12 years is a long time, so you probably don’t ever bother about your driver’s license renewal.
But before you know it, those 12 years have gone by and it’s now time to renew.
How do you do that?
Don’t fret.
We’re here to help.
In this article, we’re going to give you a complete guide on Montana driver’s license renewal. We’ll talk about ALL the steps and requirements.
This way, you know exactly what to do, how to do it, and when to do it.
So let’s dive right in!
How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Montana
Fortunately for Montana drivers, the renewal process isn’t complicated. And you have renewal options, too.
- In-person
- By mail
- Online (currently unavailable)
Each option comes with its own requirements and steps, so let’s go over them one by one.
How to Renew Your Montana Driver’s License In-Person
In-person renewal is available to everyone, so let’s start with that.
Also, it is your ONLY option if any of the following apply to you:
- You are not a U.S. Citizen
- Your last renewal was done through the mail
- You are younger or older than 21 to 67
- You need to change personal details (like your address or name)
All that said, here’s how to renew your Montana driver’s license in person.
Step 1: Schedule an appointment with a Driver’s License Station (click here for locations).
You can schedule either online or by calling (866) 450-8034 during typical business hours.
Now, some stations require you to pay for the service at the county treasurer’s office, while others don’t offer renewal services at all. The table below details this.
Stations Requiring Advance Payment At A County Treasurer’s Office | Stations That Don’t Offer Renewal Services |
Baker Big Timber Broadus Chester Chinook Choteau Circle Columbus Conrad Deer Lodge Dillon Forsyth Fort Benton Hardin Harlowton Malta Plentywood Red Lodge Roundup Scobey Shelby White Sulphur Springs Wolf Point | Carter Garfield Golden Valley Jefferson Judith Basin Madison Petroleum Prairie Treasure Wibaux |
Step 2: Submit the following documents on your visit:
- Your current and valid driver’s license (if not, then bring proof of identity)
- Supporting documents for change of details (marriage certificate, proof of new address, etc.)
- Medical evaluation and/or eye evaluation (if instructed to submit)
Step 3: Pay the renewal fee.
Here are the fees you will have to pay depending on the type of license:
- For a 12-year standard license – $62.32
- For an 8-year Real ID license – $67.47
- For a 4-year standard license for 75-year-olds or older – $21.12
You can pay through cash, check, or credit card. If you paid at a county treasurer’s office, present the pre-paid receipt.
Step 4: Receive your temporary license. Your official one will arrive by mail within 2 to 4 weeks.
How to Renew Your Montana Driver’s License by Mail
If your license is about to expire and you’re out of state, don’t worry — in-mail renewal is here to save the day.
However, you can only avail of in-mail renewal if you meet these conditions:
- You are temporarily out of state and will not be back in Montana by the time your license expires.
- You did your last renewal in person (except for military members on active duty — they can still renew by mail even if their previous renewal was by the same method).
- You are a U.S. citizen.
- You do not require any change in personal details.
- You are under 75 years old.
If you checked off all the boxes above, here is how to renew your Montana driver’s license by mail:
Step 1: Download, print, and fill out the Mail-in Renewal Standard Driver License Instructions (Form 25-0100).
Step 2: Enclose a check or a money order payable to MVD amounting to $62.32 for a standard license or $67.47 for a Real ID license.
For anyone above 63 years old, you can check Form 25-0100 to see how much you need to pay.
Step 3: Send everything to the address below:
DOJ-MVD
ATTN: Mail-In DL
P.O. Box 201430
Helena, MT 59620-1430
If you want to avail of express mailing, send it to this address instead:
DOJ-MVD
ATTN: Mail-In DL
302 North Roberts
Helena, MT 59620
Step 4: Wait for your license to arrive by mail within 2 to 6 weeks.
In the meantime, you can use the temporary license. Your temporary credential comes through the mail within 3 to 10 business days from when the DOJ-MVD receives your renewal application.
How to Renew Your Montana Driver’s License Online
Unfortunately, the online renewal in Montana is currently unavailable. You can check the DOJ MT website regularly to see when it becomes available again.
For now, you can either use the in-person or in-mail (if eligible) renewal method.
FAQs
Need more information? Then let’s go over some frequently asked questions about driver’s license renewal in Montana.
When does my driver’s license expire in Montana?
If you are under 18 years old, your driver’s license will expire on your 21st birthday. After that, you can either choose a 12-year standard license or an 8-year Real ID license. And, if you are already at least 75 years old, your license expiration will drop down to 4 years.
For the specific expiration date, check your license card.
Can you renew your driver’s license at AAA in Montana?
Yes, you can renew your driver’s license at an AAA branch. However, your license must be valid, and your driving privilege must be active. They cannot help you if it’s suspended or revoked.
Can you renew your driver’s license online in MT?
Unfortunately, Montana does not offer an online renewal option at this point. You can only complete the process in person or by mail.
How long do I have to renew my license after it expires in Montana?
If you don’t renew your license before it expires, you have one year to complete the process. However, remember that you can’t drive until you have your new credentials — you lose your driving privileges at midnight of your license’s expiration date.
The Wrap Up
So that was your complete guide to Montana driver’s license renewal.
Since your license doesn’t expire until many, many years, you might have no clue how to renew it.
Well, this guide is here to help you. And, thankfully, you’ll see that renewing your Montana driver’s license is not complicated — just make sure you know all the requirements and steps.
Don’t wait until the last minute!
Renew your Montana driver’s license today!