How to Replace Your Drivers License in Montana
A lost drivers license can be a burden on motorists in Montana. Needing to order a replacement drivers license because your wallet has been lost or stolen is a stressful event for anyone. Fortunately, The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the Montana Department of Justice (DOJ) makes it easy to obtain a copy in person through their network of driver license exam stations. The process will require drivers to submit certain information and/or documents. Likewise, there is a fee for a duplicate of an original Montana drivers license.
At this time, it is not possible to get a drivers license copy online in MT, although other MVD-related tasks can be performed through the MVD portal. Find out what methods of drivers license replacement are available in MT and to whom, by reviewing the sections below.
When is a replacement drivers license required in Montana?
You must get a duplicate drivers license in MT any time you lose or damage your card because Montana driving law prohibits operating a vehicle without one. If you are replacing drivers license credentials that were not actually lost but stolen, then the MT MVD recommends reporting the crime to your local police department even though doing so is not required by law.
If your card were to end up in the wrong hands, then having a copy of a police report can help protect you from the consequences of any fraudulent use of your license.
In addition to reasons of loss or theft, you should replace drivers license cards that have been damaged enough to render any part of the document unreadable. If your copy of drivers license credentials is faded, worn, broken or otherwise mutilated, then it no longer serves its purpose of providing a quick source of photo ID. It is also important that your drivers license always displays accurate, updated information.
You should update documentation if you drastically change your appearance, such as by undergoing gender reassignment. Additionally, you should learn how to replace drivers license credentials if you undergo a legal name change or make a permanent move and need to change the name on your license or correct the address on the record.
How to Replace Your Drivers License by Mail in Montana
You can replace lost drivers license credentials by mail in MT. To do so, you will need to complete the mail-in application and follow the corresponding instructions. Although Montana does offer DMV duplicate license replacement services by mail, it is limited to those who are temporarily residing out of the state when their license was lost, stolen or destroyed.
See the “Out-of-State Drivers License Replacement in Montana” section below to learn more.
How to Replace Your Montana Drivers License in Person
Montana drivers wondering, “Where can I get a copy of my drivers license?” need only to look as far as their nearest MT MVD driver license exam station. You must get copy of drivers license cards at these branch offices unless you are temporarily living out-of-state.
Once you choose an office, call ahead or make an online appointment to ensure that you visit during that office’s normal business hours. Remotely located MT MVD driver license offices are only open for specific MVD services on certain days of the month.
Proof of identity is required to obtain a replacement. While there are dozens of identification documents accepted for duplicate drivers license issuance purposes, all fall into the two categories of primary and secondary. When you request a DMV duplicate license, the MVD requires you to show either one primary and one secondary document or two primary documents. Primary documents include the following:
- A color photo driver’s license or ID card issued in the U.S. or Canada that not expired more than four years
- A certified birth certificate issued in the U.S. or Canada
- A valid, unexpired U.S. passport
- An unexpired military ID card
Secondary documents include the following:
- An original Social Security card or a Canadian social insurance card
- A certified marriage license
- A Medicare, Medicaid or health insurance card bearing the applicant’s name and insurance policy number
After the clerk processes your duplicate drivers license application, you must pay the replacement fee. If your lost drivers license vanished within six months of its expiration date, then you may apply for an early drivers license renewal instead of a replacement.
Out-of-State Drivers License Replacement in Montana
Licensed MT drivers who are temporarily living out-of-state and need a duplicate drivers license may use an application to replace a missing or damaged driving license credential by mail. This out-of-state replacement drivers license form may be downloaded, printed and submitted to obtain a license from a distance.
Follow all instructions on the form, including signing it, providing a photocopy of your drivers license if possible and photocopies of your primary and secondary documents from the lists above. Include a check or money order made payable to MVD and send your packet to the office in Helena.
Note: It can take two to four weeks to receive your new copy of drivers license card in the mail.
Montana Drivers License Replacement Fees
To obtain a replacement drivers license in MT, a $10.30 fee must be paid in full at the time of application. This fee may vary depending on several factors. For instance, drivers who need to renew their credentials or who have a commercial drivers license will have more expensive costs than motorists who need a simple duplicate card.
Montana License Replacement Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Replacement Licenses from dojmt.gov