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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?
Residents of Montana whose drivers license has been lost, stolen or taken away, are not required to file a police report, however, they are recommended to do so in order to prevent identity theft or fraud. You can file a report at your police station or your local law enforcement. You should also take a copy of the police report to a local Montana DMV office when you plan to apply for a drivers license replacement, so that they can keep it on file.
How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?
To prepare for the drivers license application process, drivers can refer to the Montana Driver Manual. In this driver manual you can find information about all the required documentation, about the tests you must pass and other relevant information to help drivers get through the drivers license application process as efficiently as possible. The easiest way to obtain a copy of the drivers manual would be to download it as a PDF file from Montana Driver’s License Manual.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Montana

How can I renew my drivers license?
If you are a Montana resident with an expired drivers license, you must renew your license at the nearest Driver Exam Station at your Montana DMV office either in person or by mail. Upon visiting the DMV office, you should bring your expiring Montana driver’s license or proof of identity and a payment for the $40.50 renewal fee for an eight-year license.

If you live in one of the counties that do not provide driver’s license services, then you mustrenew your drivers license by mail, completing and signing certain documentation which you must send to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Division

302 N. Roberts, Third Floor, Scott Hart Bldg

P.O. Box 201430, Helena, MT 59620-1430

The renewed drivers license will arrive in the mail within two to four weeks.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Montana

How do I apply for a drivers license?
If you are a Montana resident and you want to obtain a drivers license, you must complete the following steps when visiting the nearest Driver Exam Station at your Montana DMV office:
  1. Provide a parental consent and complete a graduated driver licensing process, if you are under 18 years old.
  2. Pass written drivers test, vision exam and drivers test.
  3. Provide proof for the required documentation:
    1. Proof of identity
    2. Proof of Montana residency
    3. Proof of authorized presence
  4. Decide whether you want to be registered as an organ, eye or tissue donor.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Montana

How do I get a hardship license?
Drivers in Montana who have a suspended drivers license may obtain a hardship license based on the offense committed. To find out whether you are eligible to obtain a hardship license, you should contact your local DMV office. The state of Montana allows a hardship license for going to work, school, or church. When you submit an application for a hardship license application, you will have to provide:
  • Two proofs of identity:
    • Birth certificate
    • ID card
    • US passport
  • Application form for a hardship license
  • Proof of your hardship (a school or job attendance verification)
  • Payment for a hardship license fee

For more information: Suspended License Information for Montana

How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
Montana residents who are active military members stationed out-of-state and who want to obtain a drivers license replacement, should call 1-406-444-3670 for more information. However, it is recommended for you to have a copy of your Military Identification and your Leave and Earning Statement (LES), in case the Montana DMV asks you to mail them to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Division

302 N. Roberts, Third Floor, Scott Hart Bldg

P.O. Box 201430, Helena, MT 59620-1430

If you are legally licensed in Montana and currently serving in the armed forces, then the drivers license will be valid as long as the service continues and up to 30 days after your honorable discharge.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Montana Driver’s License or ID card

How do I obtain a duplicate license?
If you are a Montana resident and you have a damaged, lost, mutilated or stolen drivers license, you need to apply for a duplicate drivers license in person at a local Montana DMV office.

Upon visiting the DMV you will need to bring with you two documents as a proof of your identity (either two primary documents, or one primary and one secondary identification document) and a payment of $10 for the duplicate drivers license.

