MONTANA — Montana's driver license and ID fee waiver has been extended through September, giving more residents a chance to add the new black eagle-in-flight citizenship marker to their credentials at little to no cost, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced in a release.
Since July 1, more than 18,000 Montanans have already taken advantage of the program, with 91 percent of customers choosing to add the marker. Montanans interested in updating their credentials can schedule an appointment at their local MVD office through MVD Online Services, Knudsen said.
“Now, more Montanans have the opportunity to update their credentials and get the citizenship marker added to their ID at no cost,” Knudsen said. “We’re giving back to Montana taxpayers. It’s great we could keep this fee waiver going longer.”
MVD Administrator Laurie Bakri pointed to strong interest across Montana and urged people to make an appointment with their local office.
“Since we announced the fee waiver, the response across the state has been incredible,” Bakri said. “We encourage Montanans to take advantage of this opportunity and schedule an appointment with their local MVD today.”
The waiver applies to people adding the marker to a driver license, REAL ID or CDL credential. The department said it waived between $10.30 and $68.50 per transaction depending on the credential.
Officials said the REAL ID fee itself is not waived. Through September, a new or renewed driver license with REAL ID still costs $25 to cover that charge.
Waivers also do not apply to new or renewed credentials without the citizenship marker for visitors on a visa.
Montanans adding the marker might need extra documents, including a valid U.S. passport, a government-certified U.S. birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization or a consular report of birth abroad.
Senate Bill 91, passed in 2025, requires Montana driver licenses and identification cards to show citizenship status. The updated cards include new security features meant to reduce fraud and identity theft.
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