Idaho lets you renew online if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you meet a few other conditions
You can renew your Idaho driver's license online through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) website if your current license is valid or expired no more than five years ago. You cannot use the online process if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you have medical restrictions or endorsements that need updating; or if you are under 21. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person — the fee depends on how many years you are renewing for.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes about 7 to 10 business days from the time ITD processes your order. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can print a temporary license from your online account when ready after renewal.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your current license is valid or expired within the last five years, and you have no suspensions, medical restrictions, or endorsements to change.
- The online renewal process happens on the ITD website and takes about 10 minutes; you pay the same fee as an in-person renewal.
- Your new physical license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can print a temporary license to use when ready.
- If your license is suspended, you have medical restrictions, or you need to add endorsements, you must renew in person at an ITD office or an authorized agent location.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather your current Idaho driver's license, a valid email address, and a payment method — ITD accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will also need to know your Social Security number and date of birth. Have your current address ready; if you have moved since your license was issued, update it during renewal.
If your license has been lost or stolen, you cannot use the online renewal process. You will need to go to an ITD office or authorized agent in person to report it and get a replacement.
Steps to renew online through the ITD website
Go to the Idaho Transportation Department website and find the driver's license renewal section. Click the link to renew online. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. ITD uses this information to pull up your record and verify your identity.
Review the information on your license — name, address, height, eye color, and other details. If anything is wrong, you can correct it during this step. Answer the vision and medical questions honestly; if you answer yes to any medical condition, the system will tell you that you must renew in person instead.
Choose how many years you want to renew for: one, four, or eight years. Longer renewals cost more upfront but mean you will not have to renew again for that many years. Enter your payment information and submit. You will receive a confirmation email with your transaction number.
When you cannot renew online and must go in person
If your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot renew online. You must visit an ITD office or an authorized agent location. The same applies if you have any medical restrictions, if you need to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle or commercial endorsement), or if you are changing your name or gender marker.
Drivers under 21 must renew in person. If your license has been lost or stolen, you also need to go in person to report it and receive a replacement card. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal rules are different and typically require in-person visits and a medical examination.
Your temporary license and when your new card arrives
After you complete the online renewal, you can print a temporary license from your ITD account. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used to drive while you wait for your physical card to arrive. Print it on regular paper and carry it with you along with your current license or ID.
Your new physical license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact ITD to check the status. Keep your temporary license until the new card arrives, since the temporary is what proves your renewal is in progress.
What to do if your renewal is rejected or does not go through
If the system rejects your renewal during the identity verification step, it usually means the information you entered does not match ITD's records. Double-check your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. Try again, or call ITD at 208-321-8000 to confirm your information is correct before attempting online renewal again.
If your payment is declined, check that your card information is entered correctly and that your card has not expired. If the problem persists, try a different payment method or renew in person at an ITD office. Some cards are declined for fraud protection reasons; calling your bank to let them know you are making an online purchase can help.
Renewing in person if you prefer or if online does not work
You can renew in person at any ITD office or at an authorized agent location (usually a county sheriff's office or private driver's license agent). Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. In-person renewal takes longer — typically 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is — but you receive your new license on the spot or within a few days.
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if you have medical restrictions, if you need endorsements added or removed, or if you are under 21. It is also the only option if your license has been lost or stolen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than five years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at an ITD office or authorized agent. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You may also need to pass a vision test.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
You can update your address during the online renewal process before you submit payment. The new address will be printed on your license and used for mailing it to you. If you have already renewed and need to change your address, contact ITD or update it at an office in person.
How long is my temporary license good for?
Your printed temporary license is valid for 30 days. It must be carried with your current license or ID while you wait for your new physical card to arrive. After 30 days, it is no longer valid, but your new card should have arrived by then.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
Print your temporary license when ready after completing the online renewal. It is valid for 30 days and can be used to drive. If you need a physical card sooner, you can visit an ITD office and request an expedited replacement, though this may cost extra.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) require in-person renewal and a medical examination. You must visit an ITD office to renew a CDL. The same applies if you hold any CDL endorsements.