What Montana charges to reinstate a suspended or revoked license

Montana charges a reinstatement fee when you want to restore driving privileges after a suspension or revocation. The fee amount depends on why your license was suspended or revoked — traffic violations, unpaid fines, DUI convictions, and other reasons each carry different costs. You must pay this fee to the Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division before your license becomes active again.

The reinstatement fee is separate from any other costs you may owe, such as court fines, restitution, or insurance requirements. Some suspensions also require you to complete additional steps — like an alcohol education program or proof of insurance — before the fee payment will be processed. The Motor Vehicle Division will not reinstate your license until all requirements for that particular suspension type have been met.

Key Takeaways

  • Montana's reinstatement fee varies by the reason for suspension or revocation, ranging from around $100 to $250 depending on the violation type.
  • You must complete all other requirements for your suspension type — such as paying court fines, completing education programs, or providing proof of insurance — before paying the reinstatement fee.
  • Payment is made directly to the Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division, either in person, by mail, or online through their official website.
  • After you pay the fee and meet all conditions, the Motor Vehicle Division processes your reinstatement, which typically takes a few business days.

Reinstatement fees by suspension reason

Montana groups suspensions and revocations into categories, and each has its own fee structure. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines carries a different fee than a suspension for DUI-related offenses or for accumulating too many points. The Motor Vehicle Division website lists the specific fee for each suspension type, and you can also call them directly to confirm the exact amount owed in your case.

If your license was suspended for multiple reasons — for example, unpaid fines and a separate traffic violation — you may owe separate reinstatement fees for each. The Motor Vehicle Division will provide a complete breakdown of all fees and requirements when you contact them or check your driving record online through their system.

How to find out what you owe

The fastest way to learn your reinstatement fee and any other requirements is to check your driving record through the Montana Department of Justice website or call the Motor Vehicle Division directly at their main office. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to look up your record. The online system shows your current suspension status, the reason for suspension, and the fee amount.

If you prefer to speak with someone, the Motor Vehicle Division can tell you over the phone what you owe and what steps you need to complete before reinstatement. They can also explain whether you need to do anything else — such as provide proof of insurance or complete a course — before submitting payment.

Steps to pay and reinstate your license

Once you have confirmed your fee amount and completed any other requirements, you can pay through one of three methods: in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, by mail, or online through the state's payment system. Payment by mail requires you to send a check or money order to the Motor Vehicle Division at their mailing address, along with a form identifying your case. Online payment is typically the fastest option and allows you to track your reinstatement status when ready after payment clears.

After the Motor Vehicle Division receives and processes your payment, they will update your driving record. You should receive confirmation of reinstatement by mail or email, depending on how you paid. In most cases, reinstatement takes a few business days after payment is received, though it can take longer if you paid by mail and the check is still in transit.

Additional requirements beyond the fee

Some suspension types require you to meet conditions before the fee will be accepted. For example, a DUI-related suspension may require proof that you have completed an alcohol education program or that you have obtained an SR-22 insurance certificate. A suspension for unpaid child support may require proof of payment or a court order showing the debt has been satisfied. The Motor Vehicle Division will not process your reinstatement fee until these conditions are documented.

If you are unsure whether your suspension type has additional requirements, ask the Motor Vehicle Division when you call or check your record online. They will list everything you need to do before reinstatement can be completed, in the order it must be done.

What happens if you drive with a suspended license

Driving while your license is suspended or revoked is a separate criminal offense in Montana, distinct from the original reason your license was suspended. A conviction for driving with a suspended license can result in fines, jail time, and an additional suspension period added to your current one. The penalties increase if you have prior convictions for the same offense.

If you are stopped by law enforcement and your license is suspended, the officer will likely issue a citation. You will then face both the original suspension and new charges related to driving while suspended. This makes it important to complete reinstatement as soon as you are able to do so, rather than continuing to drive and risking additional penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to the Motor Vehicle Division office to pay my reinstatement fee?

No. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is illegal, even to conduct business related to reinstatement. You must arrange other transportation, have someone else drive you, or pay by mail or online instead.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?

Montana does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees through the Motor Vehicle Division. However, if your suspension is related to unpaid fines or court costs, you may be able to work out a payment arrangement with the court that issued the fine. Contact the court directly to discuss your options.

How long does reinstatement take after I pay online?

Online reinstatement typically processes within a few business days after payment clears. You should receive confirmation by email. If you do not see your license status updated within five business days, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to verify the payment was received.

Do I need to take a new written or driving test to get my license back?

Reinstatement does not require a new test in most cases. However, if your license was revoked for a serious offense such as multiple DUIs, you may be required to retake the written test or driving test as part of the reinstatement process. The Motor Vehicle Division will inform you if this applies to your situation.

What if I moved out of state while my license was suspended?

You can still reinstate your Montana license from another state by paying the fee by mail or online. However, you will need to follow Montana's requirements for reinstatement, and you may face additional requirements if you obtained a license in another state while your Montana license was suspended.