Montana Driver's License

Non-Commercial Learner's Permit

Under the GDL, all individuals aspiring to get a full license in Montana must have a learner's permit. Individuals can get this permit as young as 14.5 years. This permit allows drivers to practice driving vehicles before obtaining a full driver's license.

Upon reaching the age of 15, individuals are eligible for a provisional or restricted license. Subsequently, at 16, individuals are eligible to obtain the full Class D license. However, individuals aged 18 and older only need the learner's permit to get their full license.

To get the permit, the individual must meet these requirements:

• Prepare the following documents:
• Parental consent
• Proof of identity
• Proof of residency
• Proof of authorized presence
• Social security number
• Pass a written test.
• Pass a vision screening.
• Pay $36.57 for a standard permit but $62.32 for REAL ID versions.

The Montana MVD provides a list of acceptable documents for standard non-compliant licenses. Be sure to bring one from every category when applying at the MVD.

First-Year Restricted or Provisional License

If the individual is not yet 16 but already has a learner's permit, they can move toward their provisional or restricted license. This license is only valid for one year and comes with restrictions, such as requiring a licensed person to accompany the driver at all times.

This permit makes sure that drivers have proper training and knowledge before operating their vehicles on public roads. It also helps to reduce accidents and maintain safety standards on the road.

To get the restricted or provincial license, the individual must meet these requirements:

• Hold the learner's permit for at least six months without any violation.
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving.

The individual must also have the following documents:

• Documentary proofs submitted during the application for the learner's permit
• Driving log
• Completed Graduated Driver Licensing Parent/Legal Guardian Certification (21-1600)

There is no need to pass a written test or vision screening again. However, the individual must pass a driving test.

For more information, visit the Guide to Teen Driving.

Class D License (Standard Driver's License)

The Class D license is the most common type of driver's license in Montana. It allows individuals to operate non-commercial vehicles that weigh less than 26,001 pounds and trailers weighing up to 10,000 pounds.

This license is available for drivers at least 16 years old and who have passed a written knowledge exam and a road skills test.

For information on the requirements and steps to obtain this license, read the "How to Obtain a Driver's License in Montana" section of this guide.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Montana issues Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) for those who operate large or heavy vehicles for commercial purposes. There are three classes of CDLs:

Class A CDL

This license is for drivers operating vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, including towed vehicles over 10,000 pounds. This license suits drivers of heavy-duty trucks, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial vehicles.

Class B CDL

This license is for driving single vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more or towing a vehicle less than 10,000 pounds. This license is ideal for drivers of large delivery trucks, box trucks, and buses with fewer than 16 passengers.

Class C CDL

This license is for drivers of vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers or transporting hazardous materials. It is suitable for drivers of buses, passenger vans, and such vehicles.

Read the "Commercial Driver License" page on the Montana MVD website for more information about CDL licenses.

Motorcycle Endorsement

In addition to the above classes, there is also an option for those who wish to operate a motorcycle. It requires obtaining a Motorcycle Endorsement (ME), allowing drivers to ride a motorcycle on public roads legally.

For more information about MEs, check the "Motorcycle Endorsements" page on the MVD website.

Gather Necessary Documents

A standard license in Montana is non-compliant with REAL ID. If they only need a license, they must bring these documents in hard copy to prove the following:

• Learner's permit (for 14-15 years old or 18 and above)
• Provisional or restricted license (15-16 years old)
• Their name and birth date (proof of identity)
• Current address (proof of residency)
• Social security number
• Name change (in case the applicant legally changes their name)
• Proof of authorized presence, if applicable

To save time, pre-apply for a license online.

Remember to get a REAL ID when obtaining a driver's license. Schedule an appointment via REAL ID Appointment. By applying, proof of identity, proof of authorized presence, proof of Montana residency, and visiting the MVD office are required. The extended deadline for acquiring REAL ID is until May 7, 2025.

Visit a Local MVD Office

To apply for a driver's license in Montana, individuals must visit a nearby MT MVD office. It is recommended that they fill out the Application for Class D Driver License (age 18 or older) form that can be downloaded online or obtained at a local MVD office. They can also pre-apply online at the MT MVD official website.

Take and Pass the Necessary Tests

Individuals aiming for a standard license in Montana are required to take and pass the following tests:

Written Test

The written test checks if the individual has a solid foundation of information before getting behind the wheel. It comprises 33 multiple-choice questions about speed limits, license regulations, and more. It has an 80% passing score and a 50% fail rate.

Individuals must pay a $5 testing fee to take the test. To prepare, they can study the Montana Driver Manual. To take the test, visit any MVD Exam Stations. The individual can also schedule an appointment at any MVD office or online via the MVD website.

Vision Test

An individual needs to pass a vision test. In Montana, the Vision Examination Report for a driver's license confirms that individuals have the necessary vision to drive safely, assessing visual acuity, peripheral vision, and overall visual health. To participate, fill out the Eye Evaluation Form.

The minimum requirement for a Class D license is 20/40 vision in at least one eye. This process aims to reduce accidents and maintain road safety by verifying drivers' ability to respond effectively to hazards, signage, and other vehicles.