In case you have a lost drivers license out of state, you should collect the needed documentation and send it by mail to the Montana DMV.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Montana Driver’s License or ID card

How do I reinstate after a revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender?
If you are a Montana resident and you have received a drivers license revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender, your license will be revoked for three years and you may not be able to renew it or restore it. When the period of revocation is over, you will be required to file a new application for a driver’s license, submit payment of all fees and re-take all of the required tests at a Montana DMV office.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Montana

How do I reinstate my suspended license?
Depending on the type of violation a driver in Montana has committed, the suspension period varies. After you complete your suspension period, you will receive a notice from the Montana DMV. This notice includes instructions on how to reinstate suspended drivers license, which include the following steps:
  1. Apply for a license renewal in order to obtain a new license
  2. Pay the required reinstatement fee, which may vary depending on the reason for your suspension, in person at a County Treasurer’s Office or send a check or money order to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Division

302 N. Roberts, Third Floor, Scott Hart Bldg

P.O. Box 201430, Helena, MT 59620-1430

To find out the specific requirements, visit a local Montana DMV office or call the DMV at 406-444-3933.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Montana

How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
Residents of Montana who are active members of the military, stationed out of state and unable to apply for drivers license renewal in person, should mail the following documents:

For more information, call 406-444 3933 or send a mail for the correct paperwork to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Division

302 N. Roberts, Third Floor, Scott Hart Bldg

P.O. Box 201430, Helena, MT 59620-1430

After contacting the Montana DMV and sending them the needed documentation, the driver’s license will remain valid up to 30 days after the military member’s honorable discharge. At that point in time, visit in person a local DMV office and apply for a drivers license renewal.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Montana

How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?
If you are a non-United States citizen living in Montana and you need to obtain a drivers license replacement, you should present the following documentation:
  • Proof of immigration status:
    • Form I-551 (Lawful Permanent Resident Card, Machine Readable Immigrant Visa) with your unexpired foreign passport
    • I-766 (Employment Authorization Document, EAD, work permit)
    • I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) or admission stamp in the unexpired foreign passport
  • Proof of work eligibility:
    • Non-citizens need permission to work from DHS
    • Foreign workers need to show their:
  • I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) or admission stamp in the unexpired foreign passport
  • I-766 (Employment Authorization Document, EAD, work permit) from DHS
  • Proof of age:
    • Your foreign birth certificate
  • If you don t have your foreign birth certificate, you can present your passport or a DHS document, as evidence of your age
  • Proof of identity:
    • I-551 Permanent Resident Card
    • I-94 Arrival/Departure Record with unexpired foreign passport or admission stamp in the unexpired foreign passport
    • I-766 Employment Authorization Document
How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?
If you are a Montana resident who is currently out of the state and who has a stolen, damaged or lost drivers license, you need to mail the following documentation to the Montana DMV:
  • A completed and signed Application for Replacement Driver License by Mail
  • Copies of two documents for identification (from the above-mentioned primary and secondary identification documents)
  • Check or money order for the $10 fee for duplicate drivers license
  • Self-addressed and stamped envelope

Once you collect all the documents, send them to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Division

302 N. Roberts, Third Floor, Scott Hart Bldg

P.O. Box 201430, Helena, MT 59620-1430

The duplicate drivers license will arrive in your mail within four weeks.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Montana Driver’s License or ID card

How does the DMV check my vision?
When you visit the nearest Driver Exam Station at any Montana DMV office, one of the tests you must be tested for is the vision exam. The DMV will check your acuity, depth perception and color blindness through a vision test given on a Keystone Telebinocular. If you can not score 20/40 with both eyes together (with or without glasses), the examiner has the right to suspend your license until you improve your vision at a vision specialist.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Montana

How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?
Any driver in Montana is required by a state law to undergo a blood or breath test while operating a motor vehicle, if required from law enforcement officials. Drivers, who refuse to submit to alcohol testing, will have an automatic drivers license suspension such as:
  • First conviction: Six-month suspension
  • Second or subsequent conviction: One-year suspension

For more information: Suspended License Information for Montana

How soon can I renew my driver’s license?
If you are a Montana resident between 21 and 67 years old, your driverslicense is valid for eight years and it will expire at midnight on the date of your birthday. The Montana DMV sendsdrivers license renewal notices prior to your driver’s license expiration date and advises you to renew license in the six-month period before the birthday on which it will expire. However, if you fail to renew it by then, you have three additional months to apply for a drivers license renewal.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Montana

If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?
Montana residents who deal with a lost or stolen drivers license are not required by the state to file a police report, but they are recommended to do as soon as possible so that an identity theft or fraud can be prevented.

