What you need to do to renew in Idaho
Idaho lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a local DMV office. Which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether you need a new photo. If your license expires within the next six months, you can renew now. If it has already expired, you must renew in person.
The easiest route for most people is online renewal through the Idaho Transportation Department website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $32.50 for a four-year license or $49 for an eight-year license. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal works the same way as online but takes longer — you fill out a form, mail it with a check or money order, and wait 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an Idaho DMV office is fastest if you need a new photo or have had a name change, and you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Idaho Transportation Department website is the fastest option for most people and takes about 10 minutes.
- You can renew online or by mail only if your license has not yet expired; if it has expired, you must go to a DMV office in person.
- An eight-year license costs $49 and a four-year license costs $32.50, and you pay by credit card online or by check or money order by mail.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal or 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewal.
- In-person renewal at a local DMV office is required if you need a new photo, have changed your name, or your current license has already expired.
Online renewal through the Idaho Transportation Department
The Idaho Transportation Department website (itd.idaho.gov) has a dedicated renewal portal where you can renew without leaving home. Go to the driver services section, select "Renew Your License," and enter your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you are within the renewal window.
You will answer a few questions about whether your address, name, or other information has changed since your last renewal. If nothing has changed, you can skip those sections. At the end, you pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) and submit. Idaho sends your new license to the mailing address on file, and it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal does not give you a new photo — your license will use the photo from your previous license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
Mail renewal by sending a form and payment
If you prefer not to renew online, you can request a renewal form from the Idaho Transportation Department by calling 208-321-8000 or by visiting an office in person. Fill out the form completely, including your signature, and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the day the department receives your form. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. This method is slower than online renewal but works if you do not have internet access or prefer to pay by check.
In-person renewal at a local DMV office
You must renew in person if your license has already expired, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your name since your last renewal. Idaho has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Idaho Transportation Department website.
Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been less than five years since expiration), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid payment method. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The office will take a new photo, process your renewal, and issue a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Processing usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
What documents and information you need
For any renewal method, have your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready. If you are renewing in person, bring your current or recently expired license and proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work as proof of address.
If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that caused the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order from the state where the change happened is required. If you have changed your address, you can update it during renewal without any extra documents — just provide your new address on the form or online.
License fees and how long your new license lasts
A four-year Idaho driver's license costs $32.50. An eight-year license costs $49. You choose which length you want when you renew online or by mail. In-person renewal at a DMV office costs the same amount.
Your new license is valid for the full length you choose — four or eight years from the date of issue. Idaho does not charge different fees based on age or other factors. If you renew online or by mail, the fee is the same as in-person renewal.
What to do if your license has already expired
If your Idaho license has been expired for less than five years, you can still renew it. However, you must do so in person at a DMV office — online and mail renewal are not available for expired licenses. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. You will need to explore for a new license instead, which requires passing a written test and a driving test. Contact your local DMV office for information about the new license process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Idaho license if I live out of state?
Yes. Online renewal and mail renewal both work for people living anywhere. You provide your current out-of-state mailing address when you renew, and Idaho will mail your new license there. If you need to renew in person, you must visit an Idaho DMV office in person.
What happens if I renew online but my information is wrong?
If you notice an error after you have submitted your online renewal, contact the Idaho Transportation Department at 208-321-8000 as soon as possible. Explain the error and provide the correct information. The department may be able to correct it before your license is printed, or you may need to visit a DMV office to fix it in person.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your previous license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The office will take a new photo as part of the in-person renewal process at no extra cost.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for your license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license the same day, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I drive while I wait for my renewed license to arrive?
If you renewed in person, yes — you receive a temporary license valid for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can drive normally while you wait for your new license to arrive.