How Much Does a Montana
Driver's License Cost?
A Montana driver's license costs $40.50 and lasts 8 years. Below are all 9 official fees from the Montana MVD.
Montana License Costs at a Glance
- Permit + first license (approx.)
- $50.50
- License valid for
- 8 years
- About $5.06 per year
- Replacement
- $10.30
- REAL ID
- No extra cost
At $40.50, Montana's license fee is higher than in 31 other states. The national median is $34.
📊Official Montana MVD Fees
From the Montana MVD fee schedule. Verify current amounts before paying.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Class D Driver License (8 year, 21-67) | $40.50 |
| Class D Driver License (4 year, under 21 or 68-74) | $24.50 |
| Class D Driver License (2 year, 75+) | $15.00 |
| Traffic Education Learner Permit (TLP) | $10.00 |
| Restricted Instruction Permit (RIP) | $10.00 |
| Restricted License | $23.50 |
| REAL ID upgrade | No additional cost |
| Replacement License | $10.30 |
| Traffic Education (high school) | Free–$200 |
🗓️When You Pay Each Fee in Montana
- 1
Apply for a TLP or RIP at 14.5 or 15
Visit any Montana MVD exam station with your parent/guardian, required documents, Traffic Education enrollment proof (if TLP), and $10 fee.
- 2
Receive the Restricted License at 15 or 16
Pay the $23.50 Restricted License fee.
- 3
Upgrade to Full Class D at 16 or 18
Pay the $40.50 (8-year) or $24.50 (4-year) license fee.
How much does a Montana driver's license cost?
A Class D license is $40.50 (8-year, age 21-67) or $24.50 (4-year, under 21 or 68-74). The TLP and RIP are each $10, and the Restricted License is $23.50. Replacement licenses are $10.30. Traffic Education is free or low-cost at Montana high schools.
🗺️Montana Compared With Neighboring States
You must be a resident to get a state's license, but if you live near a border, here is how Montana's fees compare.
| State | License | Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | $40.50 | $10 |
| North Dakota | $15 | $15 |
| South Dakota | $28 | $28 |
| Wyoming | $45 | $5 |
| Idaho | $30 | $21.50 |
🚚Moving to Montana With a License?
New Montana residents must transfer their license within 60 days. Visit any MVD exam station with your old license, identity documents, SSN, and 2 MT residency documents. The vision test is required; the written and drive tests are typically waived for valid U.S. licenses in good standing. Out-of-country licenses require both the written and drive test.
Transfer deadlines in every state →Budgeting Beyond the MVD Fee
The figures above are Montana's official fees. Driver education, behind-the-wheel lessons, and insurance can cost more than the license itself.
Estimate your total Montana cost
The official fees above are only part of the bill. Add your age, REAL ID, driver education and retests to see a realistic total for Montana.
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Most states charge $5–$35 per failed road-test attempt. Optimistic? First-try pass rates run 50–60% in most states.
Estimates use the fees listed on this page. Open the full calculator to compare other states.
Fees change. Always confirm the amount on the official Montana MVD website before paying. US Driver Guide is not affiliated with any government agency.