Renewing Your Idaho License Online, by Mail, or In Person
Idaho lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) office. Which method you can use depends on how much time is left before your license expires and whether you need a new photo. If your license expires more than 150 days away, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expires within 150 days, you must renew in person.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $32.50 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license. You'll need your current Idaho license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. By-mail renewal follows the same cost and timeline but requires you to print and mail a form.
In-person renewal at an ITD office takes about 30 minutes on average. You'll pay the same fee, bring your current license and proof of Idaho residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and get a temporary license to use when ready while your permanent one is mailed to you.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online or by mail only if your license expires more than 150 days from today; otherwise you must go to an ITD office in person.
- Online renewal costs $32.50 for four years or $65 for eight years and takes 7 to 10 business days for the new license to arrive by mail.
- In-person renewal at an ITD office takes about 30 minutes and gives you a temporary license to use right away.
- You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number for any renewal method.
- If you need a new photo or your address has changed, you must renew in person rather than online or by mail.
What Documents and Information You Need
For online or mail renewal, you need your current Idaho driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method (debit or credit card). You do not need to provide any physical documents or proof of residency for these methods.
For in-person renewal, bring your current license and one document that shows your current Idaho address. The ITD accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail with your name and address. If you've moved and your license still shows an old address, bring the address-change document along with your current proof of residency.
If you are renewing after a name change (through marriage, divorce, or legal petition), you must renew in person and bring the court order or certified marriage or divorce certificate that shows the name change.
When Your License Expires and How Long Renewal Takes
Idaho driver's licenses expire on your birthday four or eight years after issue, depending on which term you chose when you got the license. You can find your expiration date on the front of your license. The ITD recommends starting the renewal process at least two weeks before that date.
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you submit your information until the new license arrives in your mailbox. Mail renewal takes longer—typically 2 to 3 weeks—because the ITD must receive your form, process it, and mail the license back. In-person renewal is fastest: you walk out with a temporary license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew using any of these methods, but you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives. An expired license is not valid for driving, even if you have submitted a renewal.
Renewing Online Through the ITD Website
Go to the Idaho Transportation Department website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will enter your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against ITD records.
Next, you'll review your current information and make any updates to your address or emergency contact if needed. You cannot change your name online; if you need a name change, you must renew in person. Then you'll select your license term (four or eight years), review the fee, and pay by debit or credit card.
After payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you can track its status using your confirmation number on the ITD website.
Renewing by Mail
read the driver's license renewal form from the ITD website or request one by phone at 208-334-8736. Fill out the form with your current information, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee ($32.50 for four years or $65 for eight years).
Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license if possible, though it is not required. Mail your form to the ITD address on the form itself. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the ITD receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time on both ends.
Keep a copy of your confirmation or the form you mailed in case you need to follow up. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks of mailing, contact the ITD to check the status.
Renewing In Person at an ITD Office
Find your nearest ITD office on the ITD website or call 208-334-8736 for the location and hours. You do not need an appointment; walk-in renewal is available during business hours. Bring your current license and proof of your current Idaho address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement).
At the office, tell the staff member you are renewing your license. They will take a new photo, verify your information, collect the renewal fee, and issue you a temporary license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license has the same legal standing as a permanent one while it is valid.
If you are renewing after a name change, bring the court order or certified marriage or divorce certificate along with your other documents. The staff can process the name change at the same time as your renewal.
What Happens If You Let Your License Expire
An expired license is not valid for driving, even if you are in the process of renewing it. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving on an expired license, you can be cited. You cannot legally operate a vehicle until your new license arrives.
However, you can still renew an expired license using any of the three methods (online, mail, or in person). There is no penalty fee or additional cost for renewing after expiration. The renewal fee is the same whether your license is current or expired. If you have been driving on an expired license, you may want to renew in person so you can get a temporary license when ready and avoid driving illegally while waiting for the new one to arrive by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Idaho license if I live out of state now?
No. Idaho requires you to be a resident to hold an Idaho driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state instead. You can renew an Idaho license only if you still live in Idaho.
What if my address changed since I got my current license?
You can update your address during online renewal without visiting an office. If you renew by mail or in person, bring proof of your new Idaho address. You do not need to file a separate address-change form if you are renewing your license at the same time.
How do I know if I can renew online or if I have to go in person?
Check your license expiration date. If it is more than 150 days away, you can renew online or by mail. If it is 150 days or fewer, you must renew in person at an ITD office. You can also call the ITD at 208-334-8736 to confirm which method you are allowed to use.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must go to an ITD office in person with proof of your Idaho address. The staff will issue a replacement license and take a new photo. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to 180 days before your expiration date using any method. Early renewal does not extend your expiration date; your new license will expire on the same date your current one would have. Renewing early is useful if you want to avoid a rush close to your expiration date.