What you need to get an Idaho driver's license
Idaho issues driver's licenses through the Department of Transportation (ITD). To get your first license or renew an expired one, you'll need to visit an ITD office in person with specific documents. The state requires proof of identity, proof of Idaho residency, and your Social Security number.
For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate. If you're using a birth certificate, you'll also need a second form of ID like a military ID or tribal ID. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Idaho address.
You'll also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test unless you're renewing a license that's still valid. If you're renewing by mail or online (available in some cases), you won't need to retake these tests, but you will need to verify your identity through the ITD's online system or in person.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ITD office in person for your first license, bringing proof of identity, proof of Idaho residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
- Idaho driver's licenses are valid for eight years for adults under 65 and four years for drivers 65 and older, and renewal dates are printed on your card.
- You can renew online or by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, but first-time applicants must explore in person.
- The written test covers Idaho traffic laws and road signs; the ITD provides a free study guide on its website before you take the exam.
- Fees vary depending on whether you're getting a standard license, a Real ID-compliant license, or a commercial driver's license.
Idaho driver's license types and what they cost
Idaho offers a standard driver's license and a Real ID-compliant license. The Real ID license meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Both types are issued at ITD offices, and the choice depends on whether you plan to fly domestically or need federal building access.
A standard Idaho driver's license costs $25 for an eight-year license (for drivers under 65) or $12.50 for a four-year license (for drivers 65 and older). A Real ID license costs $35 for eight years or $17.50 for four years. If you're renewing by mail or online, the cost is the same. A commercial driver's license (CDL) has different fees depending on the class and endorsements you need; contact your local ITD office for current CDL pricing.
Payment is accepted in cash, check, or debit/credit card at ITD offices. If you renew online, you'll pay by credit or debit card. Mail-in renewals require a check or money order.
How to renew your Idaho driver's license
If your license is not expired and you haven't moved, you can renew online through the ITD website or by mail. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes a few minutes. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start.
To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the ITD website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Mail-in renewals typically take two to three weeks after the ITD receives your form. You'll receive your new license by mail at the address on file.
If your license has expired, you've moved, or you need to update your name, you must renew in person at an ITD office. Bring the same documents you would for a first-time process: proof of identity, proof of current residency, and your Social Security number. You won't need to retake the written test or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than one year.
Where to find an ITD office and what to bring
Idaho has ITD offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the ITD website by entering your city or county. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call ahead or check the office's hours before you go, as hours vary by location.
Bring your documents in original form or as certified copies. The ITD does not accept photocopies of birth certificates or passports. If you're renewing in person and your address has changed, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Plan to spend 15 to 30 minutes at the office, depending on how busy it is. Bring your Social Security number memorized or written down, as you'll need to provide it. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them during your vision test.
The written test and vision test
The written test covers Idaho traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The ITD provides a free study guide on its website that covers all the topics on the test. You can read it, print it, or read it online before your appointment.
The vision test checks that you can see clearly enough to drive safely. You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you'll be referred to an eye doctor and will need to bring a vision clearance form signed by the doctor before you can get your license.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no fee to retake the test. Most people pass on their first try if they study the ITD's study guide.
Real ID requirements for Idaho driver's licenses
A Real ID-compliant license is required to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings starting in 2025. Idaho's Real ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. You can get a Real ID license when you explore for your first license or when you renew.
To get a Real ID license, you need the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document that proves your Social Security number. This can be a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement. If you don't have one of these, you can bring two documents that show your name and Social Security number, such as a tax return and a bank statement.
The Real ID license costs $10 more than a standard license. If you already have a standard Idaho license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at any ITD office without waiting for your renewal date. Bring your current license and proof of your Social Security number.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any ITD office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. There is a replacement fee of $15 for a standard license or $25 for a Real ID license.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police and to the ITD. The ITD can flag your old license number so it cannot be used fraudulently. Call your local ITD office or the main ITD office in Boise to report a stolen license.
You can also request a replacement by mail if you prefer not to visit an office in person. read the replacement form from the ITD website, include a check or money order for the replacement fee, and mail it with copies of your proof of identity and residency. Replacements by mail take two to three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an Idaho driver's license last?
An Idaho driver's license is valid for eight years if you're under 65 years old, or four years if you're 65 or older. The expiration date is printed on your license. You can renew up to one year before the expiration date.
Can I renew my Idaho license if I live out of state?
No, you must renew in person at an ITD office if you've moved out of Idaho. If you still live in Idaho but are temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail or online as long as your address on file is still in Idaho.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day at no charge, or you can schedule another appointment. Most people pass if they study the free ITD study guide before taking the test.
Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Idaho?
No, a standard Idaho driver's license is sufficient for driving. A Real ID license is only required if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard license is still valid for driving.
How do I change my name on my Idaho driver's license?
Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to an ITD office along with your current license and proof of residency. The ITD will issue a new license with your updated name at no extra charge.