In other circumstances, if the vision is not 20/40 without medical problems, the applicant can obtain the license without corrective lenses. If it is worse than 20/40, the applicant needs corrective lenses. The factors considered revolve around the presentation of adaptive rules from the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM).

If the applicant fails the vision test, they will be referred to an eye specialist with a complete report of the Vision Examination. Restricted licenses are for at least 20/70 vision. Those below 20/70 are under the supervision of the Montana Association for the Blind (MAB). A driving training course for at least 20 hours is required for a low-vision license.

Road Test

The road tests evaluate the rider's familiarity with the road. An examiner will accompany the individual in the vehicle and examine their ability to control the vehicle's working lights, turn signals, hand signals, and horns and follow traffic rules.

Individuals must pay a $56 fee and schedule their road test in person, through an online appointment on the MVD website, or by calling (866) 450-8034 during regular business hours. Aside from the initial documents they gathered earlier, individuals must also bring the following:

• Proof of current registration of the vehicle the individual will use for the road test
• Proof of vehicle insurance

Pay the License Fee

After passing the tests, the cost of a standard Class D driver's license varies depending on the age they apply, the validity length, and the REAL ID endorsement. The price ranges from $62.32 for an eight-year license at 15 to $41.72 for a four-year permit at 18. The complete list is available on the MVD Licensing Fees.

Individuals can pay the license fee in cash at the MVD office, by check or money order, or by credit or debit card. After paying, the individual's picture will be taken for the license.

Receive the License

After payment, the applicant will have their picture taken and receive a temporary license they can use while waiting for the mail in 2-4 weeks for a new license.

To know more about obtaining a Class D Montana driver's license, refer to the Montana Driver Manual. To get a CDL, read the Montana Commercial Driver License Manual. Meanwhile, for a motorcycle license, check the Montana Motorcycle Operator Manual.

License Renewal

A Montana driver's license usually expires every eight years. Since there is a six-month grace period after expiry, individuals may renew their license after expiry. If the license has expired for over a year, it is necessary to reapply following the procedures for new drivers.

Acceptable documents must be provided to verify identity, residency, and lawful presence. Additionally, applicants are obliged to successfully complete all relevant licensing examinations.

However, if the individual is under 21 years old, their license is only valid until the licensee's birthday. They may renew their license after the 21st birthday. Individuals can opt for in-person, online, or by mail when renewing a regular or Class D license.

In-Person Renewal

If the license does not meet the online or mail renewal criteria, it can be renewed in person at any MVD office. Here are the steps:

• Make an appointment beforehand.
• Go to the nearest MVD office in person.
• Complete the application form (the same form during the application).
• Bring the necessary documentary requirements, including expired licenses or proof of identity (if the permit is not on hand).
• Pass the vision test.
• Surrender the current Montana driver's license.
• Take a photo and pay the renewal fee of $16.48 for a non-compliant license and $41.72 for a REAL ID-compliant license.
• Receive a temporary license, with the new license arriving by mail within two weeks.

Online Renewal

Note that only individuals who pass the following requirements can renew online:

• The individual is between 21 and 63 years old.
• The individual kept their personal information the same before renewal.
• The individual's last renewal was done in person.
• The individual is a confirmed U.S. citizen.
• The individual's license must be on renewal timeframe, six months prior or within one year after the expiration.
• The individual's current license is not suspended, canceled, disqualified, or revoked.

Individuals who fully meet the requirements above can proceed with these steps:

• Complete all the requirements and acceptable forms needed.
• Pay the license renewal fee for a standard non-compliant or REAL ID-compliant license.
• Once successful, wait for a temporary copy of the renewed driver's license via email.
• Receive the renewed physical license card through mail within two weeks.

Renewal by Mail

Individuals over 22 years old with no change in personal information and who did not renew their last license by mail are encouraged to renew online. If the individual will push through or is aged between 63 and 75, they can follow these steps:

• Complete the Mail Renewal Form.
• Compile all the necessary documentary requirements. Check the section "How to Obtain a Driver's License in Montana" for details.
• Pay the license fee and the additional fee.
• Mail the Renewal form, required documentation, and the current driver's license to:
  

  DOJ-MVD

  ATTN: Mail-in DL

  P.O. Box 201430

  Helena, MT 59620-1430

For express delivery, replace P.O Box 201430 with 302 N Roberts.

If, by chance, the individual is out of state and cannot renew their expiring driver's license, they can apply for an out-of-state temporary paper license. The MT MVD will email the temporary license, which will cost $24. The temporary license is valid for 90 days only.

License Replacement

If an individual loses or damages their driver's license or is stolen, they can go to an MVD office and get a replacement. The process is the same as renewing the ID in person. Additionally, if the license is lost within six months before its expiration date, the person can opt for a renewal rather than a replacement.

The individual can also request a replacement online by applying for a Montana online duplicate license and paying the $10.30 fee. The duplicate license will be emailed in 3-5 business days. However, if the individual lost a regular license and wants to upgrade the replacement into a REAL ID version, they must do so in person and pay the $36.05 fee.

Note that the individual must be eligible for online replacement. For more information, visit the MVD "Renewing Your License/ID" page.