What You Need to Know About Idaho License Renewal
Idaho allows you to renew your driver's license in person at any Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) office, or online through the ITD website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster and costs less, but you can only use it if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you must renew in person.
Your Idaho license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew up to one year before expiration. The state does not send renewal reminders, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date — check the front of your license card.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal costs $20 and takes about 10 minutes if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions listed, and your address is current.
- In-person renewal at an ITD office costs $30 and is required if your license is expired, you have medical restrictions, or your address has changed.
- You must bring your current Idaho license and proof of Idaho residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 12 months) to renew in person.
- Processing time for in-person renewals is typically one to two weeks; your temporary license is valid when ready while you wait for the card.
- Idaho does not require a new photo or vision test during renewal unless your license has been expired for more than one year.
Online Renewal: When You Can Use It
Online renewal through the ITD website is the fastest and cheapest option. You pay $20 and complete the process from home in about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
You can only renew online if all of the following are true: your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions or conditions listed on your license, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and you are renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license or motorcycle endorsement). If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use online renewal even if the other conditions are met.
To renew online, visit the ITD website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the payment instructions. You will need a credit or debit card. Once you complete the transaction, you receive a confirmation number. Keep this number for your records.
In-Person Renewal at an ITD Office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you have medical restrictions, if your address has changed, or if you are renewing a commercial license or motorcycle endorsement. In-person renewal costs $30 and takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the office.
Bring your current Idaho driver's license and one document showing your current Idaho address. Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 12 months. A bank statement or credit card statement is not acceptable for address proof.
You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is being produced. The permanent license is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent card arrives, the temporary license is valid for all driving purposes.
Where to Find an ITD Office and What to Expect
Idaho has ITD driver's license offices in most counties. The main office is in Boise, but you can renew at any ITD location statewide. Visit the ITD website and use the office locator to find the nearest location, hours, and phone number. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; a few have Saturday hours.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
Bring your documents and be prepared to answer questions about your address, any name changes, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. If you wear corrective lenses, bring your glasses or contacts — you may be asked to read a line on the vision chart to confirm your vision is still adequate.
Vision Tests and Medical Restrictions During Renewal
Idaho does not require a new vision test during routine renewal unless your license has been expired for more than one year. If you are renewing a current (non-expired) license, the state assumes your vision is still adequate.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to pass a vision test before renewal. This test is performed at the ITD office and checks whether you can read the standard vision chart. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
If you have medical conditions listed on your license (such as corrective lenses required, or restrictions on driving at night), those restrictions carry forward to your renewed license unless you provide documentation from a doctor that the condition has changed. If your medical situation has improved and you want to remove a restriction, bring a letter from your physician stating that the restriction is no longer necessary.
Fees and Payment Methods
Online renewal costs $20. In-person renewal costs $30. Both fees are non-refundable. Payment methods differ by renewal type.
For online renewal, you must pay by credit card or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). The ITD website processes the payment when ready.
For in-person renewal at an ITD office, you can pay by cash, check, credit card, or debit card. Some smaller offices may have limited payment options, so calling ahead to confirm is wise if you plan to pay by check.
There are no additional fees for a temporary license or for mailing your permanent license. If you need your license expedited (mailed faster than the standard 7 to 10 days), Idaho does not offer expedited processing for standard renewals.
What Happens If Your License Expires
If your license expires before you renew, you cannot drive legally in Idaho or most other states. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine. You must renew before you drive again.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, renewal becomes more complicated. You will need to pass a vision test and may be required to retake the written knowledge test, depending on how long it has been expired. You must renew in person; online renewal is not available. Contact your local ITD office for specific requirements if your license has been expired for an extended period.
If you are renewing a license that expired while you were out of state or unable to renew due to a documented hardship, bring documentation of your circumstances to the ITD office. The examiner can discuss whether any requirements might be waived, though this is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Idaho license if I have moved out of state?
No. You must be an Idaho resident to hold an Idaho driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a license from your new state of residence. If you still own property in Idaho or maintain an Idaho address, contact your local ITD office to discuss your specific situation.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must renew in person and bring documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online renewal is not available when a name change is involved.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Standard processing time is 7 to 10 business days from the date you renew. Your temporary license (if you renewed in person) is valid when ready and can be used for all driving purposes while you wait for the permanent card.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the ITD to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Once the issue is cleared, you can then renew your license through the normal process.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No. Idaho does not require a new photo during routine renewal. Your photo from your previous license carries forward to your renewed license. If you want a new photo, you can request one at the ITD office, though this is optional and may involve an additional fee.