Montana Driver’s License Renewal Guide
Updated on July 15, 2021
Did you know Montana is ranked the worst state for teen drivers in 2021? Despite being in the bottom 10 states for the number of licensed drivers in America, with only 811,851 as of 2019, Montana ranks 48th out of 50 for highest rates in both teen driving fatalities and teen DUI’s.
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Why might you ask? The Treasure State doesn’t charge offenders with a DUI unless their BAC is twice the legal limit, making it more likely for individuals to continue this dangerous behavior. Don’t be a part of the problem, drive sober and drive safe! Keep reading for more information on driving in Montana.
How to Renew a Montana Driver’s License
What do I need and how do I renew my Montana driver’s license? Good questions.
Completing your Montana driver’s license renewal is fairly simple, and the state provides multiple convenient options while allowing you to renew for a period for five to eight years.
In general, it costs $5 per year, and your total fee depends on how many years your renewal is for.
You may renew your driver’s license in the state of Montana up to six months before the expiration date.
Online Driver’s License Renewal
There is currently no online method for renewing your license, but you may do so by mail or by going to a DMV office in person.
Renewing Your License by Mail
The mail system takes much longer and there are fewer choices for how to make payment for a Montana License renewal.
Renewing Your License In Person
Can I schedule a DMV appointment to renew my license?
In short, yes. The state allows you to schedule an appointment with the local DMV to renew your license in person. This option can help avoid long waits at the DMV office.
Renewing an Expired Driver’s License
There is no grace period for renewing if your driver’s license has expired. If this happens to be the case, you will be need to pay required late fees before you can renew.
You can also be ticketed for driving without a license. You may renew with the late fee for up to three months after the expiration date.
After that, you will not be able to get a Montana license renewal. In that situation, you will have to start over as if you never had a license, and you will have to take the written test and the driver’s test to get a new license.
Required License Renewal Documents
What do I need to renew my driver’s license in Montana?
To complete the Montana driver’s license renewal process, you will have to provide proof of identity and your address. A current driver’s license can be one proof of identity, or you may use a passport or birth certificate.
Your Social Security card can be a proof a well. You must also provide evidence of your current address, and a utility bill or a lease agreement will suffice.
When you first get your license, you will have to take a vision exam. If you have had a change in your situation, such as starting to wear glasses, you will have to take the vision test again. Taking the vision test is also required for people over the age of 60.
People who are not United States citizens must have a valid permanent residency card, or a work authorization form, in addition to the other requirements.
People in the military are exempt from standard Montana driver’s license renewal requirements. They have 60 days after their discharge to get a new license.
People in the military may also get extensions that will keep their license valid as long as they are in the military and stationed outside the state. Military people may also renew by mail twice in a row. Other people who qualify for mail renewal may not do so twice in a row.
In addition to military personnel, people living in certain counties, typically very rural and remote locations, may also renew by mail. If you are one of these residents, you will have to provide a copy of your birth certificate or passport, a completed license renewal form, proof of state residency and the applicable fees.
Getting Your New Montana Driver’s License
Once you complete the renewal process, your new license will be delivered via USPS mail.
Should you have any questions regarding how to renew your Montana driver’s license or are interested in scheduling a DMV appointment, contact the driver’s license agency nearest to you.