Montana License Renewal

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The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) oversees the Montana license renewal process.

The state sends a renewal notice before the license expiration date. You may renew your license up to 6 months before its expiration. Failing to renew your license on time may result in penalties, a need to retake tests, and/or loss of driving privileges if caught driving.

Valid Montana license renewals are available via:

In-person
Online
By Mail

You can check your license validity and expiration date by requesting driving records. Otherwise, take note of its expiration on the card or if you’ve marked it on the calendar.

The following sections share the step-by-step process to renew your MT driver’s license.

Table of Contents

How to Renew Your MT Driver’s License

A valid MT driver’s license is required if you drive on state roads and highways. Montana auto insurance is a requirement, too, if you plan to operate your vehicle. The renewal process doesn’t take long if you have documents ready and follow the steps below.

You will do the following to renew in person:

Go to an MT DMV location
Present your MT driver’s license
1. Or: Proof of ID (ex. ID, Passport, etc.)
Pass your vision test (if required)
Pay the renewal fees

Congratulations! You’ve successfully renewed your Montana driver’s license. You’ll receive a temporary license good for 60 days until the permanent one arrives by mail in a few days.

Online Renewals

Montana mail-in renewals are available to the following drivers:

S. citizens between 21 and 67 years old with a valid license
A previous renewal wasn’t done online or by mail
Within the renewal period (6 months before, 3 months after)
Don’t need to process a name change
The CDL doesn’t have a hazardous designation

If you pass these requirements – you’ll do the following:

Visit Montana’s online renewal portal
Submit your form:
1. Option #1: Online Renewal Standard Driver License (25-0200)
2. Online Renewal Commercial Driver License (25-0200CDL)
Provide (2) proofs of ID
Submit your Eye Evaluation (22-1801)
Submit your Driver Medical Evaluation (20-1900)
Follow the on-screen prompts
Pay your renewal fees

Congratulations! You should receive your permanent license in a few weeks.

Mail-in Renewals

Mail-in renewals are available for Montana residents currently living outside of the state and aren’t returning before their license expires. The main-in renewal is also available to those living in Carter, Garfield, Golden Valley, Jefferson, Judith Basin, Petroleum, Prairie, Treasure or Wibaux counties.

To renew your Montana license by mail:

Download and complete the Mail-in Renewal Standard License form (21-1900A)
Enclose a check or money order to the MVD
Send the information to the address listed

You will send the packet to:

DOJ-MVD

ATTN: Mail-In DL

P.O. Box 201430

Helena, MT 59620-1430

You’ll receive a temporary license until the permanent one arrives by mail in 2-6 weeks after it’s received and processed.

Military members can apply for an extension (30 days after discharge) by submitting a Military Exempt Status Driver License by Mail and copies of the driver’s license/birth certificate or military orders and/or leave and earnings statement. This information is sent to the DOJ (see above).