After filing a report to the police department or your local law enforcement, bring a copy of the report to your local Montana DMV office and show it when you apply for a drivers license replacement. For further questions about whether your replacement fee will be waived or not, contact the Montana DMV at (406) 444 3933.

Is there an age limit to renew your license?
In Montana, there is no age limit on whether a resident can renew drivers license. However, the validity of the drivers license differs according to the age of the driver.

Drivers under 21 years of age have an expiration date of their driver’s license on their 21st birthday. Drivers between 21 and 67 years old must renew drivers licenses after a period of eight years. Operators between 68 and 74 years of age have a driver’s license validity until their 75th birthday. All drivers above 75 years old must renew drivers licenses after a period of four years.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Montana

What address will my replacement license be mailed to?
Montana residents along with active military members who are temporarily out of state, can apply for a drivers license replacement through mail by sending the application for Replacement Driver License by Mail and the required documents to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Division

302 N. Roberts, Third Floor, Scott Hart Bldg

P.O. Box 201430, Helena, MT 59620-1430

The duplicate drivers license should arrive within four weeks on the mailing address that you have entered in the Application for Replacement Driver License by Mail.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Montana Driver’s License or ID card

What are requirements for seniors to renew a driving license?
Montana drivers who are 75 years or older are required to renew their license at the nearest Driver Exam Station at your Montana DMV office. The frequency of renewal is every four years. Upon arrival, you will be required to:
  • Take a vision test.
  • Present a domicile proof.
  • Have a new photo taken.

In some situations you may be asked to take a written drivers test. In order to prepare yourself for this test, you may go through the Montana Driver Manual and take practice tests before you renew your drivers license.

For more information: Senior Drivers in Montana

What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?
In Montana, an operator of motor vehicle can have a suspended drivers license for a specific period of time, depending on the type of the violation the person has committed. Violations may include:
  • Excessive moving violations
  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
  • Driving with a suspended license or no license
  • Driving without insurance
  • Other driving-related violations
  • Physical or Psychological disqualification
  • Non-driving reasons for license suspension
  • Minors in possession of alcohol
  • Commercial driver suspension
  • Failing to complete a substance abuse course

For more information: Suspended License Information for Montana

What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?
Drivers in Montana who are driving with a suspended drivers license will face the following consequences if pulled over by a police officer:
  • Increase in the length of the suspension
  • Possible imprisonment for up to five years
  • Different fines varying on the reason for a suspension

For more information: Suspended License Information for Montana

What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?
Residents of Montana who want to obtain a duplicate drivers license must pay the $10 drivers license replacement fee. You should pay this fee upon visiting the local Montana DMV office, or by sending a check or money order for the fee to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Division

302 N. Roberts, Third Floor, Scott Hart Bldg

P.O. Box 201430, Helena, MT 59620-1430

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Montana Driver’s License or ID card

What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?
Residents of Montana who want to reinstate suspended drivers license, need to pay a reinstatement fee to a local Montana DMV office. Reinstatement fees may vary depending on the reason for your suspension.

You can pay the required reinstatement fee in person at a County Treasurer’s Office or send a check or money order to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Division

302 N. Roberts, Third Floor, Scott Hart Bldg

P.O. Box 201430, Helena, MT 59620-1430

For more information: Suspended License Information for Montana

What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?
Montana drivers who have a suspended drivers license, may be eligible for a hardship license based on the committed offense that brought them the drivers license suspension in the first place.

