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How to Get ID & Documents in Montana

Montana offers affordable state identification through the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), with some of the lowest ID fees in the country at $8. The state has provisions for individuals reentering from incarceration through the Department of Corrections.

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Quick Answer

Visit any Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office with proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of Montana residency. A standard state ID costs $8, and processing typically takes 2-3 weeks for the permanent card to arrive by mail.

Montana ID Agency

Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)

Website: dojmt.gov/driving

Phone: (406) 444-1773

State ID Card

Cost: $8

REAL ID: $8

Processing: 2-3 weeks by mail

Online renewal: Yes

Requirements:

  • Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or other approved document)
  • Social Security card or document showing full SSN
  • Two proofs of Montana residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement)
  • Legal presence documentation for non-citizens

Montana offers REAL ID-compliant identification cards. If you have changed your name, you must provide legal documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, court order). A temporary ID is issued at the office while the permanent card is mailed.

Birth Certificate

Agency: DPHHS Office of Vital Records

Cost: $12

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: 2-4 weeks by mail; same day in person

Order online: dphhs.mt.gov/vitalrecords

Montana birth certificates can be ordered online through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at the DPHHS Office of Vital Records in Helena. You must provide a valid photo ID and proof of eligibility to obtain a certified copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost $5 each.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) works with the MVD to assist individuals being released from state facilities in obtaining identification documents before release. Case managers can help coordinate obtaining birth certificates and Social Security cards needed for state ID applications.

Homeless Provisions

Montana does not have a formal fee waiver program for homeless individuals, but community organizations such as the Montana Rescue Mission and local Community Action Agencies may assist with ID costs and documentation.

Fee Waivers

Montana's $8 ID fee is among the lowest in the nation. While there is no formal fee waiver program, the low cost makes IDs accessible to most residents. Some nonprofit organizations provide financial assistance for ID costs.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in Montana: $12.
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the MVD. Cost: $8.
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the MVD, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest MVD office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the MVD as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state MVD offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for Montana-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the MVD to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some MVD offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than Montana, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in Montana but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the MontanaState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in Montana and register to vote. See our Montana voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More Montana Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Montana state ID cost?
A Montana state identification card costs $8, which is one of the lowest fees in the country. This applies to both standard and REAL ID-compliant cards.
Can I get a Montana ID if I don't have a birth certificate?
You need proof of identity, but alternatives to a birth certificate include a valid U.S. passport, passport card, Certificate of Citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization. If you need a birth certificate, you can order one from Montana DPHHS Vital Records for $12.
How do I get my Montana birth certificate?
You can order a Montana birth certificate online through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at the DPHHS Office of Vital Records in Helena. The cost is $12 for a certified copy. You will need a valid photo ID and proof of eligibility.
Can I get help with ID documents when being released from a Montana prison?
Yes. The Montana Department of Corrections works with case managers to help individuals obtain identification documents before release. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator to start the process well before your release date.
What is a REAL ID and do I need one in Montana?
A REAL ID is a federally compliant identification card required for boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities. Montana MVD issues REAL ID-compliant cards at the same $8 cost as standard IDs. You will need additional documentation to obtain one.
Can I renew my Montana ID online?
Yes, Montana allows online renewal of identification cards through the MVD website if you meet eligibility requirements. You must have a current or recently expired ID and no changes to your name or other personal information.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local MVD, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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