Discovering your license is suspended can be stressful, whether you found out during a traffic stop or via a letter in the mail. In Montana, driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor that can lead to further fines, extended suspension periods, and even jail time.
This guide explains how to check your status, why suspensions happen, and the exact steps to restore your driving privileges so you can get back on the road legally.
Step 1: How to Check If Your License Is Suspended in Montana
Before paying fees, you need to know exactly why the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) suspended you. Suspensions are not always due to bad driving; they can result from unpaid fines or administrative errors.
- Check Online: Use the Montana Department of Justice MVD service to view your driving record.
- Call the MVD: You can contact the Records Unit directly at (406) 444-3933.
- Check Your Mail: The MVD sends notices to the address on file. If you moved recently and didn’t update your details, you might have missed the warning. This is why updating your address immediately after a move is critical to avoiding surprise suspensions.
Common Reasons for a Montana License Suspension
Understanding the cause determines your path to reinstatement.
| Reason | Details | Duration |
| Accumulating Points | Reaching 15 points in a 36-month period. | Typically 6 months. |
| DUI (1st Offense) | Driving Under the Influence conviction. | 6 months. |
| Implied Consent | Refusing a breathalyzer/blood test during a stop. | 6 months (1st refusal) to 1 year. |
| Failure to Pay | Unpaid traffic tickets or court fines. | Indefinite (until paid). |
| Failure to Appear | Missing a court date. | Indefinite (until resolved). |
| No Insurance | Driving without valid liability coverage (2nd offense). | Until proof is provided + fees. |
Note on Revocation: If you accumulate 30 points in three years, your license is not just suspended—it is revoked for three years. Revocation is more severe and requires you to restart the application process from scratch (testing included) after the penalty period ends.
Step 2: Reinstating a Suspended License in Montana
You cannot simply wait for the suspension time to run out and start driving. You must take active steps to clear your record.
1. Resolve the Underlying Issue
- Court Fines: If your suspension is due to “Failure to Pay” or “Failure to Appear,” you must contact the specific court (Municipal or Justice) to pay the fines or reschedule. Obtain a clearance receipt.
- Suspension Time: If suspended for points or DUI, you must wait out the mandatory period.
2. File Proof of Insurance (SR-22)
Most reinstatements require you to prove “financial responsibility.” This is done via an SR-22 Insurance Form. You must ask your insurance provider to file this with the Montana MVD.
- Warning: This usually raises your premiums, and you must maintain it for 3 years.
3. Pay Reinstatement Fees
Once eligible, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the MVD (typically $100, though DUI-related fees are higher).
For a detailed breakdown of the forms and payment methods required, refer to the specific reinstatement procedures outlined by the state.
Step 3: How to Get Your Physical License Back After Suspension
Once your status is updated to “Valid” in the system, you may need a new physical card.
- If your card was seized: You will need to process a duplicate license request to get a physical ID back in your hand.
- If you have your card: If it is unexpired, you can often use it once the system shows “Valid,” but verify this with the MVD agent first.
Can You Drive During a Suspension in Montana?
In some cases, you may be eligible for a Probationary Driver License (often called a hardship or essential needs license) that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments during your suspension.
- Eligibility: You generally cannot get this if you were suspended for refusing a breath test (Implied Consent).
- Requirements: You may need a judge’s recommendation.
- Restrictions: Driving is strictly limited to essential travel. These permits function similarly to the restricted probationary permit issued to new teen drivers, enforcing strict rules to ensure public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard reinstatement fee for a non-alcohol-related suspension is $100. If the suspension was due to a DUI or refusal to test, the fees are significantly higher and may include administrative surcharges.
Points typically remain on your driving record for 3 years. However, a suspension action itself is a permanent part of your driving history, though it stops affecting your insurance rates after 3-5 years depending on the provider.
An SR-22 is not an insurance policy itself, but a certificate your insurance company files with the state to prove you have the minimum liability coverage required by law. It is almost always required for reinstatement.
If the suspension is for non-payment of a ticket, yes—paying the court and getting a clearance receipt will allow you to reinstate. However, if the suspension is for points resulting from that ticket, paying the ticket effectively admits guilt, adds the points, and may actually trigger or confirm the suspension.
Conclusion
A suspended license acts as a pause button on your life, but it is temporary if handled correctly. The fastest way to fix it is to check your status immediately, pay any outstanding court fines, and secure your SR-22 insurance. By following these steps, you prevent a temporary hurdle from becoming a permanent revocation.
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