Government-Politics
HELENA – Attorney General Austin Knudsen recently announced that the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is extending the fee waiver for some renewal and replacement driver license and identification card fees through September. The fee waiver, which was expected to last through July 31st, was first announced last month by Knudsen to encourage Montanans to add the new black eagle-in-flight citizenship marker on their credential in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
Since July 1st, more than 18,000 Montanans added the citizenship marker to their credential. In total, over 148,000 Montanans have the citizenship marker on their credential.
“Now, more Montanans have the opportunity to update their credentials and get the citizenship marker added to their ID at no cost,” Attorney General Knudsen said. “We’re giving back to Montana taxpayers. It’s great we could keep this fee waiver going longer.”
“Since we announced the fee waiver, the response across the state has been incredible,” MVD Administrator Laurie Bakri said. “We encourage Montanans to take advantage of this opportunity and schedule an appointment with their local MVD today.”
Fees will be waived for Montanans who come into MVD offices looking to add the new citizenship marker to their driver license, REAL ID, and CDL credentials. MVD will waive anywhere from $10.30 and $68.50 per transaction, depending on the type of credential issued.
MVD will be waiving REAL ID replacement and renewal fees. The replacement of a REAL ID typically costs $10.30. That fee will be waived for those adding the citizenship marker, and there is no REAL ID fee associated with a replacement. The cost for a new or renewed driver license with a REAL ID is typically $67.47. Through September, Montanans will only pay $25 for a renewal of their REAL ID to cover the REAL ID fee, which will not be waived for any credential.
Renewal of current Montana driver license and identification cards (even if outside the expiration), except for the REAL ID fee, will also be waived. New or renewing license or identification cards without the citizenship marker credential for visitors on a visa will not be waived. All CDL credential fees, except for the REAL ID fee will be waived.
In 2025, the Montana Legislature passed and the Governor signed Senate Bill 91, sponsored by Sen. Theresa Manzella, which required driver licenses and identifications cards to display citizenship status. Subsequently, the Montana Motor Vehicle Division made the addition and launched new driver licenses and IDs. The new credential is more secure, featuring elements to help reduce driver license fraud and identity theft, making it one of the most secure credentials in the nation. Montanans who opt to take advantage of this opportunity to have their fees waived to add the citizenship marker outside of their expiration will receive the new credential.
To add the citizenship marker, Montanans may be required to provide additional documentation, including one of the following documents:
- Valid U.S. Passport
- Government Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
- Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
Under the direction of Attorney General Knudsen, MVD launched a new driver services system that decreased appointment times and improved wait times for appointments. In some offices, Montanans can get same-day or next-day appointments. MVD does recommend scheduling an appointment in advance through MVD Online Services.
For more information, visit the Citizenship Marker webpage.