Montana driver's licenses renew every eight years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office
Montana's renewal process depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had any address changes, and whether you want to renew before it expires or after. Most people can renew online through the Montana Department of Justice website without visiting an office. If you cannot renew online—because your license has been expired for more than three years, you've changed your name, or you need to update your address—you'll need to renew by mail or in person.
The cost is $65 for an eight-year renewal, and the process typically takes two to three weeks by mail or one to two weeks online. In-person renewals at a Driver Services office are usually completed the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Montana allows online renewal through the Department of Justice website if your license is valid and you have no major changes to report.
- If your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew online and must renew by mail or in person instead.
- Address changes, name changes, and vision corrections require in-person renewal at a Driver Services office.
- The renewal fee is $65 for an eight-year license, and you'll need a valid payment method (debit or credit card for online, check or money order for mail).
Renewing online through the Montana Department of Justice
Online renewal is the fastest route if your license is still valid and you have no changes to report. Go to the Montana Department of Justice Driver Services website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and log in or create an account. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
The system will ask whether anything on your license has changed—your address, name, vision, or medical conditions. If you answer no to all of these, you can proceed to payment. You'll pay the $65 renewal fee with a debit or credit card. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within two to three weeks.
If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means one of the following: your license has been expired for more than three years, you have an outstanding traffic violation or suspension, you've changed your name, or you need to update your address or medical information. In any of these cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail when online is not an option
To renew by mail, contact the Montana Driver Services Bureau at 406-444-1234 or visit a Driver Services office to request a renewal form. You can also read the form from the Department of Justice website. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and any changes to your address, name, or medical information.
Include a check or money order for $65 payable to the State of Montana. Do not send cash. Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form—this is typically the Driver Services Bureau in Helena. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the bureau receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form.
If you are renewing after your license has expired, you may need to provide proof of your identity and residency. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works for residency. A passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card works for identity. Call the Driver Services Bureau before mailing to confirm what documents you need to include.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
In-person renewal is required if you've changed your name, need to update your address, have a medical condition to report, or cannot renew online for any other reason. Montana has Driver Services offices in Helena, Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Butte, and Kalispell. You can also renew at most county sheriff's offices, though hours and services vary by location.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. If you are renewing after your license has expired, bring proof of identity as well.
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the $65 renewal fee. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license will be issued the same day, though you may need to wait a few minutes while it is printed.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires and you have not yet renewed it, you can still renew it as long as it has been expired for fewer than three years. After three years, you must explore for a new license rather than renew—this requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. The fee for a new license is higher than a renewal.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Montana, even if you have already submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not prevent you from being cited. Renew before your expiration date if possible, or renew when ready after expiration to avoid this risk.
Updating your address or other information during renewal
If you've moved, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal allows you to change your address if it is a straightforward move within Montana. If you've moved out of state or if the system will not let you change your address online, you must renew by mail or in person.
Name changes, vision corrections, and medical information updates also require in-person renewal or mail renewal with supporting documents. If you wear glasses or contacts and your vision has changed significantly, the office may ask you to take a vision test. If you have a new medical condition that affects your ability to drive—such as a seizure disorder or severe hearing loss—you must report it. Failing to report a medical condition that you know affects your driving can result in license suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Montana license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you live out of state but still have a valid Montana address on file, you can renew online. If you've moved out of state and need to update your address, you must renew by mail or in person. Some people keep a Montana address for licensing purposes; contact the Driver Services Bureau to confirm whether your situation allows online renewal.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal. You'll need to report it to the Driver Services Bureau and request a duplicate. This requires an in-person visit or a phone call to the bureau. The fee for a duplicate is different from a renewal fee. If your license is also expired or expiring soon, you can renew it at the same time.
How long does it take to get my new license if I renew online?
Online renewals are mailed within two to three weeks of approval. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the date the bureau receives your process. In-person renewals are completed the same day. If you need your license quickly, renewing in person is the fastest option.
Do I need to take a vision test or written test to renew?
No written test is required for renewal. A vision test is only required if you wear glasses or contacts and your vision has changed, or if the office suspects a vision problem. If you are renewing after your license has been expired for more than three years, you will need to take both a written test and a driving test, because this is treated as a new license process rather than a renewal.
What if my renewal is denied?
Your renewal can be denied if you have an outstanding traffic violation, a suspended or revoked license, unpaid child support, or an active warrant. If your renewal is denied, the Driver Services Bureau will send you a letter explaining why. You'll need to resolve the issue before you can renew. Contact the bureau or the agency listed in the denial letter to find out what steps to take next.