Moving to Montana, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can say when a new resident must get a Montana license.
• You can explain what is needed to transfer an out-of-state license.
• You can choose between a standard and a REAL ID-compliant license.
• You can plan your renewal and know when you can renew online or by mail.

What you need to know and understand

• After more than 60 consecutive days living in Montana, you are a resident and must hold a Montana license to drive.
• A license from another jurisdiction that is valid or expired for less than 1 year can usually be swapped after a vision exam and fees.
• A teen licensed in another state for at least 6 months is exempt from Montana's traffic education and practice-hour requirements.
• You may hold a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license, but not both at once.
• Most licenses run up to 12 years, or until your 75th birthday. Licenses issued at 75 or older run up to 4 years.
• You can apply to renew from 6 months before to 1 year after expiration.
• Report a change of address within 10 days.

Switching from another state

MVD may ask for knowledge and road tests in some cases, such as when a medical condition affects driving and is not reflected on your old license.

1. Book a visit at an MVD driver exam station within your first 60 days as a resident.
2. Bring your current license, proof of identity and lawful presence, your Social Security number and proof of Montana residence.
3. Pass the vision exam and pay the fees.
4. Surrender your old license. MVD reports the surrender to the state that issued it.
5. Register any vehicles you own with your county treasurer.

Licenses from other countries

Montana law lets MVD waive the knowledge and road tests under a reciprocity agreement with a foreign country. Whether one applies depends on the country, so contact MVD before your visit. Without an agreement, expect to take the vision, knowledge and road tests. Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must show lawful presence, and the license expires when their authorized stay ends.

REAL ID and renewing

• A REAL ID-compliant license is needed for domestic flights and some federal buildings, unless you use another accepted ID such as a passport.
• A REAL ID license needs extra documents and may cost an additional fee.
• Renewing by mail or online gives a 12-year standard license or an 8-year REAL ID license.
• You cannot renew online or by mail twice in a row, if your license expired more than 1 year ago, or if you are changing your name, address or date of birth.
• Your eyesight is checked when you renew.

Common mistakes

• Waiting until your old license expires. Once you have lived in Montana more than 60 days, you need a Montana license.
• Letting a license lapse for more than a year. You may then need to apply in person and could face more tests.
• Assuming a standard license works for flights. Bring a passport if you do not have REAL ID.
• Forgetting to report a move within 10 days.

Test yourself: Moving to Montana, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in Montana
• Montana 50 Hour Driving Log
• Montana First-Year Restricted License