How to renew your Idaho driver's license

You can renew your Idaho driver's license in person at any Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the ITD website. Most people renew before their license expires, though Idaho allows a grace period of up to one year after expiration for in-person renewal without penalty. The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed, whether you need a REAL ID-compliant license, and how quickly you need the new license in hand.

Your current license shows your expiration date on the front. Standard Idaho licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. If you are over 65, your license is valid for eight years. Check your expiration date now — many people wait until the last week and then face longer wait times at ITD offices.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the ITD website is the fastest option if your address has not changed and your license is not expired or suspended.
  • In-person renewal at an ITD office is required if your address has changed, you need a REAL ID license, or your current license is more than one year expired.
  • Mail renewal is available only if you are over 65 or have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office, and takes four to six weeks.
  • You will need your current Idaho driver's license, proof of Idaho residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment by debit card, credit card, or check.
  • Renewal fees are $32 for a five-year license or $51.50 for an eight-year license if you are over 65.

Online renewal through the ITD website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your address has not changed since your last license was issued. Go to the ITD website (itd.idaho.gov), select "Driver License Services," and choose "Renew Your License Online." You will need your current Idaho driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a debit or credit card for payment. The process takes about 10 minutes.

You cannot renew online if your license is already expired, if your address has changed, if you need a REAL ID license, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person at an ITD office. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online transaction.

In-person renewal at an ITD office

Visit any ITD Driver Services office with your current Idaho driver's license, proof of your current Idaho address, and payment. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photo of the document is not accepted.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel or entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025), you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, along with proof of your Social Security number.

ITD offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the ITD website.

Mail renewal for drivers over 65 or with medical conditions

If you are 65 or older or have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an ITD office, you can renew by mail. read the "process for Driver License or Identification Card" form from the ITD website, complete it, and mail it with your current license, proof of address, and payment to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order — credit and debit cards are not accepted by mail.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date ITD receives your process. Send your materials by certified mail if you want confirmation of delivery. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. If you are renewing by mail because of a medical condition, include a letter from your doctor explaining why you cannot visit an office in person.

What happens if your license has expired

You can still renew in person at an ITD office up to one year after your license expires without additional penalty or fees. After one year of expiration, you must take a written test and vision test in addition to renewing. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail — in-person renewal is your only option.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Idaho, even if you are within the grace period for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can face a citation. Renew as soon as you notice your license is about to expire to avoid this situation.

REAL ID compliance and what you need to know

Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Idaho driver's license will not be accepted as identification for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. If you plan to fly or enter federal facilities, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license. You can only obtain a REAL ID license by renewing in person at an ITD office.

To get a REAL ID license, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of citizenship (U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and proof of your current Idaho address. The fee is the same as a standard renewal. Your REAL ID license will have a small star in the top right corner to indicate compliance. If you do not need to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is still valid for all other purposes.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a five-year driver's license is $32. If you are 65 or older, you can renew for eight years at a cost of $51.50. Payment is accepted by debit card or credit card at ITD offices and online. By mail, you must send a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail.

If you are renewing a REAL ID license, the fee is the same. There are no additional charges for renewing online versus in person. Some ITD offices may charge a small fee for services like duplicate licenses or address changes, but standard renewal has a fixed cost statewide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. ITD will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic citation or fine. You must pay the ticket or fine first, then renew. Contact the court listed on your citation to find out the amount owed and payment options.

What if my address changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person at an ITD office and bring proof of your new address. You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed. Bring your current license, proof of your new Idaho address, and payment.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person or online, your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days if you renew in person. By mail, the entire process takes four to six weeks from the date ITD receives your process.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact ITD or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.

What if I lose my license before it expires?

You can request a duplicate license at any ITD office or online through the ITD website. A duplicate costs $10 and is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to wait for your renewal date to get a replacement.