Need your Montana driving record?
Don’t have any idea where or how to obtain it?
Then you’ve come to the right place.
Here, we’re going to give you a complete guide on how to get a Montana driving record. We’ll also tell you everything you need to know — from the different record types to understanding the Montana point system.
We have it all for you here.
So let’s begin!
Types of Driving Records in Montana
In Montana, there are 2 types of driving records, namely:
- Basic driving record
- Commercial driving record
You can purchase a certified or non-certified copy of each. A certified copy is used for official purposes (such as presenting it to a court), while non-certified ones are for personal use only (such as wanting to see how many points you’ve accumulated).
Basic Driving Record
A certified and non-certified basic driving record shows the same information. These include the following:
- Information about the driver and their credentials
- Active status
- History of sanctions and all events related to it
- History of accidents
Commercial Driving Record
As its name implies, a commercial driving record shows information that is crucial for those who are professional drivers. An example of this is a professional driver’s medical qualifications. Asides from that, it generally shows the same content as a basic record.
How to Get My Driving Record in Montana
Whether you want a basic or commercial driving record, you can choose to get it from three channels:
- Online
- By Mail
- In Person
Let’s look into each one.
How to Get Your Montana Driving Record Online
Let’s begin with the most convenient way to get a copy of your driving record — online.
This channel immediately provides you with the information you need. And you won’t even have to leave your home!
Here’s how to get your Montana driving record online:
- Go to the Driver History Records Service from the MVD website.
- Select “Access as Public User”
- Enter the necessary information.
- Pay the $7.87 fee using a credit card. Remember, the amount is only for one record.
- View your driving record.
NOTE: You cannot save the file to your computer, and you will not receive a copy in your email. If you need to save it, you should have immediate access to a printer so you can print it.
How to Get Your Montana Driving Record by Mail
This is the preferred channel if you don’t have access to a printer, don’t want to spend too much on a record, or don’t have a credit card to pay online.
If that’s you, then here are the steps to getting your Montana driving record by mail:
- Download a copy of Form 34-0100 (Release of Driving Records) and fill it out with the necessary information.
- Enclose a check or money order for $4.12
- Put everything in a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
NOTE: You can have the MVD fax you a copy of your driving record instead. But that’ll cost an additional $3.09. If you prefer this, you don’t need to enclose a self-addressed envelope anymore.
- Send everything to this address:
Motor Vehicle Division
P.O. Box 201430
Helena, MT 59620-1430
- Wait for your Montana driving record to arrive via mail.
If you need your driving record immediately, requesting it by mail may not be the best option. Remember, it’ll take several days before it arrives, so you’ll need to factor that into your schedule.
How to Get Your Montana Driving Record In Person
If the first two methods don’t work for you, you can always get a copy of your driving record in person.
You’re sure to walk out with a copy, so it’s worth considering if you’re in a rush. However, you can’t just go to any local MVD office.
To ensure you get it right the first time, here’s what you need to do:
- Complete Form 34-0100 (Release of Driving Records) and bring it to the address below:
Motor Vehicle Division Office
Scott Hart Building, Second Floor
302 N. Roberts, Helena
- After submitting your request, pay the $4.12 fee.
NOTE: You cannot pay by credit card. Payments must be made by check or money order.
- Receive your driving record.
NOTE: If you need to get someone else’s driving record, the steps are the same. However, there are a few more things you need to fill up in the form.
How to Improve Your Montana Driving Record
Your driving record is an important piece of paper. A not-so-ideal one can lead to consequences, such as higher insurance premiums.
Is there a way to improve your driving record?
The best way to improve it is to avoid getting any more violations and offenses. And to do that, here are some things you can try:
- Wait. The points on your driving record expire after three years. However, all violations remain on your driving record.
- Regularly check your record. There might be inaccuracies in your record. If you check it regularly, you will spot these mistakes and can have them corrected.
- Attend a defensive driving course. Although it won’t take points off your record, it can dismiss a ticket. In turn, points won’t be added to your record. Besides, a refresher never hurts.
- Obey traffic signs and signals. Some violations may only earn you two or three points. These may seem insignificant, but if you commit them often, you’ll be surprised at how fast you can accumulate points on your license.
- Only drive when you’re sober. Not only will drunk driving add double-digit points to your license, but it’ll also put you and others in great danger.
Understanding the Point System in Montana
Like most states, Montana uses a point system to determine when it’s time to take away someone’s driving privileges.
You may earn anywhere between 2 to 15 points each time you commit a violation. The table below breaks this down in detail.
| Points | Violations |
| 2 | Speeding above the prudent speed Driving without a license All other moving violations not in this table |
| 3 | Exceeding the allowable speed limit |
| 4 | Failing to stop in an accident that resulted in damage |
| 5 | Reckless driving Drag racing Not having required insurance coverage Fleeing or eluding a law enforcement officer |
| 6 | Driving with a suspended or revoked license |
| 8 | Failing to stop in an accident that resulted in injury |
| 10 | Driving under the influence |
| 12 | Vehicular manslaughter Committing a felony involving a motor vehicle |
| 15 | Vehicular homicide |
So, when do you lose your driving privileges?
| Accumulated Points | Penalty |
| 6 points within 18 months | You must attend a driver counseling session. Alternatively, you can choose to retake the driver’s license exam. You face a 3-month license suspension if you don’t complete either one. |
| 15 points in 36 months | 6-month suspension |
| 30 points in 3 years | 3-year revocation |
The Wrap Up
And that was how to get a Montana driving record.
Need to get a hold of your Montana driving record? You now know all the channels available to you, as well as the steps for each one.
Want to improve your Montana driving record? The best thing to do is wait, take a defensive driving course, and make sure to follow all road rules and signs.
How many points until your license is suspended? Check the tables above.