What you need to know about Idaho driver licenses
An Idaho driver license is issued by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and serves as your legal proof that you can operate a motor vehicle in the state. You need one before you drive on public roads, and you must renew it before it expires. The process differs depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged card.
Idaho issues both standard driver licenses and enhanced driver licenses (which allow entry into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations without a passport). Most people get the standard license. The state also issues commercial driver licenses (CDLs) for people who drive trucks or buses for work, but that is a separate process with additional testing and medical requirements.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ITD office in person to get a new Idaho driver license; you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail.
- A standard Idaho driver license is valid for eight years for adults and four years for drivers under 21.
- You will need proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number.
- Renewal by mail is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes or name changes since your last license was issued.
- The fee for a new license is different from the fee for renewal, and both vary depending on whether you choose a standard or enhanced license.
Getting your first Idaho driver license
To get a new driver license in Idaho, you must visit an ITD office in person. You cannot start the process online. Before you go, gather your documents: a valid form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof that you live in Idaho (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
At the ITD office, you will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test covers Idaho traffic rules and safe driving practices. You can study the official Idaho Driver's Manual on the ITD website before you go. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The driving test shows that you can operate the vehicle and follow traffic laws in real conditions.
If you pass all three tests, you will receive a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The fee for a new standard driver license is $32.50 for an eight-year license (or $16.25 for a four-year license if you are under 21).
Renewing your Idaho driver license
Renewal is simpler than getting a new license if your circumstances have not changed. If your current license is not expired, you have not moved, and your name is the same, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal form from the ITD website or call the ITD at 208-334-8736. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks.
If your license is already expired, you have moved, or your name has changed, you must visit an ITD office in person. Bring the same documents you would need for a new license: proof of identity, proof of current residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You will not need to retake the written, vision, or driving tests unless the ITD staff member has reason to believe you cannot safely operate a vehicle.
The renewal fee for a standard license is $32.50 for an eight-year renewal. If you are renewing before your current license expires, you can renew up to six months early. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew (or four years if you are under 21).
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you must visit an ITD office to get a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for renewal. You do not need to retake any tests. The replacement fee is $15.50 for a standard license.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to local police and monitor your credit report for fraudulent activity. A stolen license can be used to open accounts or commit identity theft in your name. Getting a police report number can help if you need to dispute fraudulent charges later.
Enhanced driver licenses and other options
An enhanced driver license (EDL) allows you to cross the land border into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations without carrying a passport. It costs more than a standard license and requires additional proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or naturalization papers). The fee for an enhanced license is $47.50 for an eight-year license.
If you do not drive but need a form of ID for air travel or other purposes, Idaho also issues state ID cards. These are not driver licenses and do not allow you to drive, but they serve the same identification purpose. You can get a state ID card at any ITD office using the same documents and process as a driver license renewal.
Finding an ITD office and scheduling an appointment
Idaho has ITD offices in most towns and cities. You can find the office nearest you on the ITD website by entering your city or ZIP code. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day. During peak hours (lunch time and late afternoon on weekdays), you may wait 30 minutes to an hour or more.
ITD offices do not require appointments for most transactions, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the ITD website to see if your local office offers this option. If you schedule an appointment, you can usually be seen within 15 to 30 minutes of your scheduled time.
Offices are typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices have reduced hours on certain days. Call ahead or check the website to confirm the hours of the office you plan to visit.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
Your Idaho driver license can be suspended or revoked if you accumulate too many traffic violations, drive under the influence, fail to pay traffic fines, or fail to appear in court for a traffic case. A suspension is temporary; once you meet the conditions for reinstatement (such as paying fines or completing a safety course), you can get your license back. A revocation is permanent, and you must wait a set period before you can reapply for a license.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining the reason and what you must do to resolve it. If you believe the suspension or revocation is in error, you have the right to request a hearing. Contact the ITD or the court that issued the suspension to learn how to request one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Idaho driver license online?
You can request a renewal form online, but you cannot complete the entire renewal process online. If your license is not expired and nothing has changed (address, name), you can mail in the completed form. If your license is expired or your information has changed, you must visit an ITD office in person.
How long does it take to get a new driver license after I pass the tests?
You receive a temporary paper license the same day you pass all three tests. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive using the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.
What if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment to try again. There is no waiting period between attempts. You pay the full license fee each time you take the test, so it is worth studying the Idaho Driver's Manual before you go.
Do I need to take a new photo every time I renew?
No. If you renew by mail and nothing has changed, your photo from your previous license will be used. If you renew in person at an ITD office, a new photo will be taken.
What if I move out of Idaho but still have an active Idaho license?
You should get a driver license from your new state as soon as you establish residency there. Driving with an out-of-state license after you move is legal for a limited time, but most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check your new state's requirements.