Montana’s driver license renewal requirements for seniors are designed to ensure road safety while accommodating the needs of older drivers. Seniors in Montana face a different renewal process than younger adult drivers, with the crucial threshold set at age 75. Once a Montana driver reaches their 75th birthday, they are required to renew their license every four years, as opposed to the usual twelve-year renewal cycle that applies to younger adults.
Furthermore, these senior renewals must be performed in person at a Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) exam station. Unlike the standard process, seniors aged 75 and older cannot use online or mail renewal methods. The state mandates in-person visits for this age group to guarantee all necessary checks, such as vision screening and identity verification, are conducted in a controlled environment where additional support or scrutiny can be offered if needed.
During the in-person renewal, seniors must provide accepted proof of identification, which can include a current or expired Montana license, a U.S. passport, or a certified birth certificate. Seniors should also expect to undergo a vision screening as part of the renewal process. If there are concerns about a driver’s vision or other medical factors, the MVD may request further documentation, such as a physician’s or optometrist’s statement regarding the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. The renewal fee for a senior (75+) four-year Montana driver’s license is $20.50, which is prorated from the standard license fee due to the shorter renewal period.
Drivers younger than 75 who are renewing their license follow the regular process, which permits renewal online, by mail, or in person and grants a license term of up to twelve years. However, if a driver renews before their 75th birthday, the renewed license will only remain valid until they reach age 75, at which point they must begin the four-year, in-person renewal cycle. Regardless of age, the MVD will not renew a license that has been expired for more than one year without additional testing, so it’s important for seniors to keep track of expiration dates. All drivers should check with the Montana MVD regarding their eligibility for renewal, required documentation, and to schedule an appointment if necessary.
These regulations aim to strike a balance between protecting road users and allowing seniors to maintain their mobility and independence. Regular vision screenings and personal interactions with DMV staff help identify medical issues that could interfere with safe driving. Seniors and their families should be aware of these rules and prepare for in-person visits as part of the renewal process.
Sources
(https://mvdmt.gov/renew-license-id/)
(https://www.iihs.org/research-areas/older-drivers/license-renewal-laws-table)
(https://www.caregiverlist.com/montana/seniordriving.aspx)
(https://dojmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Combo-file-renew-by-mail.pdf)
