Driving Tests

How Much Does a Driver’s License Cost in Montana? Fees by Age and REAL ID

informational·how to guide·Published July 19, 2026

How much does a driver's license cost in Montana?

On the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) fee table, a standard license costs $62.32 at ages 21 to 63, or $67.47 with REAL ID. Under 21, the license ends on your 21st birthday, so the fee drops each year: from $36.57 at 14.5 to 15 down to $5.67 at 20 ($62.32 to $31.42 with REAL ID). A replacement costs $10.30.

Where the Montana fee facts come from

The fee totals come from the Montana Motor Vehicle Division licensing fees page. The REAL ID fee comes from the MVD REAL ID page. The $5 a year base fee and the license terms come from Montana law, MCA 61-5-111. Payment, receipt, replacement and address rules come from the MVD FAQs and the Montana Driver Manual (May 2026 file). The manual lists older base fees, so this guide uses the fee page totals. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (mvdmt.gov) before you drive.

What the Montana fee table includes

Each total on the MVD fee table includes all administrative costs. The same totals apply to a standard driver license and to a learner license (learner permit) without a motorcycle endorsement. Each row has two totals: the license only, and the license with REAL ID. The REAL ID cost is already in the second total, so you do not add it yourself.

Montana driver license fees by age, 14.5 to 63

Montana driver license fees by age, 14.5 to 63
Your age	License length	License only	With REAL ID
14.5 to 15	Until age 21	$36.57	$62.32
15	Until age 21	$31.42	$57.17
16	Until age 21	$26.27	$52.02
17	Until age 21	$21.12	$46.87
18	Until age 21	$15.97	$41.72
19	Until age 21	$10.82	$36.57
20	Until age 21	$5.67	$31.42
21 to 63	12 years	$62.32	$67.47

Why does the Montana license fee change with age?

Montana law sets the base fee at $5 for each year or part of a year, and MVD adds a 3 percent administrative fee. So the length of the license decides what you pay.
A license issued to a person under 21 expires on the 21st birthday. The closer you are to 21, the shorter the license, so a 20-year-old pays only $5.67. From age 21, a license lasts up to 12 years but ends on your 75th birthday at the latest. That is why the fee falls again from age 64. See the free practice question on when a license issued at 16 expires.

How much does REAL ID cost in Montana?

Adding REAL ID costs an additional $25 on top of the license fee. The fee table already includes it, with all administrative costs, so use the "With REAL ID" total for your age. At age 16, for example, the total is $52.02 with REAL ID and $26.27 without it.
A Montana REAL ID has a gold star in the upper right corner. You can add it at any time with an in-person appointment, not only at renewal. You can hold only one credential: a driver license or a state ID card, each with or without REAL ID.

What will you pay for your situation?

You are under 21 and apply for a learner permit or your first license

Use the table row for your age. Teens pay the required fees at the exam station appointment when they apply for the learner permit.

You are 64 to 74

The license runs until your 75th birthday, so it gets shorter each year. It costs $57.17 at age 64 (11 years), $52.02 at 65 (10 years) and down to $5.67 at 74 (1 year). With REAL ID, it costs $67.47 at ages 64 to 67 and $31.42 at 74.

You are 75 or older

A 4-year license costs $21.12, or $46.87 with REAL ID.

You get a new Montana license, also as a first-time driver or after a move from another state

You pay the regular license fee for your age. If you choose REAL ID, the Montana Driver Manual adds a $25 REAL ID fee.

You have a Montana license and want REAL ID before your renewal time

If your license expires in more than six months, you pay the $25 REAL ID fee plus the $10.30 replacement fee.

You can renew now (from 6 months before to 1 year after expiration)

You pay the regular license fee and an extra $25 if you change to REAL ID.

What do a replacement license, an ID card and a motorcycle endorsement cost?

A replacement license costs $10.30 at any age, with or without REAL ID. A Montana ID card costs $17.00, or $42.23 with REAL ID, and a replacement ID card costs $10.30.
Montana law sets the motorcycle endorsement fee at 50 cents for each year or part of a year. With the endorsement, a license at ages 21 to 63 costs $68.50, or $71.59 with REAL ID. A motorcycle-only learner license costs $4.12 at ages 21 to 67.

How to pay and what the receipt covers

MVD driver service offices accept cash, checks and most major credit cards. For an in-person renewal, pay in U.S. funds.
A driver license receipt is valid for one year. If you must test, it gives you three attempts in that year to pass all required tests.
You cannot renew a receipt. If you do not finish the licensing steps in one year, you apply again and start over.
You can ask for expedited delivery of a license or ID card. MVD sets that fee from the cost of the service.
Montana law bars an application or renewal fee for a qualifying former foster child under 21.

What to do before you pay for a Montana license

Bring the right papers to your appointment, so you pay and finish in one visit. Our guide to Montana driver license documents lists what to bring. If you are a teen and start with a permit, read the Montana learner's permit rules for the steps before the license.

Key takeaways

At ages 21 to 63, a standard Montana license lasts 12 years and costs $62.32. With REAL ID, the total is $67.47.
Under 21, the license ends on your 21st birthday, so the fee falls each year, from $36.57 at 14.5 to 15 to $5.67 at 20.
REAL ID adds $25 to the license fee. The MVD table shows the total for your age.
A replacement license costs $10.30. A receipt is valid for one year and gives three test attempts.
Next step: practice for the written test on the free Montana Class D practice test.

Montana license cost: common questions

How much is a Montana license for a 16-year-old?

At age 16, a license or a learner permit costs $26.27, or $52.02 with REAL ID, and it lasts until the 21st birthday. With a motorcycle endorsement, the total at 16 is $28.84, or $54.59 with REAL ID. A motorcycle-only learner license at 16 costs $2.58. All totals include the MVD administrative costs.

Can I renew my Montana license online or by mail?

Yes, if you qualify. The MVD FAQs say your current license must have been issued or renewed in person, because state law does not allow two mail or online renewals in a row. The license must expire in the next 6 months or be expired for no more than one year, and it must not be suspended or revoked in any state. In most cases, a license renewed this way lasts 12 years, or 8 years with REAL ID.

How do I replace a lost Montana license, and what does it cost?

A replacement costs $10.30 at any age. You can apply online, make an appointment at any driver license exam station, or apply by mail with the replacement form. You can get a replacement with REAL ID only if your current license is already a REAL ID. If your license expires within six months, you may be able to renew instead.

Do I have to pay to change my address on my Montana license?

Not for your record. MVD charges no fee to update the address on your electronic record, for example by mail with form 34-0300. If you want the new address printed on your standard license or ID card, you make an appointment at a driver license station and pay the replacement fee of $10.30.

Can I pay MVD online without a credit card?

Yes. For an MVD online payment, you can enter your check information instead of a card, and the payment comes directly from your account for the amount you authorize. County treasurer offices set their own payment methods, so check with your local county treasurer before you go.