How to Renew Your Montana Driver License

Step-by-step guide for renewing your Montana license through MT DOJ. Covers online, mail, and in-person options, fees, and what to bring.

Validity 8 years

Standard fee $40 Non-commercial Class D license is $40 for an 8-year term ($5/year) plus a $0.50 mailing fee.

Renew early Up to 6 months before expiration

After expiration No grace period (license invalid the day after expiration); renewal still allowed up to 1 year after expiration

Step 1 — Check if you can renew online

Online renewal requires U.S. citizenship, a renewal timeframe of 6 months prior to expiration through 1 year after, no prior consecutive mail-in or online renewal, and no current suspension/revocation in any state.

Start your online renewal at MT DOJ →

Step 2 — Check what to bring

A straightforward renewal usually needs your current Montana licence and the fee. What else MT DOJ asks for depends on whether you are also upgrading to REAL ID, changing your name or address, or renewing after a lapse — and those requirements differ by state. Check the current list on the MT DOJ renewal page before you go.

Step 3 — Pay the renewal fee

MT DOJ charges $40 for a standard non-commercial license renewal valid for 8 years. CDL and motorcycle endorsement renewals cost extra; check the official fee schedule for exact amounts.

Step 4 — Take a vision test (if required)

Vision test required at every in-person renewal. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.

Step 5 — Receive your new licence

Most agencies issue an interim credential you can drive on while the printed card is produced, then post the card separately. How long the interim lasts and how long the card takes are both set by MT DOJ and published on its renewal page. Plan around the dates it gives rather than a general estimate.

REAL ID upgrade in Montana

First-time REAL ID, vision tests, and new photos require an in-person visit at an exam station; REAL ID cannot be added during mail or online renewal.

Common pitfalls

Don't forget address updates. If you moved since your last renewal, update the address before renewing — many states won't mail to a non-matching address.
REAL ID upgrade requires originals. Photocopies of your birth certificate or passport will be rejected. Bring the originals or certified copies.
Book ahead where you can. Walk-in waiting times vary by office and time of year and we do not track them, but an appointment removes the question — see the Montana office list for locations and contact details.

Find your nearest Montana office

Use our Montana DMV office finder to locate the closest MT DOJ location with addresses, hours, and turn-by-turn directions.