How to get an Idaho driver license
To get an Idaho driver license, you must visit an Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. The whole process typically takes several weeks from process to receiving your card in the mail.
Idaho requires a Real ID-compliant driver license for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. A standard Idaho driver license works for driving but not for those federal activities. You choose which type when you explore, and both cost the same.
If you are under 18, you must complete an approved driver education course and hold a permit for at least six months before taking the driving test. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license in any state, you still need the written and driving tests but not the permit waiting period.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore in person at an ITD office with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, plus pass a written test, vision test, and driving test.
- A Real ID-compliant license costs the same as a standard license but is required for domestic air travel and federal building entry.
- Drivers under 18 must complete driver education and hold a permit for six months; drivers 18 and older can test when ready if they have never held a license.
- Your license is valid for eight years (or until age 21 if you are under 13 when issued), and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation.
Documents you need to bring to the ITD office
Bring one document from each of these three categories: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. A passport or state ID counts as identity. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement counts as residency. A Social Security card, W-2, or tax return counts as proof of your Social Security number.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS and use that instead. Bring the ITIN letter with you to the ITD office.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your license will be issued under your current legal name, which may not match other records.
Written test, vision test, and driving test requirements
The written test covers Idaho traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Idaho Driver's Manual, which is free on the ITD website. You must answer at least 40 out of 50 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day.
The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, or you may be referred to an eye doctor for further testing.
The driving test is conducted by an ITD examiner who rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you provide). The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic skills like starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must have a valid permit or license from another state to take this test. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting a few days.
Renewing your Idaho driver license
Idaho driver licenses are valid for eight years. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, depending on whether your license is still valid and whether you need to update your information or photo.
If your license has not expired and you have not changed your name or address, you can renew online through the ITD website. The online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing in person. Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.
If your license has expired, you must renew in person at an ITD office. Bring the same documents you brought for your original process. You will not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
If you have changed your name or address, you can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed process form, and the fee to the ITD. The ITD website lists the current mailing address and fee amount. Processing takes about three weeks.
Real ID versus standard Idaho driver license
A Real ID-compliant license meets federal security standards and is required to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building (like a courthouse or military base) without a passport. A standard Idaho driver license does not meet these federal standards but is valid for driving and most other purposes.
Both licenses cost the same and look similar, except the Real ID has a small gold star in the upper right corner. When you explore or renew, you choose which type you want. If you are unsure, ask the ITD staff member which type you need based on your plans.
If you already have a Real ID-compliant license from another state, you do not need to get a new one when you move to Idaho—you can continue using it for federal purposes. However, you must get an Idaho driver license to drive legally in the state.
Changing your name or address on your license
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your driver license within 30 days. Bring your current license, the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and the fee to an ITD office. You can update your name in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation.
If you change your address, you must update it within 30 days of moving. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. An address change does not require a new photo or a new card in most cases—the ITD will mail you a corrected license or send you a notice that your address has been updated.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the ITD as soon as possible. You can report it online, by phone, or in person. The ITD will cancel your old license and issue a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a new license.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a replacement at an ITD office. Bring your damaged license and the replacement fee. You will receive a new card with the same number and expiration date.
If your license is damaged and unreadable, treat it as a replacement and bring it to an ITD office along with the fee. The ITD will issue a new card. If you cannot find your damaged license, you can report it as lost and request a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Idaho driver license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date—your new license will expire eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your original expiration date. Check the ITD website to confirm the current renewal window.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Idaho and can result in a traffic citation and fine. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may also be required to show proof that you have renewed or are in the process of renewing. Renew your license before it expires to avoid this.
Do I need to take the written and driving tests again when I renew?
No. When you renew a valid license, you do not retake the written or driving test. You only retake these tests if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you are explore for a license for the first time.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one to arrive?
Yes. When you explore for a new license or renew in person at an ITD office, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail. Keep this temporary license with you while driving.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after waiting a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee each time. Before retaking the test, practice the skills the examiner said you need to improve.