, by mail, or online through the state's system — each method takes different amounts of time.
  • You will need a form of government-issued photo ID (passport, tribal ID, military ID) plus proof you live in Montana (utility bill, lease, bank statement).
  • The replacement fee is $8.50 and covers a standard license valid for eight years.
  • In-person replacement takes one day; mail takes about two weeks; online replacement is available but has specific requirements.

Replacing your license in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office

Walking into a local Motor Vehicle Division office is the fastest way to get a replacement license. You will fill out form MV-14 (process for Operator's License or Permit), show your ID and proof of residency, pay the fee, and have your photo taken. You leave with a temporary license and receive the permanent one in the mail within a few days.

Montana has Motor Vehicle Division offices in most larger towns and cities. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Montana Department of Justice website. No appointment is required at most locations, but wait times vary. Going early in the day or mid-week is usually faster than Friday afternoons.

Bring the documents listed below. If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, you can bring two documents that prove your identity without a photo (birth certificate plus Social Security card, for example), but this takes longer and some offices may ask you to come back with a photo ID.

Replacing your license by mail

You can mail in a replacement request if you do not want to visit an office. read and print form MV-14 from the Montana Department of Justice website, fill it out, and mail it with copies of your ID and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $8.50.

Processing takes about two weeks from the day the Motor Vehicle Division receives your envelope. Mail can take several days each way, so the total time from when you drop it in the mailbox to when you receive your new license is usually three to four weeks. Keep a copy of everything you send in case there is a question.

Replacing your license online

Montana offers online replacement through its Motor Vehicle Division portal, but you can only use it if your current license is not expired and you still have your license number. If your license was lost or stolen, you may not have the number, which makes online replacement difficult. If you do have the number and your license is still valid, you can start the process on the state website and pay the fee online.

Online replacement still requires you to receive and sign a document by mail, so it is not faster than going in person. It is mainly useful if you cannot get to an office during business hours.

Documents you need to bring or send

Montana requires one form of government-issued photo ID and one proof of current Montana residency. The photo ID can be a passport, tribal ID, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. The proof of residency must show your current address and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy — it must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo identity documents instead (birth certificate plus Social Security card, or two documents from the list above). This usually requires an in-person visit and takes longer.

Fees and how long the license is valid

A replacement Montana driver's license costs $8.50. This is the same price whether you replace it in person, by mail, or online. You pay by cash or check in person, or by check or money order by mail. Online payment is by credit or debit card.

Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date it is issued, the same as a new license. If your old license was about to expire, your replacement license still gets the full eight-year term — you do not get a shorter license just because you are replacing one.

What to do if your license was stolen or used fraudulently

If someone stole your license or you suspect it has been used fraudulently, tell the Motor Vehicle Division when you request a replacement. You can note this on form MV-14 or mention it when you go in person. The state does not automatically flag a stolen license, so reporting it helps prevent someone else from using it.

If you believe your identity has been compromised beyond just the license, you may also want to contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This is separate from replacing your license but protects you if the theft involved more than just the physical card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license to drive while I wait for my replacement?

Yes. If you go in person to a Motor Vehicle Division office, you receive a temporary paper license the same day that is valid for 30 days. This gives you time to receive your permanent license in the mail. If you mail in your request, you do not get a temporary license, which is why in-person replacement is better if you need to drive right away.

What if I moved to Montana recently and my old out-of-state license is still valid?

You can use your out-of-state license as your photo ID when you request a Montana replacement. Bring it along with proof of your Montana residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). You do not need to convert your out-of-state license first — you can go straight to requesting a Montana replacement.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?

If you go in person, yes — the Motor Vehicle Division takes a new photo at the office. If you mail in your request, the state uses the photo from your old license, so you do not need a new one. Online replacement also uses your existing photo.

How much does it cost to replace a license if mine was damaged by water or wear?

The cost is the same: $8.50. Montana does not charge extra for damage. Bring the damaged license with you if you go in person, or mention the damage on the form if you mail it in.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must pick up your temporary license in person at the Motor Vehicle Division office. Your permanent license is mailed to the address on your process, so you do not need to pick that up — it comes to your home.