How to Renew Your Idaho Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in Idaho

Idaho lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at an Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or photo. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to an ITD office in person and bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the ITD website takes about 10 minutes and costs $32.50 for an eight-year license, but only works if your current license is valid and you do not need a new photo.
Mail renewal requires Form DL 44 (process for Idaho Driver's License), a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks; you can read the form from the ITD website.
In-person renewal at an ITD office is required if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address to a new county.
You will need your current Idaho license, proof of Idaho residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and a Social Security number to renew.
ITD offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours; wait times vary by location and time of day, so calling ahead can save you a trip.

Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current

The Idaho Transportation Department website offers online renewal at itd.idaho.gov. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer questions about any changes to your address or medical conditions, and pay the $32.50 renewal fee by debit or credit card. The process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days.

Online renewal only works if your current Idaho license is still valid (not expired), you do not need a new photo, and your address has not changed. If you are moving to a different county in Idaho, you must renew in person. If you want a new photo on your license, you also need to go to an ITD office.

Mail renewal: no office visit needed

To renew by mail, read Form DL 44 (process for Idaho Driver's License) from the ITD website or pick one up at any ITD office. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license, a check or money order for $32.50, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days). Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time ITD receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not include a new photo, so if you want one you must visit an office in person. Mail renewal also does not work if your license has already expired.

In-person renewal at an ITD office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you are moving to a different county, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name. Bring your current Idaho license (or passport if your license is expired), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address dated within 90 days (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

ITD offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary. Some offices have longer lines during lunch hours and late afternoon. Calling the office ahead of time can tell you how busy it is. The renewal fee is $32.50 for an eight-year license. You will receive your new license on the spot if you renew in person.

What documents to bring

For any renewal method, have these items ready:

Your current Idaho driver's license (or passport if expired)
Proof of your Social Security number: Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or tax return
Proof of your current Idaho address dated within 90 days: utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice
If you are changing your name: certified copy of marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
Payment method: debit or credit card for online, check or money order for mail, cash or card for in-person

If your current license is expired and you are renewing by mail or in person, you will also need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or U.S. passport. This is required by federal law for any license issued or renewed after May 3, 2023.

Fees and how long it takes

An eight-year Idaho driver's license costs $32.50 to renew. This is the standard fee for all renewal methods. If you renew in person, you pay at the ITD office. If you renew online, you pay by debit or credit card during the process. If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order with your process.

Timing varies by method. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes to complete, and your new license arrives in seven to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time ITD receives your packet. In-person renewal is when ready — you walk out with your new license the same day. If you are close to your expiration date, in-person renewal is the safest choice.

Finding an ITD office near you

Idaho has ITD offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the ITD website at itd.idaho.gov. The site also lists phone numbers so you can call ahead to ask about wait times. Some smaller offices have limited hours or may close for lunch, so calling first can save you a wasted trip.

If you live far from an ITD office, mail renewal or online renewal may be your best option. Both avoid the need to travel. If your license is expired, however, you have no choice but to visit an office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Idaho license if I just moved to Idaho from another state?

No. If you are new to Idaho, you must get an Idaho license rather than renew an out-of-state one. You will need to visit an ITD office in person with your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Idaho address. The fee is $32.50 for an eight-year license.

What happens if my license expires before my renewal arrives?

If you renewed online or by mail and your license expires before the new one arrives, you are still legal to drive as long as you can show proof that you submitted your renewal (your online confirmation email or a copy of your mailed process). Keep that proof with you. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, not unless you want one. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an ITD office. There is no extra fee for a new photo — it is included in the $32.50 renewal cost.

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

Yes. Outstanding tickets or fines do not block license renewal in Idaho. However, if you have an unpaid fine, the court may suspend your license separately, which is different from renewal. Check with the court that issued the ticket to see if your license is suspended.

What if I lost my current license?

If you lost your license, you cannot renew it — you must get a replacement. Visit an ITD office in person with your proof of Social Security number and proof of your address. A replacement license costs $8.50. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it by mail or online if it is still valid.

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.