How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Montana

Moving within Montana or into the state means updating your driver’s license and vehicle records. Handling your Montana DMV change of address correctly helps you avoid missed notices, tickets, or problems renewing.

This guide walks through how it works specifically in Montana, what to expect from different offices, and how to fix issues if something goes wrong.

Montana State Verification Block

In Montana, what many people casually call the “DMV” is primarily handled by the:

• Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) – part of the Montana Department of Justice
• County Treasurer / Motor Vehicle Office – in each county, often located in or near the courthouse

In Montana, this is typically handled in two tracks:

• Driver licenses and ID cards – handled by the state MVD driver licensing offices
• Vehicle registration and titles – handled by county motor vehicle offices (often under the county treasurer)

That means:

• To update the address on your Montana driver license or ID, you work with the MVD driver licensing system (online or at a license station, depending on eligibility).
• To update the address on your vehicle registration or title, you generally work with your county motor vehicle office.

Depending on your county in Montana, driver licensing and vehicle registration might be in the same building, but they are still separate systems. Many drivers in Montana find that they have to make two separate updates:

1. Driver license/ID address
2. Vehicle registration/title address

Checking which office you need:

• Use the official Montana Department of Justice site and search for “MVD driver licensing offices” to find license locations.
• Use your county government’s site or the state office locator to find your county motor vehicle office for registration/title questions.

Why Updating Your Address Matters in Montana

Keeping your address current with Montana MVD and your county office is about more than just having the right information on your card.

In Montana, this is typically handled to ensure:

• Driver license and ID accuracy
  Law enforcement and state systems use the address on your license to identify you. An outdated address can cause confusion during a traffic stop or verification.

• Vehicle registration and title records
  Your Montana registration and title are tied to your address. Counties use this information for:

  • Property tax assessment on vehicles
  • Registration renewal notices
  • Ownership and lien records

• Official notices and renewal reminders
  Depending on your county in Montana, important mail might include:

  • Renewal notices
  • Suspension or revocation notices
  • Insurance or proof-of-coverage issues
  • Emissions or inspection information, if applicable in your area

If you do not update your address:

• You may miss renewal deadlines and end up driving with an expired license or registration.
• You might miss hearing or suspension notices, which can lead to additional penalties if you do not respond.
• Tickets or citations mailed to an old address may escalate without your knowledge.

Especially in rural parts of Montana, where mail delivery can already be slower or rely on post office boxes, having an accurate address in the system is important to receiving time-sensitive documents.

What You’ll Need for a Montana Address Change

The exact requirements can vary slightly by service (license vs. registration) and sometimes by county, but most Montana residents will need the following information ready.

Common Information for a Montana DMV Change of Address

Have these details available before you start:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Montana driver license or ID number (for license/ID updates)
• License plate number(s) and vehicle identification number (VIN) (for registration/title updates)
• Old address currently on file
• New physical residential address in Montana
• Mailing address, if different (for example, a PO Box in a Montana town where home delivery is not available)
• Contact information – phone number and, if requested, email

In Montana, this is typically handled by entering or writing the information on an online form or paper application provided by MVD or your county office.

Possible Supporting Documents

Depending on how you apply (online vs. in person) and whether you’re already in the system, you might be asked for:

• Proof of identity, such as your current Montana driver license or ID card
• Proof of Montana residency (especially if you are newly moved into MT), which may include items such as:
  • A rental or lease agreement
  • A Montana utility bill
  • A payroll stub or bank statement with your Montana address
  • A property tax bill

Because requirements can change, it is safest to check the current list of acceptable documents on the official Montana MVD website or call before you go in.

Why Montana Address Change Requests Get Rejected

Requests for a DMV change of address in Montana may be delayed or rejected when:

• The new address is incomplete or doesn’t match postal formatting (for example, missing apartment, lot, or rural route details).
• The name or date of birth doesn’t match what is on file with MVD.
• You’re trying to use a PO Box as a physical address when a street or physical location is required.
• You moved to another state, but are trying to update Montana records instead of transferring your license and registration.
• For online updates, your license status is not eligible (suspended, expired too long, provisional status, etc.).

If you are in a rural part of Montana with both a physical address and a PO Box, be prepared to clearly distinguish between where you live and where you receive mail.

