Montana driver's license
Get your first license in Montana after moving to the US.
The short answer
You have to pass the written test before Montana lets you take the driving test, unless you bring a hard copy of a valid license from another state.1, 2 The license fee is $5 for each year, or part of a year, that it is valid.3 The written test can be given once a day, so a failed test means coming back another day.4 The name and birth date on your application have to match what the Social Security Administration holds.5 For the driving test, bring proof of registration and insurance for the car you use, and expect only the examiner to ride with you.6, 7
How it goes
- 1You arriveYou have moved to Montana and you want to drive here.
- 2Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
- 3The written testYou take the written test.
- 4Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
- 5Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.
What it costs
If you just arrived in the US
Your immigration status
As a foreign national whose presence in the United States is temporarily authorized under federal law, you receive a standard driver license that expires no later than the expiration date of your DHS immigration document.8
Your Social Security Number
Giving your number, and who may see it
Montana keeps your Social Security number confidential. The department may use it for commercial driver license purposes or for other licensing work it runs under state law, and it may share it with child support enforcement.9
The name and birth date on your application must match what the Social Security Administration has on file. The department checks them with the Social Security Administration to help protect you against fraud.5
For a REAL ID, you do not need to show proof of your Social Security number, but you must know the complete number so it can be verified with the Social Security Administration, and the name on file with the SSA must match your current legal name.10
The department will not use your Social Security number as your driver's license number.11
Each application for a driver's license or endorsement must include the applicant's Social Security number.12
The name and birth date on your application are checked with the Social Security Administration to help protect you against fraud.13
Tests you take
Drive test
To avoid testing, bring a hard copy of your valid out-of-state license.2
You must pass the written test and hold a current learner license before you are eligible to take the driving test.1
Tries you get on the written test
You may take the written test no more than once in a day. If you fail, you can try again the next day.4
Practice questions for the written test
Study the Montana Driver Manual (form 25-0100M) to prepare.14
Practising with your permit
Who can sit with you while you practise
While driving on public highways with a learner license, you must have the license with you and a licensed driver seated beside you.15
What to bring to the drive test
Who comes with you
Only the examiner and you may be in the car during the test, unless an exception applies — for example, when you speak a foreign language and need a translator, or when religious customs require that somebody accompany you.7
The car and its insurance
Current learner's permit, Proof of current registration for the vehicle being used for the test, Proof of insurance, either a physical insurance card or a digital version on an electronic device such as a smart phone, A vehicle without mechanical issues: no cracks in the windshield, and working taillights, brake lights and turn signals16
Bring proof of current registration and proof of insurance for the test vehicle, either a physical card or a digital version. The vehicle must have no mechanical issues: no cracks in the windshield, and working taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. You also certify that it represents the class and type of vehicle you are applying for.6
You take the test in a motor vehicle that you certify is representative of the class and type of vehicle for which you want a license or endorsement.17
Where to go
Other states
U
Sources
Every numbered fact above is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.
- 1
“You must pass the written test before being eligible to take your driving test.”
mvdmt.gov/new-driver-license/adult-driver-licenseChecked August 1, 2026
- 2
“In order to avoid testing, please bring a hard copy of your valid out-of-state license.”
mvdmt.gov/new-driver-license/drivers-new-to-montanaChecked August 4, 2026
- 3
“driver's license, except a commercial driver's license -- $5 a year or fraction of a year;”
mca.legmt.gov/…/0610-0050-0010-0110.htmlChecked August 4, 2026
- 4
“A written examination may not be given to an applicant more than once in each day.”
rules.mt.gov/…/6ede5bab-4029-4091-9c8a-c449def29adeChecked August 14, 2026
- 5
“The name and birth date on your application for a driver license must match what the Social Security Administration has on file. The document will be checked with the Social Security Administration. This is to help protect you against fraud.”
mvdmt.gov/new-driver-licenseChecked August 4, 2026
- 6
“Proof of current registration for the vehicle being used for the test. Proof of insurance; either a physical insurance card or a digital version from an electronic device, such as a smart phone. A vehicle without mechanical issues - no cracks in the windshield, functional taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.”