To find out whether you are eligible to obtain a hardship license, you should contact your local DMV office. However, Montana offers a hardship license for going to work or school/church. When you submit an application for a hardship license application, you will have to:

  • Provide a school or job attendance verification
  • Pay a hardship license fee
  • Provide proof of any other document needed

For more information: Suspended License Information for Montana

What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?
If you are a Montana resident who has submitted a drivers license application, you must go through a certain examination at the nearest Driver Exam Station at your Montana DMV office. You will have to pass the following exams:
  • Written drivers test
  • Vision exam
  • Drivers test

In the case that you fail your driving test, the state of Montana allows you to retake it again the next business day.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Montana

What documents do I need to get my drivers license?
All Montana residents who plan to submit a drivers license application, must present the following documentation upon visiting their nearest Driver Exam Station at your Montana DMV office:
  • A parental consent if under 18
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of Montana residency
  • Proof of authorized presence
  • Payment for the required fee for a drivers

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Montana

What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?
Montana residents with expired drivers licenses, must renew drivers license either in person at the nearest Driver Exam Station at your Montana DMV office or by mail. Upon visiting the DMV office, you should bring the following documents:
  • Your expiring Montana driver’s license or proof of identity
  • Payment for the $40.50 renewal fee for an eight-year license

You will be issued a temporary drivers license and the renewed drivers license will arrive in the mail within two to four weeks.

If you live in one of the counties that do not provide driver’s license services and you need to renew drivers license by mail, you must complete the following documentation:

  • Three mail renewal application forms:
    • Class D Driver License Mail Renewal Application
    • Medical Evaluation for Driver License Mail Renewal Application
    • Report of Eye Examination Application
  • In case that your name has changed, you need a name change document.
  • Money order for the $40.50 renewal fee for an eight-year license or a pre-paid county receipt from the County treasurer office.
  • A self-addressed and stamped envelope if you want the temporary driver’s license to be mailed back to you.

After you collect all these documents, send them to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Division

302 N. Roberts, Third Floor, Scott Hart Bldg

P.O. Box 201430, Helena, MT 59620-1430

The renewed drivers license will arrive in the mail within two to four weeks.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Montana

What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?
Montana residents who have lost, damaged or stolen drivers license may apply for a duplicate drivers license by visiting in person a local Montana DMV office. You will need to bring with you two documents as a proof of your identity (either two primary documents, or one primary and one secondary identification document):
  • Primary documents:
    • A color photo driver license or ID card not expired for more than four years and issued by a US or Canadian jurisdiction
    • A certified birth certificate, issued by a US or Canadian jurisdiction
    • Certificate of birth abroad of a US citizen
    • A valid, unexpired passport or passport card, issued by the US Department of State or other jurisdiction
    • One valid, unexpired document issued by the USCIS
  • Secondary documents:
    • An original US Social Security card or Canadian insurance card
    • A certified copy of a marriage certificate
    • A US or Canadian expired drivers license or ID card
    • A current US or Canadian jurisdiction photo ID card
    • A current school photo ID card with the student’s name and identification number

When you bring two of the above-mentioned documents, you will also need to pay $10 fee for your drivers license replacement.

If you are out of the state and have a lost drivers license, you need to mail the following to the Montana DMV:

  • A completed and signed Application for Replacement Driver License by Mail
  • Copies of two documents for identification (from the above-mentioned primary and secondary identification documents)
  • Check or money order for the $10 fee for duplicate drivers license
  • Self-addressed and stamped envelope

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Montana Driver’s License or ID card

What languages is the written test available in?
Drivers in Montana will need to pass three types of examination at the nearest Driver Exam Station at any Montana DMV office, if they want to obtain a drivers license, including:
  • Awritten drivers test
  • A vision exam
  • Adrivers test

Written knowledge tests are conducted in English. However, if the English language is not your native language, you can make arrangements by contacting the Montana DMV at (406) 444-3933.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Montana

What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?
Montana residents with expired drivers licenses must renew drivers licenses either in person at the nearest Driver Exam Station at your Montana DMV office or by mail. Drivers who fail to renew drivers licenses by the expiration date have additional three months to apply for a drivers license renewal.