Step-by-Step Options to Change Your Address in Montana

In Montana, the process can differ for:

• Driver licenses/ID cards
• Vehicle registrations and titles

You may need to complete two separate processes for a full Montana DMV change of address.

1. Montana Driver License or ID Address Change

A. Online (if eligible)

Many drivers in Montana find that online address changes are the most convenient option when available.

To check if you can change your address online:

1. Go to the official Montana Department of Justice website.
2. Look for the section related to Driver Licensing or Online Services.
3. Search or navigate to “change of address” or “update driver license address”.

If you are eligible, you’ll typically:

1. Log in or access the online MVD system.
2. Enter your driver license or ID number, date of birth, and sometimes part of your SSN or another identifier.
3. Confirm your current address on file.
4. Enter your new Montana residential address, and your mailing address if it’s different.
5. Review and submit your information.
6. Pay any processing fee, if one is required (check the site; do not assume it is free or paid).

In Montana, this is typically handled by issuing an updated record in the system; you may or may not be issued a new physical card automatically. The site should indicate whether:

• A new license or ID card will be mailed, or
• The change is record-only, with your new address stored in the system but your current card still showing the old address.

If you need a replacement card with your new address, you may have to complete a duplicate license/ID request online or in person.

B. In Person at an MVD Driver Licensing Office

If you’re not eligible for online service, or prefer in-person, you can update your address at a driver licensing office:

1. Locate your nearest MVD driver licensing station.
   You can:

   • Use the official Montana DOJ/MVD website’s office locator, or
   • Search online for “Montana MVD driver licensing office [your county]”.

2. Check if an appointment is required.
   Depending on your county in Montana, driver licensing may:

   • Run on appointments only, or
   • Accept walk-ins with limited capacity.

3. Bring required documents, which typically include:

   • Your current Montana driver license or ID
   • Any additional identification and residency documents required by current rules

4. Request an address change for your driver license/ID.
   You may need to complete an address change or license form provided at the office.

5. Pay any applicable fee, especially if a new physical card is issued.

6. Keep any temporary paper document given to you, if your updated card will be mailed later.

In some parts of Montana, mobile or satellite stations may visit smaller communities on certain days. If you live in a remote area, it’s worth checking the schedule on the MVD site or calling ahead.

2. Vehicle Registration and Title Address Change

For your Montana vehicle registration and title, you typically work with your county motor vehicle office instead of the state driver licensing office.

A. Online or By Mail (If Your County Offers It)

Depending on your county in Montana, you may have options such as:

• An online portal for basic registration services
• Mail-in forms to update your registration address

To find out:

1. Visit the Montana Department of Justice – Motor Vehicle Division site and navigate to vehicle registration, or
2. Go directly to your county treasurer or motor vehicle office page (via the county government website).

Look for links or instructions related to:

• “Change of address” for vehicle registration
• “Update registration information”
• “Montana DMV change of address form” for registration, if provided in PDF

If an online option is available, you’ll usually:

1. Provide your plate number, VIN, and personal details.
2. Enter your new address (residential and mailing, if different).
3. Submit the form and keep a copy or confirmation.

For mail-in options:

1. Download or pick up the address change form, if available.
2. Fill it out clearly, including:
   • Name and contact information
   • License plate and VIN
   • Old and new address
3. Mail it to the address listed on the form (usually your county motor vehicle office).
4. Allow time for processing, and monitor your mail for any updated documents.

B. In Person at Your County Motor Vehicle Office

If your county doesn’t offer an online or mail option, or you prefer personal assistance:

1. Find your county motor vehicle office.
   Use the county’s official website or search “Montana [Your County] motor vehicle office.”

2. Check office hours and whether appointments are needed.

3. Bring:

   • Your current Montana vehicle registration
   • Your driver license or ID
   • Any other documents your county lists (such as proof of residency if required)

4. Request to update your address on your registration and, if relevant, your title.

5. Confirm whether a new registration card or sticker will be issued, or if the change is just recorded in the system.

In Montana, this is typically handled at the county level, so specific procedures can vary slightly from, say, Billings to Missoula or a smaller county office.

Do License and Registration Update Together?

In Montana:

• Driver license/ID address updates and
• Vehicle registration/title address updates

are separate actions, even though both may be informally referred to as a DMV change of address Montana.

