USA Montana Driver License

Montana Driver’s License: 2025 Step-by-Step Guide

Looking to get a Montana Driver’s License? Whether you’re a first-time driver, a new Montana resident, or need to renew your current license, this guide from the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) breaks down the steps clearly.

---

How to Get a Montana Driver’s License

Step 1: Choose Your License Type
Most applicants need a Class D license (non-commercial for passenger vehicles). Montana also issues commercial driver’s licenses (CDL), motorcycle licenses, and learner’s permits.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents
To apply, you must present:

• Proof of identity (e.g., U.S. passport or birth certificate)
• Proof of Montana residency (e.g., utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
• Proof of authorized presence in the U.S.
• Social Security number (card, W-2, or SSA document)

Step 3: Take the Required Exams
If you are a new driver:

• Pass a vision test
• Take the written knowledge test based on the Montana Driver Manual
• Pass a road skills test (by appointment)

---

Teen Drivers: Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) System

Montana uses a three-step graduated license program for teens under 18:

1. Learner’s License (age 14.5–16) — Must hold for at least 6 months and complete 50 supervised driving hours.
2. First-Year Restricted License — Limits nighttime driving and number of passengers.
3. Full-Privilege License (age 18 or after 1 year with restricted license) — All restrictions lifted.

Driver education is required if under 16.

---

New Montana Residents

If you’ve moved to Montana, you must get a Montana driver’s license within 60 days of establishing residency.

Bring to a driver licensing station:

• Valid out-of-state license
• Proof of identity and residency
• Social Security number
• You may need to take a vision exam
• Written and driving tests may be waived if your license is valid and unexpired

---

Renewing a Montana Driver’s License

Montana driver’s licenses are valid for 12 years for drivers under age 67 and 8 years for drivers 67 and older.

You can renew:

• Online (every other renewal, if eligible): doj.mt.gov/driving
• By mail (if eligible)
• In person at an MVD office

You may need a new photo and updated documents if renewing in person.

---

Montana REAL ID License

Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant license (or passport) to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities.

Montana REAL ID cards have a star in the top right corner.

To get a REAL ID, apply in person and bring:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of Social Security number
• Two proofs of Montana residency

REAL ID is optional, but highly recommended for federal identification purposes.

---

Montana Driver’s License Fees (2025)

Service	Fee (Approx.)
Class D License (12 years)	$62.32
License Renewal (in-person)	$62.32
Learner’s License (1 year)	$5.00
REAL ID License (additional)	$25.00
Duplicate License	$10.30
CDL and Motorcycle Licenses	Varies

Fees may vary slightly by location or testing requirements.

---

Required Documents Checklist

• U.S. birth certificate or valid passport
• Social Security card or proof of SSN
• Two documents showing Montana residency
• Proof of authorized presence
• Completed application (online or in office)

---

Montana MVD Services

• First-time licenses and learner permits
• Out-of-state license transfers
• Road and written exams
• REAL ID issuance and upgrades
• CDL and motorcycle licensing
• Address and name updates
• Online license renewals

---

SEO Keywords

• Montana driver’s license application
• Montana REAL ID 2025 requirements
• Renew driver’s license Montana
• Transfer out-of-state license to Montana
• Montana learner permit rules
• Montana DMV license fees

For appointments, online services, and official updates, visit the Montana MVD website.