Montana has tailored driver’s license renewal rules for seniors to promote road safety while accommodating aging drivers.
Seniors aged 75 and older face stricter in-person requirements and shorter renewal periods compared to younger adults. These measures include mandatory vision tests but typically skip road exams unless concerns arise.
Age-Based Renewal Periods
Drivers aged 21-67 renew every 8 years, but rules tighten with age. From 68-74, the period decreases yearly—a 68-year-old gets 7 years, a 70-year-old 5 years, down to 1 year at 74. At 75+, renewal occurs every 4 years, with fees around $20.50.
This sliding scale ensures more frequent checks as vision, reflexes, and health may decline. Online or mail options exist for younger groups but not for those 75+, who must visit a Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office.
Required Tests and Evaluations
Every renewal demands a vision test, doable at the MVD or by an eye specialist via a Vision Examination Record form. Written or road tests aren’t standard for seniors but may be ordered if impairment is suspected, like from medical reports.
Anyone can file a Recommendation for Re-Examination with the MVD if they spot unsafe driving; doctors submit Driver Medical Evaluations for conditions affecting safety. Restrictions, such as daytime-only driving or corrective lenses, may apply post-review.
Renewal Process Steps
Seniors 75+ start by gathering their expiring license, ID proof, and name-change documents if needed. Schedule an in-person MVD visit within 6 months before or 1 year after expiration—online renewal eligibility excludes those turning 75 or with recent online renewals.
Pay the fee, pass the vision screening, and exit with a new license, valid for 4 years. Name changes require extra proof like marriage certificates. No U.S. citizenship? Additional verification applies.
Fees and Eligibility Notes
Standard fees: $40.50 for 8-year terms under 68, dropping to $20.50 for 4-year senior licenses. Late renewals within a year incur no extra penalty beyond standard costs, but suspensions halt eligibility.
| Age Group | Renewal Length | Fee (Approx.) | Vision Test | In-Person? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21-67 | 8 years | $40.50 | Yes | Optional |
| 68-74 | 7-1 years | Varies | Yes | Optional |
| 75+ | 4 years | $20.50 | Yes | Required |
Additional Safety Measures
Montana prioritizes evaluations over blanket bans, unlike states with mandatory road tests at set ages. Report concerns anonymously to protect vulnerable road users. Seniors can voluntarily surrender licenses for ID cards if driving ends.
Health pros flag issues like dementia early. For 2026, no major changes noted; check mvdmt.gov for updates. Consult MVD directly for personalized advice—rules ensure safe mobility for Big Sky Country’s older residents.
SOURCES :
- https://mywaynecountynow.com/license-renewal-for-seniors-in-montana-what-you-need-to-know/
- https://www.uscisguide.com/state-regulations-and-laws/senior-drivers-and-license-renewal-in-montana/
