How to Renew Your Idaho Driver's License

Renewing Your Idaho Driver's License: The Basic Process

You can renew your Idaho driver's license by mail, online, or in person at any Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) office. Most people renew by mail or online because it takes less time and you don't have to leave home. You'll need to renew before your license expires — Idaho won't let you renew after the expiration date has passed, and driving on an expired license is illegal.

Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which method you can use and what documents to send if you choose mail renewal. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew, but you'll need to know your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the process online.

Key Takeaways

Idaho lets you renew by mail, online, or in person, and most renewals take about two weeks by mail or a few minutes online.
You must renew before your license expires; Idaho does not allow renewal after the expiration date.
Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and is available if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had a name change since your last renewal.
If you need a new photo or have changed your name, address, or medical information, you must renew in person at an ITD office.
Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks if you renew by mail, or you can pick it up when ready if you renew in person.

Renewing Online or by Mail

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you're may be able to access. You go to the ITD website, enter your driver's license number and Social Security number, answer a few questions about your address and medical history, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The whole process takes about five minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have had a name change since your last renewal, or if you need a new photo. You also cannot renew online if you're under 21, because Idaho requires an in-person renewal for drivers under that age.

Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal, except you fill out a paper form instead of using the website. Your renewal notice includes the form and instructions. You mail the form, a copy of your current license, and a check or money order to the address on the notice. Mail renewal takes longer — usually two to three weeks for processing, plus mail time — so send it at least four weeks before your license expires.

Renewing in Person at an ITD Office

You must renew in person if you need a new photo, have changed your name since your last renewal, are under 21, or have a suspended or revoked license. You'll also renew in person if you want to change your address, update your medical information, or add or remove organ donor status.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll take a new photo at the office, answer questions about your medical history, and pay the renewal fee. You can pick up your new license when ready or have it mailed to you.

ITD offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the ITD website.

Renewal Fees and What They Cover

The renewal fee depends on how long your new license is valid. A four-year renewal costs $32 if you renew online or by mail, or $37 if you renew in person. An eight-year renewal costs $64 if you renew online or by mail, or $69 if you renew in person. Idaho does not offer a five-year renewal option.

The fee covers the new license card and the cost of processing your renewal. It does not include any additional services, such as adding a REAL ID endorsement or changing your address if you're renewing by mail (you'd have to renew in person for that). If you're renewing in person and need to change your address at the same time, there's no extra charge — the address change is included in the renewal fee.

What Happens If Your License Expires

If your license expires before you renew it, you cannot legally drive. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation and a fine. You also cannot renew after your license has expired — you'll have to explore for a new license instead, which costs more and takes longer.

If your license expired recently and you haven't driven since it expired, you can still renew by mail or online if you're otherwise may be able to access. Contact ITD to confirm whether your license is still within the renewal window. If it's been more than a certain time since expiration (this varies), you'll need to explore for a new license and take the written and road tests again.

REAL ID and Your Renewed License

Your renewed Idaho license will be REAL ID compliant if your current license is REAL ID compliant. REAL ID is a federal standard that makes your license acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license is not REAL ID compliant and you want to add that endorsement when you renew, you must renew in person and bring additional documents — a certified birth certificate or passport, and two documents that prove your current address.

If you're not sure whether your current license is REAL ID compliant, look at the top right corner of your license. If there's a gold star, your license is REAL ID compliant. If there's no star, it's not. You don't have to add REAL ID when you renew — you can keep a non-REAL ID license if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact ITD to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can renew it through the normal process.

What if I've moved since my last renewal?

If you're renewing by mail or online, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can update your address during the online renewal process. If you're renewing by mail, include a note with your new address. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new address and the ITD office will update it for you.

How long does my renewed license take to arrive?

If you renew by mail, your new license will arrive within two to three weeks after ITD processes your renewal, plus mail time. If you renew online, your new license will arrive within two to three weeks. If you renew in person, you can pick it up when ready or request that it be mailed to you.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No, unless you're renewing in person. If you renew by mail or online, your current photo will be used on your new license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an ITD office.

Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?

Yes. You can renew by mail or online from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you'll have to visit an ITD office in Idaho, or you can wait until you return to the state to renew.

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.