Foreign Driver’s License in Montana: Visitors, Students and Exchange

Can a visitor drive in Montana on a foreign license?

The law lets a nonresident who is at least 15 and has a valid license from the home state or country drive a motor vehicle in Montana. You must carry the license.
The rule does not cover a commercial motor vehicle. A nonresident aged 18 or older whose home country does not license drivers may drive for up to 90 days in a calendar year, in a vehicle registered at home.
Nonresident drivers also fall under the Montana Safety Responsibility Law, and a driver who does not comply loses the right to drive in Montana. Test yourself with our free question on documents at a traffic stop.

When do you need a Montana license?

Under Montana law, a person who has lived in Montana more than 60 consecutive days is a resident for licensing and must hold a Montana license before driving. The Montana Driver Manual adds that you may have only one valid driver license, from any licensing jurisdiction, at a time.
Driving without the license you need is a violation with a fine of up to $500. If you move from another U.S. state, see our guide to moving to Montana and getting a license.

How does the Taiwan and Korea license exchange work?

Montana law lets the department make a reciprocity agreement with a foreign country whose licensing standards are comparable to Montana's. Under such an agreement, it may waive the knowledge test and the road or skills test. An agreement may not include the exchange of a commercial driver license.
Taiwanese and Korean nationals who live in Montana may transfer a valid license without a knowledge or skills test. The rule also works the other way, for Montanans who live in Taiwan or Korea. For the steps and papers, contact MVD through Contact Us on mvdmt.gov.

1. 1
   Study the Montana Driver Manual

   MVD tells applicants to study the manual for the written test. You must pass the written test before you can take the driving test. See which tests a first-time adult applicant takes with our free question on the tests for a first license.

2. 2
   Gather your documents

   You need proof of authorized presence, two identity documents and proof of a Montana residence. Our guide to Montana driver's license documents covers the full list.

3. 3
   Pass the eyesight, written and road tests

   Applicants 18 and older must pass written, vision and road tests and show the required documents at the appointment.

4. 4
   Bring a safe, insured car to the road test

   Bring a current learner permit, proof of registration, proof of insurance on a card or on your phone, and a vehicle with no cracks in the windshield and working taillights, brake lights and turn signals.

5. 5
   Finish within one year

   Your receipt is valid for one year and allows three attempts to pass all required exams. Receipts are not renewable. If you do not finish in a year, you re-apply and start over.

What international students and other foreign nationals need to show

• Lawful presence. Montana may not issue a license to a person whose presence in the United States is not authorized under federal law. MVD checks the status of an applicant who is not a U.S. citizen through the federal SAVE program, and it does not accept a license from another state as proof.
• Passport and I-94. A valid, unexpired foreign passport with an attached I-94 (same name, unexpired nonimmigrant status), or an unexpired I-551 stamp, is accepted as proof of authorized presence.
• Identity. Show two documents: two primary documents, or one primary and one secondary. A foreign passport with its I-94 and an unexpired employment authorization card (I-688A, I-688B or I-766) are primary documents. A current school photo ID with your name, address and student number is a secondary document.
• Montana residence. Show proof of a Montana residence. A rental agreement or rent receipt signed by the landlord with your name and address is one example. If no mail reaches your residence, give a mailing address or PO Box too.
• Social Security number. You do not show proof of it, but you must know it so MVD can verify it at your appointment.

How long does a foreign national's Montana license last?

A license for a foreign national whose stay in the U.S. is temporarily authorized expires no later than the expiration date of the official USCIS document. So it can be shorter than the usual term. The length of the license sets the fee. A standard 12-year license at ages 21 to 63 costs $62.32, with all admin costs included. Ask MVD for the fee for your license term.

Frequently Asked Questions