Idaho lets you renew online if your license is still valid and you meet a few basic requirements
You can renew your Idaho driver's license through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) website without visiting an office in person. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, costs the same as renewing in person, and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
Not every renewal can happen online. Your license must not be expired by more than five years, you cannot have changed your name or address since your last license was issued, and you must not have any medical or vision restrictions that need updating. If any of these explore to you, you will need to renew in person at an ITD office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Idaho's online renewal works only if your current license is not expired by more than five years and your name and address have not changed.
- You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the renewal online.
- The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or in person, and your new license arrives by mail in approximately two weeks.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you have changed your name or address, you must renew in person at an ITD office.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you go to the ITD website to renew. You will need your current Idaho driver's license number, which appears on the front of your card. You will also need the last four digits of your Social Security number and a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or electronic check.
Have your license in front of you when you start the process. The ITD website will ask you to confirm information from your current license, and having it nearby makes the process faster and more accurate.
Steps to renew online through the ITD website
Go to the Idaho Transportation Department website and look for the driver's license renewal section. The ITD website has a dedicated online renewal portal where you enter your information and pay the renewal fee.
Enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm that everything is correct — your name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license.
Review the information carefully. If anything is wrong, stop and contact the ITD before paying. Once you confirm that all details are accurate, you will proceed to payment. Enter your payment method and complete the transaction. The ITD will send you a confirmation number by email.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes about two weeks. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than five years ago, the online system will not let you complete the renewal. You will need to visit an ITD office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening, depending on how long your license has been expired.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you cannot use the online renewal. You will need to go to an ITD office with proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
If you have moved to a new address in Idaho, you also cannot renew online. Visit an ITD office to update your address at the same time you renew your license. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.
If your license has medical restrictions or vision restrictions, or if you need to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement), you must renew in person.
What happens after you pay
The ITD will process your payment when ready and send you a confirmation email with a confirmation number. Keep this email for your records. Your new license will be printed and mailed to your current address on file.
You do not need to do anything else while you wait. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use your license for identification. If you need to know the status of your renewal, you can contact the ITD with your confirmation number.
The cost of renewing online
The renewal fee for an Idaho driver's license is the same whether you renew online or in person. The ITD charges a standard renewal fee that covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. The exact amount depends on the type of license you hold and how long you are renewing it for — typically four or eight years.
When you reach the payment screen, the ITD website will show you the exact fee before you enter your payment information. There are no hidden fees or additional charges for renewing online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Idaho license online if I just moved to Idaho from another state?
No. If you are new to Idaho, you need to visit an ITD office in person to get an Idaho license. Online renewal only works if you already have a valid Idaho license and your information has not changed.
What if I made a mistake when I renewed online and need to fix it?
Contact the Idaho Transportation Department with your confirmation number as soon as possible. If the error is caught before your new license is printed, the ITD may be able to correct it. If your new license arrives with incorrect information, you will need to visit an office to request a corrected license.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is typically mailed within two weeks of your payment being processed. Delivery time depends on where you live in Idaho and mail service in your area. You can continue to drive using your current license while you wait.
Can I renew my license online if it is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must contact the Idaho Transportation Department to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew your license.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you choose to visit an office in person to have a new photo taken.