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How to Renew Your Drivers License in Montana
The Montana drivers license renewal process is necessary for drivers to continue operating motor vehicles legally in the state. Montana drivers should complete the DMV license renewal process before the expiration date on their official permit card. To do this, residents must meet specific eligibility standards. Drivers can prove eligibility by providing verification documents during the renewal process. Additionally, fee payments must be made for updated cards to be issued.
Unlike license replacement, renewal is a required step that must be taken to continue to legally drive in the state. There are specific situations that garner the need for license replacement, such as losing or having a license stolen. Understanding when to renew licenses is important for drivers to avoid being charged late fees or face other penalties. Read the sections below to learn more about renewing licenses for Montana residents.
Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in Montana
Note: The expiration date of your driving privileges can be found on your license, directly below your date of birth.
In Montana, residents must meet drivers license renewal eligibility requirements in order to receive an updated license. These guidelines are developed to ensure all drivers have the ability to continue holding permits. General license renewal standards include the following:
- Applicants must be 16 years old.
- Applicants must currently hold a valid drivers license.
To renew drivers license online or in person, drivers must verify their personal information on file with the DMV. These personal details include identity, residency and citizenship status. Applicants may be required to present one or more of the following items:
- Documents proving Social Security Number (SSN):
- Social Security Card
- W-2
- 1099 form
- Pay stub
- Documents proving identity:
- Valid MT ID card
- Marriage license
- Valid U.S. Passport
- Divorce certificate
- Employee photo ID
- S. military ID or official papers
- S. school records, including transcripts
To provide drivers license offices with acceptable proof of residency. P.O. boxes cannot be submitted. Alternatively, permanent addresses must be on file to meet state verification standards.
Drivers license renewal forms can only be approved when official documents are submitted for verification. Copies of these documents are unacceptable.
Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in Montana
DMV permit renewal can only occur under certain circumstances for Montana residents. Adhering to these rules is necessary to ensure only eligible drivers obtain updated licenses.
Drivers cannot renew their licenses if their driving privileges are currently suspended or revoked. Additionally, residents with unpaid traffic tickets and/or moving violations are unable to obtain new permits. Before the renewal process can begin, all tickets must be paid in full.
How early can you renew your drivers license in Montana?
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.
Montana DMV License Renewal Options
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.
How to Renew Your Drivers License Online
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:
- License number
- Full name
- Social Security Number
- Valid email address
The state DMV office may request additional information to be provided by applicants.
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. Updated cards are mailed to the applicants’ official address on file with the DMV.
How to Renew Your Driving License by Mail
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.
To complete the mail in renewal process, drivers should follow these steps:
- Fill out renewal request form completely with personal information
- Provide payment by check or money order
- Mail both items to the state
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.
How to Renew Your Drivers License in Person
Montana drivers wondering, “Where can I renew my drivers license?” can obtain renewed permit cards by visiting official licensing agencies.
Drivers must present their old licenses as well as documents verifying identity and residency.
Next, cash, check or credit card can be used to pay all relevant fees.
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.
Military & Out of State Renewal in Montana
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:
- Military license exemption form
- Copy of current drivers license, birth certificate or valid passport
- Copy of military orders or leave statement
Montana REAL ID Drivers License Renewal
REAL ID drivers licenses in the U.S. provide drivers with the ability to access federal buildings and nuclear power plants, fly domestically and more. In Montana, REAL IDs are not yet available to residents. However, federal identification cards will be available to drivers in the state in the future.
Montana Drivers License Renewal Fees
How much does it cost to renew drivers licenses periodically for MT drivers? Renewal fees for eight-year regular passenger vehicle licenses cost $41.72.
Related Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Driver Licensing from DOJMT.gov
- Online License Renewal Instructions from DOJMT.gov