Updating one does not automatically update the other. To fully update your records, plan to:

1. Update your driver license or ID address through MVD (online or in person).
2. Update your vehicle registration/title address through your county motor vehicle office (online, by mail, or in person, if available).

What Happens After You Submit Your Address Change

Once you’ve submitted your Montana DMV change of address:

For Driver License / ID

After an address update through Montana MVD:

• The MVD system should reflect your new address, which can be seen:
  • In their internal records
  • On online verification services, if offered
• You may:
  • Receive a new license or ID card by mail, or
  • Keep your current card if the change was recorded only

The MVD or online system should indicate which of these applies when you complete the process.

Many drivers in Montana find that keeping a copy of their online confirmation or receipt is helpful, especially while waiting for a new card.

For Vehicle Registration / Title

After updating through your county motor vehicle office:

• Your registration record with the county should show the new address.
• Your title record may also be updated; ask if you are unsure.
• Some counties may:
  • Issue a new registration card and mail it to your updated address, or
  • Record the change internally until your next renewal

Check with the clerk or confirmation email/letter to know what to expect.

How Long It Takes

Exact timeframes can vary by:

• Whether you updated online, by mail, or in person
• How busy the MVD or county office is
• Whether a new card or registration is being physically mailed

To get the most accurate timing, check the official MVD website or ask the office when you submit your request.

Special Situations for Address Changes in Montana

Certain situations require extra steps or careful handling.

Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL)

For a Montana CDL:

• Federal and state rules are stricter, and you may be required to:
  • Update your address in person at an MVD driver licensing office
  • Provide additional identity and residency documentation
• Depending on your CDL class and endorsements, you might need to sign additional forms or verify your medical certificate information.

Because CDL rules change more often, search the official Montana MVD site for “CDL address change” or call an MVD driver licensing office before you go in.

Active-Duty Military and Families

If you are active-duty military stationed in or from Montana:

• Your residency and licensing requirements may differ, especially if you maintain residency in another state.
• In Montana, this is typically handled either through:
  • Normal address change procedures if you claim Montana as your residence, or
  • Separate guidance if you are temporarily stationed there but keeping an out-of-state license.

Check the official Montana MVD site or contact them directly to confirm what is required in your specific situation, especially if your mailing address is on base, overseas, or constantly changing.

College Students

If you are a student in Montana with a temporary address in a college town:

• Decide which address you want to use as your official residence for licensing and vehicle registration.
• If you remain a resident of another state and keep your out-of-state license and plates, Montana DMV change of address procedures may not apply.
• If you become a Montana resident, you’ll need to:
  • Obtain a Montana driver license
  • Register your vehicle in Montana
  • Then update your address as needed if you move during or after school

New Residents of Montana

If you have just moved to Montana from another state:

• Your first step is not just an address change; you typically must:
  • Apply for a Montana driver license (replacing your out-of-state license)
  • Register and title your vehicle in Montana

Once you have fully switched to Montana documents, future address changes follow the steps outlined in this guide. Search the official state site for “new residents driver license Montana” and “new residents vehicle registration Montana” for current requirements.

PO Boxes and Rural Routes

In many rural communities in Montana:

• Residents receive mail at a PO Box but live on a separate physical property.
• MVD and county offices often:
  • Require a physical residential address for records (where you actually live), and
  • Allow a PO Box as your mailing address for receiving notices and cards.

When completing a Montana DMV change of address form, be careful to:

• Enter your physical address where asked (even if there is no direct mail delivery), and
• List your PO Box only in the mailing address field.

If your residence does not have a standard street number, ask your county office how they prefer it to be listed (e.g., legal description, lot, or rural route format).

Changing Your Name and Address Together

If you have changed your name (due to marriage, divorce, or court order) and your address at the same time:

• You generally must:
  • Update your name first on your Montana driver license or ID, then
  • Update your address, or complete both on a combined application, if the form allows.
• You will likely need legal documents such as:
  • A certified marriage certificate
  • A court order
  • A divorce decree

Because this can be more complex, search the official site for “name change driver license Montana” and confirm whether you can combine the name and address updates in a single visit.

