Montana · US-MT

Montana DMV Offices

Planning a DMV visit in Montana? Here are all 86 locations with hours and ratings, the fees that really apply, and a REAL ID checklist you can tick off as you go.

Montana has about 86 driver license and vehicle service locations statewide. Driver licenses are issued by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), part of the Montana Department of Justice, while vehicle titling and registration are handled by the same MVD through county treasurer offices. For official transactions and forms, always use dojmt.gov/driving.

Driver's license & ID cards

Standard Montana driver licenses are issued on an 8-year cycle; the standard renewal fee is commonly listed at $41.72 for eight years. Note that through September 30, 2026, Montana is waiving driver license and ID fees for in-person applicants who add the new citizenship marker to their card.

REAL ID

REAL ID is available in Montana and must be obtained in person at an MVD/driver license exam station. Applicants must present one document proving identity and date of birth, one document proving their Social Security number, and two documents proving Montana residency.

What to bring for your Montana REAL ID

Tick each item as you gather it. Bring original documents — photocopies are not accepted.

Tip: Many states let you start the REAL ID application online and upload documents in advance — you still appear in person, but it saves time at the counter.

Vehicle registration

Vehicle titling and registration in Montana are processed through the Motor Vehicle Division and county treasurer offices; registration fees depend on the vehicle's age and type. Montana offers permanent registration for many vehicles 11 years or older.

Knowledge & drive tests

New applicants must pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test (about 33 questions, roughly 82% to pass) based on the Montana Driver's Manual, plus a road skills test unless waived.

Making an appointment

Driver licensing is handled at MVD exam stations, some of which take appointments; check the exam station list or call ahead to confirm availability. Schedule online at dojmt.gov/driving/driver-exam-stations or call 1-866-450-8034.

Montana DMV fees

TransactionFee
Driver's license (original/renewal)$41.72 (8-year)
ID card$17
REAL ID (if extra)See official site

Fees verified against the official Montana DMV website in August 2026. Fees can change — confirm at mvdmt.gov/renew-license-id.

Top-rated DMV offices in Montana

Highest-rated official DMV locations in Montana, based on public Google ratings and review volume.

1

Ravalli County Motor Vehicles

215 S 4th St, Hamilton, MT 59840

4.3★★★★☆
101 reviews
Opening hours
Mon9 AM to 5 PM
Tue9 AM to 5 PM
Wed9 AM to 5 PM
Thu9 AM to 5 PM
Fri9 AM to 5 PM
SatClosed
SunClosed
2

Gallatin County Motor Vehicle

312 W Main St, Belgrade, MT 59714

4★★★★☆
129 reviews
Opening hours
Mon7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Tue7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Wed7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Thu7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Fri7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
SatClosed
SunClosed
3

Flathead County DMV

290 A N Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901

3.1★★★☆☆
340 reviews
Opening hours
Mon8 AM to 4:30 PM
Tue8 AM to 4:30 PM
Wed8 AM to 4:30 PM
Thu8 AM to 4:30 PM
Fri8 AM to 4:30 PM
SatClosed
SunClosed
4

Sanders County Motor Vehicle

1111 W Main St, Thompson Falls, MT 59873

4.7★★★★★
40 reviews
Opening hours
Mon8 AM to 5 PM
Tue8 AM to 5 PM
Wed8 AM to 5 PM
Thu8 AM to 5 PM
Fri8 AM to 5 PM
SatClosed
SunClosed

DMV offices by city

Montana DMV offices are spread across roughly 45 cities. The largest concentrations:

Billings7 Helena6 Missoula5 Bozeman4 Livingston4 Great Falls4 Kalispell3 Butte3 Polson2 Hamilton2 Havre2 Columbus2

Individual city and office pages are being added state by state. Check back soon.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Montana driver's license cost?

A standard 8-year Montana driver license is commonly listed at $41.72. Through September 30, 2026, fees may be waived for in-person applicants adding the citizenship marker; confirm the current amount with the MVD.

Do I need an appointment at the Montana MVD?

Some MVD driver license exam stations accept appointments while others take walk-ins; check the exam station listing or call 1-866-450-8034 before visiting.

What documents do I need for a Montana REAL ID?

Bring one proof of identity/date of birth, one proof of your Social Security number, and two proofs of Montana residency, and apply in person.

How long is a Montana driver's license valid?

Standard Montana driver licenses are generally issued for an 8-year period.

Official Montana resources

Verified links to the official Montana government agencies. Always confirm requirements and fees on these sites before visiting.

Nearby states