Montana Lost or Stolen Learner Permit: Replacement Options, Fee and Temporary Credential

A Bozeman applicant's permit was sent to a rural route address with a transposed number. Tracking showed it delivered but it was never received. A reissue was requested. The corrected card arrived 12 days later.

Get full rules from the Montana Driver Handbook PDF for complete driving regulations.

How to Replace a Lost Montana Learner Permit

A lost or stolen permit can be replaced through the method you are eligible to use; an in-person visit is not the only option for every applicant. Check the official Montana replacement page before choosing online, in-person or mail service. If you already have an authorized Montana Mobile ID, see the Digital Permit guidance for digital carry rules while you arrange the replacement.

Do I need to file a police report for a stolen Montana learner permit?

Montana MVD recommends reporting a stolen credential to local law enforcement. The police report does not replace the MVD replacement transaction, but it creates a record of the theft.

Online, In-Person and Mail Replacement Options

Use the method that fits your eligibility and how quickly you need a temporary credential.

Document requirements depend on the transaction and credential. Use the Montana permit document guide instead of bringing an oversized replacement checklist. For under-18 GDL applicants, Form 21-1600 is used later to certify completed supervised driving before advancing, not simply because a permit was replaced.

Can I replace a Montana REAL ID permit online?

Online replacement depends on eligibility. A REAL ID replacement also requires the credential being replaced to already be a REAL ID; an ordinary replacement is not a shortcut for upgrading a standard credential to REAL ID.

What if I lose my Montana permit while I am outside the state?

Check whether you qualify for online or mail replacement before planning a trip back to Montana. The available method depends on your credential and current eligibility.

Replacement Scenarios and Fees

The current replacement fee is $10.30 for a standard non-commercial credential replacement, including a REAL ID replacement transaction when the existing credential is already REAL ID.

If you want to change credential type, follow the applicable REAL ID process instead of treating a replacement as an upgrade.

For online, mail or in-person eligibility and current instructions, see the Montana MVD replacement page.

Can I renew instead of replace my permit if it is close to expiring?

If the credential is within six months of expiration, Montana MVD may allow renewal instead of a simple replacement. Check the current renewal eligibility before paying for a replacement that would keep the same expiration date.

Processing Time and Practical Tips

After applying, your permanent plastic instruction permit card will arrive by mail in 2-4 weeks. You will use the temporary paper permit during this wait.

• Check Document Expiration: Verify your primary ID (like a passport) is not expired before your Montana MVD appointment to avoid automatic rejection and rescheduling.
• Bring a Backup Secondary ID: If your school ID is faded or damaged, bring your social security card as a backup secondary document to prevent being turned away.
• Payment: Montana MVD Driver Service offices accept cash, checks and most major credit cards. Use the current MVD payment guidance for any supported online transaction.