Troubleshooting Montana Address Change Problems

Sometimes a DMV change of address Montana request doesn’t go through smoothly. Here’s how to handle common issues.

1. Online Address Change Rejected

If your online driver license or registration address change is rejected:

• Double-check your entries:
  • Spelling of your name
  • Date of birth
  • License or ID number
  • Plate or VIN numbers
• Ensure your new address is formatted correctly, including:
  • Apartment, unit, or lot number
  • Correct city and ZIP code

If the system still rejects the request:

• You may be ineligible for an online change due to:
  • License status (suspended, revoked, or expired)
  • Type of license or endorsement
  • System flags requiring in-person verification

Next steps:

• Call the MVD help line or your county motor vehicle office (using numbers from the official websites, not third-party sources).
• Ask what specifically is causing the rejection and what documents you should bring for an in-person update.

2. You Submitted an Address Change but It’s Not Updated

If some time has passed and:

• Your online account or office confirms no change on record, or
• Your mail is still going to the old address,

then:

1. Gather your confirmation details, such as:

   • Online confirmation number or email
   • Date and location of your in-person visit
   • Copies of any submitted forms

2. Contact the appropriate office:

   • For driver license/ID issues, contact Montana MVD driver licensing.
   • For registration/title, contact your county motor vehicle office.

3. Ask them to:

   • Look up your record by name, date of birth, and license or plate number.
   • Confirm whether an address change was received and processed.

In many cases, a minor entry error (for example, a wrong digit on a ZIP code) can be corrected quickly once identified.

3. You Receive a Rejection Notice

If you get a letter or email saying your address change was rejected:

• Read the notice carefully for:
  • The reason for rejection
  • Which part (license vs. registration) it applies to
  • Any steps listed for correction

Common fixes:

• Provide additional proof of identity or residency.
• Correct incomplete or unclear address entries (especially for rural routes in Montana).
• Resubmit on a different form or in person, if the online system couldn’t verify you.

If the reason is unclear, schedule a phone call or office visit and bring the rejection notice with you.

4. License Updated but Registration Didn’t (or Vice Versa)

Because driver licenses and vehicle records are separate in Montana:

• Updating one does not change the other.
• You might:
  • See the new address on your driver license, but
  • Still receive registration renewal notices at your old address.

To fix this:

• Verify which record is still outdated:
  • Look at your registration card.
  • Check your online county portal, if available.
• Complete a separate address change for whichever record is still incorrect:
  • Driver license/ID with MVD driver licensing.
  • Registration/title with your county motor vehicle office.

Many drivers in Montana find that deliberately doing the two updates back-to-back (one right after the other) helps avoid this mismatch.

5. You Moved Out of Montana

If you have moved out of state:

• You typically should:
  • Get a driver license in your new state, and
  • Register and title your vehicle there, according to that state’s rules.

In most cases, you do not need to file a Montana DMV change of address when you are no longer a Montana resident. However:

• If you are still receiving Montana tax or registration-related mail at the wrong address, contact your former Montana county motor vehicle office and ask how to close or update the record.
• If you receive a Montana ticket or notice after moving, follow the instructions on the notice and consider updating your address with the court or agency listed so future correspondence reaches you.

Simple Reference Table: Where to Go in Montana

How to Safely Find Official Montana Forms and Online Services

Because web addresses can change, the safest way to find official resources is:

• Go to the Montana Department of Justice website (commonly at a “mt.gov” address).
• Look for the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) section.
• From there, navigate to:
  • “Driver Licensing” → for driver license/ID address changes
  • “Vehicle Services” or “Vehicle Registration” → for registration/title address changes
  • “Office Locations” or “Online Services” → to find contact details and any available online portals

You can also search:

• “Montana MVD change of address”
• “Montana DMV change of address form”

and confirm that the result is on a “.mt.gov” official site before entering personal information.

Keeping your address current with both Montana MVD and your county motor vehicle office helps ensure that your license, registration, and official notices all follow you to your new home.

Plan on:

1. Updating your driver license or ID address with MVD.
2. Updating your vehicle registration/title address with your county office.
3. Verifying both records after a short time, so you know everything reflects your new Montana (or new out-of-state) address correctly.

Taking care of your address change promptly can make future renewals, tickets, or transactions in Montana much smoother.