Montana License Renewal

winter driving

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.

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:

  1. Go to an MT DMV location
  2. Present your MT driver’s license
    1. Or: Proof of ID (ex. ID, Passport, etc.)
  3. Pass your vision test (if required)
  4. 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:

  1. Visit Montana’s online renewal portal
  2. Submit your form:
    1. Option #1: Online Renewal Standard Driver License (25-0200)
    2. Online Renewal Commercial Driver License (25-0200CDL)
  3. Provide (2) proofs of ID
  4. Submit your Eye Evaluation (22-1801)
  5. Submit your Driver Medical Evaluation (20-1900)
  6. Follow the on-screen prompts
  7. 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:

  1. Download and complete the Mail-in Renewal Standard License form (21-1900A)
  2. Enclose a check or money order to the MVD
  3. 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).

Montana License Renewal Fees

The MVD has different renewal prices depending on your age and license validity length:

  • 21 – 67 years old: $41.72 (8 years)
  • 68 years old: $36.57 (7 years)
  • 69 years old: $31.45 (6 years)
  • 70 years old: $26.27 (5 years)
  • 71 years old: $21.12 (4 years)
  • 72 years old: $15.97 (3 years)
  • 73 years old: $10.82 (2 years)
  • 74 years old: $5.67 (1 year)
  • 75 and older: $21.12 (4 years)

…plus, any processing fees depending on how you processed the renewal.

Become a Better Montana Driver

Looking for more information and guides to become a better Montana driver? Check out our MT DMV topics, browse our DMV directory, or get active in the community!