Montana driver licensing

Drivers cannot renew their licenses if their driving privileges are currently suspended or revoked. Before the renewal process can begin, all tickets must be paid in full.

Montana residents may renew their licenses up to 6 months before the official expiration date. Drivers who are going to be out of state can benefit from early renewal. Renewal can be completed for licenses up to 3 months after the expiration date. However, penalty fees for late renewal are imposed. In Montana, drivers are eligible to renew licenses either online or in person. Before engaging in either process, drivers should understand what is needed to renew drivers licenses to prepare the necessary information and documents.

Online renewal is the easiest way for MT drivers to update their official licenses. On the official licensing website, DMV license renewal requests can be submitted by drivers. Specific information must be provided when requesting new licenses. The following personal details are required:.

Next, verification documents must be submitted electronically. Drivers can scan these items to be sent via PDF or another accepted format. Lastly, drivers must pay driving license renewal fees utilizing the online portal. When renewal requests, verification forms and payment are accepted, new licenses are issued. Only certain Montana residents are eligible to utilize the mail in renewal option.

Applicants must be residents living out of state or residents living in counties without in-person licensing services. Foreign nationals living in Montana cannot renew by mail. When the request form and payment is verified, temporary licenses are mailed to drivers within three to 10 days.

Official renewed licenses are mailed to the address on file in two to six weeks. Renewed permits are issued when fee payment and verification documents are approved. Applicants are provided with temporary licenses. Official license cards are issued by mail within 2 to 4 weeks. Drivers license renewal requirements for active duty military members differ slightly from regular residents. In certain cases, military members are eligible to apply for license expiration exemptions.

If permit cards reach expiration dates while military members are out of state, they can apply for license exemptions. To complete this process, the following items should be sent via mail to the state licensing office:.

However, federal identification cards will be available to drivers in the state in the future. Most renewals must be conducted in person at an exam station. Full-service driver license exam station You must renew in person. Most transactions require appointment scheduling. If you are a Montana resident who is temporarily outside the state and will not return before the expiration of your Montana driver license, you may renew by mail.

Billings — S. Suite 4. Hours of operation at this location are; Monday — Friday 8am-6pm and Saturday 9am-4pm. For more information contact MVD Express or visit mt. The written a road test can be waived for applicants presenting a valid non-expired license issued by another state. Applicants must have current out-of-state license with them at the time of their appointment.

If an applicant does not have a current out-of-state license, they may be required to pass written and road tests. You can find more military resources on the military services page. Individuals with a learner license from another state can drive in Montana for 60 days with a licensed driver. Each step progressively increases the privileges and responsibilities of a new driver in an effort to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes involving minors.

The mobile application RoadReady may be useful in keeping track of hours driven. When teens have satisfied all Step 1 requirements, they may apply for a First-Year Restricted License at a driver license bureau. They must:. Initially, the driver license will show a restriction code on the front and back. This restriction remains in effect for one year.

During this period, the following restrictions apply:. First-Year Restricted License restrictions automatically end on the date indicated on the back of the driver license, or when the individual turns 18, whichever occurs first. Once the teenager reaches Step 3, the driver license confers full privileges. If you lose or misplace your Montana driver license, you may obtain a replacement license from any driver license exam station.

To obtain a replacement license, you must provide proof of identity. If you are temporarily out of state, you may download Mail-in Replacement All Driver Licenses form online, or you may call or email [email protected].

You can receive a replacement license by mail only if you are currently out of state, the license must be mailed to you, and the process could take two to four weeks. If your lost license is within six months of its expiration date, you may be eligible to apply for a renewal instead of a replacement.

A motorcycle endorsement is required to operate motorcycles or motor scooters. Written and driving tests are required. Schedule the test through the online appointment scheduling. You must pass the written test before you can make an appointment for the road test. Beginning October 1, , a motorcycle endorsement will no longer be required to operate three-wheel vehicles. Drivers applying for a motorcycle endorsement should be familiar with the Montana Motorcycle Supplement. Motorcycle endorsements expire at the same time as your existing MT driver license.

You must renew you license six months prior to, or within three months after, the expiration date on your license to avoid retesting. The Motor Vehicle Division issues identification cards only to Montana residents. Montana ID cards must be obtained at your local driver license exam station through appointment scheduling. Mail in processes are not available for identification cards. Appointments for this service are required. This is required by law because the licensing authority may wish to contact you regarding your driver license at any time.

If they are unable to contact you, you could lose your driving privilege because you were not aware of orders or requirements that affect your privilege to drive. You can use appointment scheduling. A name change must be completed at a driver license exam station. The name on your application must be the same as the name shown on a primary document unless:. The space provided for recording a full legal name on a driver record or driver license may not exceed 31 characters, including up to three commas.

Titles such as Dr. You may include hyphens only if they are used in your name as it appears in the primary document you use as proof of your identity.

Applications for name change must be supported by a certified copy of one of the following documents:. Upon payment of the required fees and providing proof of name change documentation, an applicant may also apply for a replacement driver license in the legally changed name.

This designation not only recognizes your service; it may also help you qualify for veteran discounts offered by some businesses. You can also visit the Montana Veterans Affairs Division. When purchasing license plates, registering your vehicle, or renewing vehicle registration: The veteran designation on a driver license or ID card is not proof of eligibility to receive veteran license plates or exemption from vehicle registration fees under Montana law.

Veterans must continue to provide official documentation confirming eligibility to display veteran license plates or receive exemption from vehicle registration fees. You must make an appointment at a driver exam station. Renewals completed by mail are valid for 12 years for a standard driver license or eight years for a standard driver license with an existing REAL ID credential.

After renewing by mail, your next renewal must be completed at a driver license exam station. Military members deployed on active duty outside Montana may renew by mail even if their last renewal was by mail. The term or length of your Montana driver license depends on your age at the time the license is issued or renewed. Your identity is important.

Identity theft is now the top-reported form of crime in the United States. The name and birth date on your application for a driver license or ID card must match the primary document you provide. The document will be checked with the Social Security Administration. This is to help protect you against fraud. It is important to fix discrepancies now to avoid problems in the future for you and your family.

You will need to provide your Social Security number when applying for a Montana driver license or ID card. Montana currently leads the nation in donor designation. Montanans demonstrate their generosity of donation with 87 percent of the population that are 18 and older being registered as organ, eye and tissue donors.

You can help save and heal lives.