Even though you have those additional three months, it is illegal to drive in that period with an expired drivers license and you will face fines if ticketed or pulled over by a police officer.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Montana

What should I do if I have not received my renewed license?
In Montana, once you have submitted an application for a drivers license renewal, the DMV will send you by mail the renewed drivers license within two to four weeks to your address. If you haven’t received the renewed drivers license in the specified period of time, contact the DMV at the number 406-444 3933 or send a mail to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Division

302 N. Roberts, Third Floor, Scott Hart Bldg

P.O. Box 201430, Helena, MT 59620-1430

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Montana

What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?
Montana residents who have submitted a drivers license application, should be aware of the certain examination they must go through at the nearest Driver Exam Station at any Montana DMV office. You will have to pass the following exams:
  • Written drivers test
  • Vision exam
  • Drivers test

The written drivers test must be passed with a score of 80 percent or higher in order to obtain a Montana drivers license. The exam includes topics on safe driving, meaning of traffic signs and Montana traffic laws. If you want to go into further details about the tests, read the Montana Driver Manual.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Montana

What type of noncommercial license will I need?
In Montana, there are several types of noncommercial licenses. You may apply for the Class D basic drivers license, which is also known as the only noncommercial drivers license in the state of Montana. This license is valid for up to eight years and it will be issued to you only if your vehicle weighs less than 26,000 lbs. Apart from this non-commercial drivers license, you have the motorcycle learners license with a validity of one year and the motorcycle endorsement which must be added to your Class D drivers license.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Montana

When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?
When a Montana driver is convicted of a drivers license suspension, the duration of the suspension period varies according to the type of violation the person has committed and whether or not this is the driver’s first conviction. You can reinstate suspended drivers license after you have completed your suspension period.

Have in mind that after you reinstate suspended drivers license, you might be on a probation, during which you must not make any additional violations in order to avoid an extended drivers license suspension.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Montana

When will I need to renew my license?
Montana driver’s licenses expire at midnight on the date of the resident’s birthday. Its validation varies according to the age of the driver. If you are between 21 and 67 years of age, your license will be valid for eight years.

The Montana DMV sends drivers license renewal notices prior to your driver’s license expiration date and advises you to renew license in the six-month period before the birthday on which it will expire. However, if you fail to renew it by then, you have three additional months to apply for a drivers license renewal.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Montana

When will I receive a replacement license after applying?
Montana residents who need to apply for a drivers license replacement must visit a local Montana DMV office in person, or send the needed documentation and the required payment by mail. The duplicate drivers license should arrive by mail within four weeks from the day of the application.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Montana Driver’s License or ID card

Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?
Montana residents who want to check whether they have a suspended drivers license or not, can do that in the following ways including:
  • Visit in person a local Montana DMV office
  • Call the DMV office at 406-444-3933
  • Check your driver’s license status online. Your Montana Driving Record will show you: suspensions, violations, driving status, points, fines, violation codes, license classification and endorsements.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Montana

Where can I get a new drivers license?
In Montana, drivers license applications cannot be mailed or completed online. To apply for drivers license, you need to visit the nearest Driver Exam Station at your Montana DMV office. After you submit the needed documentation, pass the required exams, and pay the required drivers license fee, you can obtain a new drivers license from any DMV office in Montana.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Montana

Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?
The state of Montana gives you the option to choose whether you want to renew drivers license in person at the nearest Driver Exam Station at your Montana DMV office or by mail. If you appear in person at the DMV office, you will not be asked to take a vision test. However, if you live in one of the counties that do not provide driver’s license services and you must renew license by mail, then you will be required to send through mail a Report of Eye Examination Application along with the required additional documentation.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Montana

Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?
The Montana DMV sends drivers license renewal notices prior to your driver’s license expiration date. However, you don’t need this notice when renewing drivers license by mail or in person at your local Montana DMV office. This notice only advises you to renew license in the six-month period before the birthday on which it will expire. However, if you fail to renew it by then, you have three additional months to apply for a drivers license renewal.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Montana