mvdmt.gov/new-driver-license/adult-driver-licenseChecked July 31, 2026
- 7
“Unless an exception is appropriate, only the examiner and the applicant may be in the car during the test. Examples of situations where an exception is appropriate include cases in which the applicant is foreign-speaking and a translator is necessary and cases in which religious customs require that somebody accompany the applicant.”
rules.mt.gov/…/b0672941-1a0d-4662-92b1-1d10ac98c0b1Checked August 10, 2026
- 8
“A license issued to a person who is a foreign national whose presence in the United States is temporarily authorized under federal law expires, as determined by the department, no later than the expiration date of the official document issued to the person by the bureau of citizenship and immigration services of the department of homeland security authorizing the person's presence in the United States.”
mca.legmt.gov/…/0610-0050-0010-0110.htmlChecked July 28, 2026
- 9
“The department shall keep the applicant's social security number from this source confidential, except that the number may be used for purposes of subtitle VI of Title 49 of the U.S.C. or as otherwise permitted by state law administered by the department and may be provided to the department of public health and human services for use in administering Title IV-D of the Social Security Act.”
mca.legmt.gov/…/0610-0050-0010-0070.htmlChecked August 4, 2026
- 10
“name and current physical address (a PO Box is NOT accepted) displayed on the document and be either unexpired or dated within one year. Additional Document Tips You do not need to show proof of your Social Security number (SSN); however, you need to know your SSN so it can be verified at the time of your appointment. The name on file with the Social Security Administration must match your current legal name. All documents must be unaltered, and some documents must be certified by the issuing agency. MVD must verify some documents through various systems. Minors do not need a REAL ID to fly if accompanied by an adult; however, they may still apply for a REAL ID. Additional information on establishing a minor's residency is available. When providing proof of name changes, MVD will accept foreign documents when translated. Additional information is available on the requirements for a translated document. If you are unable to provide a required document, you may request "exceptions processing" for MVD approval. You must complete a form, have a good reason for the exception, and give additional or alternative documentation.”
mvdmt.gov/real-idChecked August 4, 2026
- 11
“The department may not use the licensee's social security number as the distinguishing number.”
mca.legmt.gov/…/0610-0050-0010-0110.htmlChecked August 4, 2026
- 12
“Each application must include the full legal name, date of birth, sex, as defined in 1-1-201, residence address of the applicant [and the applicant's social security number]”
mca.legmt.gov/…/0610-0050-0010-0070.htmlChecked August 4, 2026
- 13
“The document will be checked with the Social Security Administration. This is to help protect you against fraud.”
mvdmt.gov/new-driver-licenseChecked August 1, 2026
- 14
“To help with the written test - study the Montana Driver Manual”
mvdmt.gov/new-driver-license/adult-driver-licenseChecked July 26, 2026
- 15
“Except as provided in subsections (1)(b) and (1)(c), a learner license entitles the licensee, while in immediate possession of the license and accompanied by a licensed driver seated beside the licensee, to drive a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle upon the public highways.”
mca.legmt.gov/…/0610-0050-0010-0060.htmlChecked July 31, 2026
- 16
“Current learner's permit. Proof of current registration for the vehicle being used for the test. Proof of insurance; either a physical insurance card or a digital version from an electronic device, such as a smart phone. A vehicle without mechanical issues - no cracks in the windshield, functional taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.”
mvdmt.gov/new-driver-license/adult-driver-licenseChecked August 4, 2026
- 17
“The road test or skills test must be performed by the applicant in a motor vehicle that the applicant certifies is representative of the class and type of motor vehicle for which the applicant is seeking a license or endorsement.”
mca.legmt.gov/…/0610-0050-0010-0100.htmlChecked August 4, 2026
- 18
“The department shall provide an examiner to administer a commercial driver's license or motor vehicle driver's license examination in any county of the state if the examination is previously scheduled through the department.”
mca.legmt.gov/…/0610-0050-0010-0010.htmlChecked August 4, 2026
- 19
“https://cars.dojmt.gov/app/_/#1”
mvdmt.gov/real-idChecked August 4, 2026
- 20
“https://mvdmt.gov/driver-license-exam-stations/”
mvdmt.gov/contact-usChecked August 4, 2026
- 21
“https://mvdmt.gov/county-treasurer-locations/”
mvdmt.gov/contact-usChecked August 4, 2026
Applying for a driver's license in Montana?
Answer a few questions and see the steps that apply to you.