Montana Standard Driver’s License

An Alternative to the REAL ID

Obtain a License With Ease!

By now, you’ve probably heard about the REAL ID, and many people are wondering if it is really necessary. Obtaining a REAL ID is ultimately your decision, and if you choose not to obtain a REAL ID, then you will receive a standard driver’s license. At MVD Express, we can provide you with the helpful assistance you need to obtain your new license, so stop by one of our locations to get started!

In Order To Obtain Your Montana Driver’s License, You Will Need To Provide A Few Documents When You Visit MVD Express. You Will Need To Provide:


  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of authorized presence
  • Proof of residency in Montana
  • Driver’s test documentation
  • Documentation of name change (if applicable)

Keep reading below to learn more!

While a standard license in the state of Montana may not have the same capabilities as the REAL ID, you will still have to provide the required documents before you can obtain your license. Luckily, at MVD Express, our expert customer service agents can provide you with the assistance and information you need to get your license as quickly as possible. If you have any questions before you stop by our facility in Billings, give us a call! Otherwise, continue reading below to see what documents we accept.


Proof of Identity

Proving your identity is key when you apply for a new driver’s license. For this reason, the state of Montana requires that each individual provides two documents proving their identity. The accepted documents are split into two categories — primary and secondary documents. When you visit MVD Express, you will need to bring either two primary documents or one primary and one secondary document. The most common primary documents we accept include:

  • A valid, unexpired passport
  • A certified birth certificate
  • A current, valid driver’s license (if you recently moved from another state)
  • An unexpired military ID card
We also accept the following secondary documents:
  • A current U.S. or Canadian government employee photo ID card
  • A current school photo ID card with the student’s name
  • A certified copy of school records or transcript

Proof of Authorized Presence

Because a driver’s license is a government-issued card, it’s important to prove that you legally reside in the United States and that you are allowed to be here. In order to prove this, you will be required to provide one of the following documents:

  • A certified birth certificate
  • A valid, unexpired passport card
  • A valid, unexpired passport
  • A valid, unexpired certificate of citizenship
  • A valid, unexpired permanent resident card

Proof of Residency

In addition to your identity and your authorized presence, you will also need to prove that you are a resident of Montana. The accepted documents to prove this include:

  • The original copy of a renter’s agreement signed by the landlord
  • A certified copy of school records
  • A current automobile or life insurance statement
  • A Montana voter’s registration card

Driver’s Test Documentation

Providing the necessary documents to prove that you are who you say you are — and that you are in the country legally — may be one of the most important parts of obtaining your standard driver’s license. However, you will also need to prove that you are able to operate a vehicle. For this reason, the state of Montana also requires that you provide documentation that you have completed all standard driving tests. If you do not have documentation to prove that you have taken and passed the driving test, then you may be required to take it when you apply for your standard Montana driver’s license.

Documentation of Name Change (Such As Marriage)

Driver’s licenses are widely used today to prove your identity, and the last thing you want is for someone to apply for a Montana driver’s license pretending to be you. In addition to providing two documents proving your identity, you will also need to provide documentation of a name change if it applies. You can prove this with:

  • A divorce decree or dissolution of marriage
  • A marriage certificate
  • A declaration of marriage filed with the district court clerk
  • A decree granting a name change from a court
  • A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) certificate of naturalization

Start the Process at MVD Express!

It may seem like there are a lot of documents that you need to provide in order to obtain your standard driver’s license. If you aren’t sure if you have the right documents, or you want to know more about why they are needed, then contact MVD Express and we will be more than happy to help you. To view the complete list of accepted documents, visit the Montana Department of Justice’s required documents page! Once you’re ready, stop by MVD Express in Billings to get your standard driver’s license today.

We look forward to helping you!

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