Public Transportation

MSU Billings is within walking distance to major services, such as grocers, restaurants, bars, shopping, hopitals, hotels and more. However, Billings is a large and spread-out city, so if you need to get around without a car, then the city has a bus service called the MET Transit. Using the buses, students and scholars can access most of the city. Several routes pass the university directly (#1: MET Link, #3: Crosstown,#24: Poly).

Students who are planning on taking classes at City College, which is located on the west end of Billings, will need to account for a 20-minute bus trip from the main campus. Bus #24:Poly runs to and from MSUB and City College every hour from about 6:20am-6:20pm. 

Driver's License

International students are able to take local driver’s license written test and road test to acquire driver’s license. To get a new license, students must first pass a written exam to qualify to take the driving exam. Please note that the wait list for taking the exam can be 2-3 months, so apply early. Students must provide their own vehicle for the driving exam. 

General Information 

  • Any student or scholar who will live inBillingsfor more than six months can apply for a driver’s license.
  • The duration of the driver’s license will be based on the program end date on the I-20 or DS-2019.
  • Please note that a Montana Driver’s License is required of a long-term resident, if you own a vehicle and/or drive regularly (after three months) people without a Montana license will be fined for not having it, if stopped by the police.
  • If your stay in Billings is less than six months, you will not be able to get a driver’s license.
  • If you have an International Driver’s License, this can be used in lieu of a Montana licensefor one year for people who cannot apply for the state license or for those who do not own a vehicle and only occasionally drive a car.
  • Appointments are necessary for written and driving exams.

How to Make an Appointment?

Make an appointment online  or call the toll free number 1-866-450-8034. When you call, you should mention that you want to take the test in Billings. If you make an appointment online and do not have a social security number, then input 000-00-0000 for the number to proceed with the application. 

Where to Go?

Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV)
615B S. 27th Street, Billings, MT 59101

If you need to take a bus to the DMV, you will have to take either #1:MET Link or #24:Poly to the transfer station in downtown Billings and transfer onto either  #10:Southside or #19:Loop buses. 

What to bring with you?

  • Passport & Visa
  • I-20 or DS-2019
  • Secondary photo ID (the MSU Billings ID card can be used)
  • Proof of address (i.e. a bill, a letter from the bank, residency letter from housing, official letter from OIS, etc.)
  • I-94 “Arrival/Departure Record” (preferred) 
  • The license fee cost around $60

When to go?

  • Allow at least 3 business days after you have completed the immigration registration with the Office of International Studies (you must be in active status on your I-20 to apply for a driver’s license)
  • At least 10 days from your program start date to ensure that you're in active status

What to expect?

  • A written examination
  • An eye test
  • A driving test (the car must be provided by the person taking the test)

The results are made known within minutes of completing each step.

Car Insurance

All students who own a car MUST have liability car insurance.

Not purchasing at least liability car insurance will result in fines. Liability insurance will cover the costs of the other driver(s) or injuries if you are in a wreck that is your fault. Some people prefer to purchase full coverage car insurance, which will cover the costs of your own vehicle in a wreck that is your fault. If your car is being financed using a loan, then full coverage is typically required by the lender.

Driving, especially in winter can be hazardous.  Road surfaces may look dry and can be actually icy.  Anytime you are driving in other than dry conditions, you must be extremely careful of your speed and know the condition of the roadway.

Important: Seat belts are mandatory for ALL passengers, including the driver.

DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE

Montana’s drinking age is 21.  Driving under the influence of drugs and /or alcohol (D.U.I.) is against the law and costly.  If you are arrested by police, you will spend time in jail, have to appear in court, be fined several hundred dollars, and it will affect your status as an international student.

State of Montana Identification (ID) Card

Although not required, we recommend that students and scholars who are not planning to drive get a Montana ID card. With this ID card, you will not have to carry your passport around and can prove your identity at any time. It can be obtained at the Motor Vehicle Department (DMV) and costs about $17. Please bring your passport, I-20 or DS-2019 and a proof of address.