How to Renew Your Idaho Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

In Idaho, you can renew your driver's license in person at any Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster and handles most situations; the mail route works only if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no address changes, and your vision and medical status haven't changed.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Idaho residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing by mail, send your current license, the completed Form ITD 3110 (process for Driver's License), and a check or money order to the ITD address on the form.

Key Takeaways

Idaho driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
In-person renewal at an ITD office typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and produces a license you can use when ready.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works only if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no address or medical changes.
The renewal fee is $75 for an eight-year license or $50 for a four-year license; you choose the term when you renew.

How to find your nearest ITD office and make an appointment

The ITD operates driver's license offices in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Pocatello, and Twin Falls, plus several smaller offices in other towns. You can find the full list and office hours on the ITD website at itd.idaho.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours one or two days per week.

Walk-ins are accepted at most ITD offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. If you want to avoid a wait, you can schedule an appointment through the ITD website. Appointments typically fill up two to four weeks in advance during busy seasons (spring and summer), so plan ahead if you're renewing near your birthday.

Renewal fees and license term options

Idaho charges $75 for an eight-year driver's license or $50 for a four-year license. You choose which term you want when you renew. The eight-year option costs more but means you won't need to renew again for eight years; the four-year option is cheaper but requires renewal sooner. Most people choose the eight-year term to reduce the frequency of renewals.

Payment at an ITD office can be made by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you're renewing by mail, send a check or money order payable to the Idaho Department of Transportation. The ITD does not accept payment by phone or online for renewals.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail — you must go to an ITD office in person. You will also need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test and driving test, depending on how long it has been expired. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person without retesting.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Idaho, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as you notice your license is expired or about to expire.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If you have moved to a new address in Idaho, you can update your address during renewal at an ITD office. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days. If you're renewing by mail, you can include a note with your new address, but the ITD may contact you to verify it.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. The ITD will not process a renewal with a name change by mail; you must go to an office in person.

Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal

Idaho driver's licenses issued after May 3, 2023 are compliant with the federal Real ID Act, which means they can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license was issued before that date, it is not Real ID compliant. When you renew, you will automatically receive a Real ID compliant license unless you specifically request a non-compliant license.

Real ID compliant licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner. If you do not want a Real ID compliant license, you can request a standard license instead, but you will need a passport or other federal ID to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. Most people accept the Real ID compliant license during renewal without issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Idaho driver's license online?

No, Idaho does not offer online renewal. You can renew in person at an ITD office or by mail if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no address or medical changes. The ITD website allows you to schedule an appointment, but the actual renewal must be done in person or by mail.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

If you renew in person at an ITD office, you receive your new license when ready. If you renew by mail, it typically takes two to three weeks from the time the ITD receives your process. Mail delivery time is not included in this estimate, so allow extra time for your process to reach the ITD.

What if I have a commercial driver's license?

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) in Idaho must be renewed in person at an ITD office. You cannot renew a CDL by mail. You will need to pass a medical examination and provide a current medical certificate. Bring the same documents as for a regular license renewal, plus your current medical certificate.

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

Idaho does not suspend license renewal for unpaid traffic fines or outstanding tickets. You can renew your license regardless of traffic violations or fines. However, if your license has been suspended for other reasons — such as failure to pay child support or a DUI conviction — you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

If you have lost your license, you will need to replace it before you can renew. Go to an ITD office with proof of identity and residency, and request a replacement. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it at the same time or wait until your renewal date. The replacement fee is separate from the renewal fee.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.