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 — Gather your documents

For an in-person renewal, bring:

Your current Montana driver license.
Proof of identity (passport, certified birth certificate).
Proof of Montana residency — utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address (most states require two documents).
Social Security card or W-2.
Payment for the renewal fee (cash, check, or card — varies by office).

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 license

You'll get a temporary paper license at the DMV that's valid for 30-60 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7-14 business days. If your renewal was online, expect 10-21 days mailing time.

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.
Walk-in waits can be 2-4 hours. Book an appointment online at any of Montana's DMV offices.

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.

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