What to Bring to the Montana DMV for Your Permit Test

Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.

Before You Go

  • →Call your local MVD office to check if they require an appointment or if it's first-come, first-served
  • →Have your parent or guardian clear their schedule to go with you
  • →Gather two different residency documents (like a bill and a registration)
  • →Study the Montana Driver's Handbook thoroughly before arriving
  • →Arrive at least 15 minutes early to handle paperwork
  • →Double-check that all documents are originals, not copies
  • →Make sure your parent/guardian has their own valid ID ready

Required Documents

Proof of Identity (Primary Document)

  • ✓U.S. Passport or Passport Card
  • ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
  • ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • ✓Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
  • ✓Valid Foreign Passport with I-551 stamp

You must bring the original document; photocopies are not accepted. If your name has changed, bring the marriage certificate or court order linking the names.

Proof of Social Security Number

  • ✓Social Security Card
  • ✓W-2 Form with full SSN
  • ✓Pay stub with full SSN
  • ✓SSA-1099 Form
  • ✓Non-SSA-1099 Form

Montana requires proof of your SSN. If you don't have a card, bring a W-2 or pay stub. If you are not eligible for an SSN, you must bring a letter from the SSA stating ineligibility.

Proof of Montana Residency

Bring 2 of these:

  • ✓Montana vehicle registration
  • ✓Montana vehicle title
  • ✓Utility bill (electric, water, gas) dated within 60 days
  • ✓Bank statement with Montana address
  • ✓Parent's lease or mortgage statement (if living with them)
  • ✓School enrollment record

Montana requires two different documents to prove you live here. Both must show your name and current Montana address.

Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)

  • ✓Parent or legal guardian must sign the application in person at the office
  • ✓Parent/guardian must present their own valid photo ID
  • ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent usually signs, but check specific custody orders
  • ✓Legal guardians must bring court-appointed guardianship papers

The parent or guardian MUST be physically present with you at the MVD office to sign the consent form. They cannot sign it at home and bring it in.

Fees & Payment

$52.50

This fee covers the application and the permit. It is valid for 4 years. If you fail the written test, there is no extra fee to retake it immediately, but you must wait until the next day.

Accepted payment:

CashCredit CardDebit CardCheckMoney Order

Forms

Application for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form MV1)

Available at: Available at the MVD office or downloadable from the Montana Motor Vehicle Division website

Do not sign the form until you are in front of the MVD examiner. The parent/guardian must also sign it in the office.

What NOT to Bring

  • ✗Large backpacks or heavy bags (you may need to check them)
  • ✗Friends or siblings who aren't applying (they can't wait inside)
  • ✗Pets (unless they are service animals)
  • ✗Food or drinks (no eating in the testing area)
  • ✗Your own pen (use the one provided to avoid tampering concerns)
  • ✗Electronic devices (phones must be off and put away during the test)
  • ✗Expired or photocopied documents

At the Office

  • →The written test is computer-based; bring your reading glasses if you need them
  • →You must pass the vision screening first before taking the written test
  • →If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it the next day
  • →Once you pass, you'll get an interim paper permit immediately; the hard plastic card arrives by mail in a few weeks
  • →Keep your interim permit with you every time you drive with your supervising adult

Official Montana Motor Vehicle Division info: motorvehicles.mt.gov

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