Renewing Your License

Determine the Status of Your License

You must have a valid driver's license in order to legally drive in the state. So, you'll need to watch for when your license expires. You may renew your license up to six months before its expiration date.

You'll need to carry auto liability insurance, too. If you're looking for a provider, or want to get some quotes from some new providers, visit our Insurance Center.

Valid License

Class D (standard) driver's licenses expire at varying intervals and the renewals are valid for different lengths, all depending on your age:

• Younger than 21 years old: Licenses expire upon your 21st birthday. Renewals are valid for eight years.

• 21-67 years old: Renewals valid for eight years.

• 68-74 years old: Renewals valid until your 75th birthday.

• 75 years old and over: Renewals valid for four years.

You can renew your license :

• In person (all drivers).

• By mail (only drivers who live in Carter, Garfield, Golden Valley, Jefferson, Judith Basin, Madison, Petroleum, Prairie, Treasure, or Wibaux counties).

You can always verify your license status by obtaining a copy of your driver record.

Commercial drivers should turn to our Renewing Your CDL page for information about their situation.

Expired License

While it's illegal to drive if you're license has expired, you have three months after the expiration date to renew without having to repeat the licensing process, although you will face stiff fines if you get ticketed. If your license does expire, you should simply follow the same renewal procedures as those with unexpired licenses. Should you need to confirm your license status, you may purchase a copy of your driver record.

Suspended License

Suspended license issues can be complex and challenging to understand. If you want to verify your license status, you may always buy a copy of your driver record. It is likely that your insurance rates will rise, too, so you might want to check through our Insurance Center to look for the most affordable rates available.

See our Suspended License page to learn how to reinstate a suspended license, as well as the costs involved.

Lost License

See our Replacing a Lost License page to find out how to obtain a duplicate license.

Check Your Renewal Notice

Before your license expires, you should receive a renewal reminder notice in the mail sent by the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). This is only a courtesy notice, though, and you don't need to have it when renewing by mail or in person.

Renew Online

Online renewals are not available; you'll have to process your renewal in person or through the mail.

Renew in Person

No matter where you live in the Big Sky State, you may renew in person at a driver exam station by:

1. Bringing your license or other proof of identity.
2. Taking a vision test.
3. Showing acceptable proof of your Social Security number.
4. Paying the appropriate fee by cash or check ($40.50 for eight-year licenses).

If your name has changed since last time, bring acceptable proof of the change with you.

If you're renewing at a limited service exam station, you must pay your fee first at your country treasurer's office. Then, take the fee receipt with you to the exam station.

All drivers who renew in person will be granted a temporary license. Your new license should arrive in the mail in about four to six weeks.

Renew by Mail

If you live in Carter, Garfield, Golden Valley, Jefferson, Judith Basin, Madison, Petroleum, Prairie, Treasure, or Wibaux counties, you have the option of renewing by mail. However, you can't renew by mail two consecutive times.

To renew by mail, follow the instructions provided by the MVD.

Members of the Military

If you're an active member of the military, you may renew your license at any time before its expiration date. You can apply for a license extension by completing and mailing the proper form. Your license will then be valid until 30 days after your honorable discharge.

Send an e-mail for more information.

Out-of-State Civilians

If you're temporarily living away from the state and you're not allowed to renew by mail, you must wait until your return to the state to renew.

Update Your Driving Skills

Laws and the prevailing wisdom of how to be a safe driver might have changed since you last renewed your license, so enrolling in a traffic school course might be worth your while. A plus can be that taking a traffic school course may even reduce your insurance premiums. Visit our Insurance Center to see which providers will offer that discount.