Idaho Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know
Idaho allows you to renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at any Driver Services office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail and are processed when ready online.
Your Idaho driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires, though the new license will not be mailed until closer to your expiration date. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office.
Key Takeaways
- Idaho offers three renewal methods: online (fastest), by mail (7 to 10 business days), or in person at any Driver Services office.
- You can renew online only if your license is still valid and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or medical conditions that require in-person verification.
- The renewal fee is $32.50 for an eight-year license, payable by credit card online or by check or money order if renewing by mail.
- If your license has expired more than one year ago, you must take the written test and vision test again, even if renewing by mail.
- You will need your current Idaho driver's license number and a valid Social Security number to renew online.
Renewing Online: The Fastest Route
Online renewal through the Idaho Transportation Department website is the quickest option if you meet the requirements. You must have a valid (not expired) Idaho driver's license, no address changes since your last renewal, no name changes, and no medical conditions that require in-person review. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
To renew online, visit the Idaho Transportation Department's official website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit card. Pay the $32.50 renewal fee and submit your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after submission.
If you have moved, changed your name, or have a medical condition flagged in the system, the online option will not be available. The system will tell you this before you pay, so you can choose another method instead.
Renewing by Mail: What Documents to Send
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address or name. Complete the process for Idaho Driver's License or Identification Card (Form ITD 3110), which you can read from the Idaho Transportation Department website or request by phone at 208-334-8736.
Send the completed form along with your current Idaho driver's license and a check or money order for $32.50 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with your name and current address. Mail your packet to the Idaho Transportation Department, Driver Services Bureau, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707-1129.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the department receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If you need your license sooner, you can renew in person instead. If your license has already expired, you cannot use the mail option and must go to a Driver Services office.
Renewing in Person at a Driver Services Office
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you have changed your address or name, or if you prefer to walk out with a temporary permit the same day. Idaho has Driver Services offices in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Pocatello, and Twin Falls. You can also renew at many county sheriff's offices and some DMV partner locations outside these cities.
Bring your current Idaho driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days). If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Pay the $32.50 renewal fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
You will take a new photo and pass a vision test. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will also take the written knowledge test. The office will issue you a temporary permit valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Address Changes and Name Changes
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address. You cannot do this online; you must renew by mail or in person. When renewing by mail, write your new address clearly on the process form. When renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days).
If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person. Bring your current driver's license and a certified copy of the document that changed your name. The office will take a new photo and issue a temporary permit while your new license is mailed.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
If your Idaho driver's license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Driver Services office in person. You will need to pass the vision test and the written knowledge test again, even if you have held a valid license for decades. Bring your expired license if you still have it, along with proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address.
If your license expired between one and five years ago, you may be able to renew by mail without retaking the tests, depending on your age and medical history. Call the Idaho Transportation Department at 208-334-8736 to confirm before mailing your process. If you are over 65 or have a medical condition on file, you may need to renew in person regardless of how long ago your license expired.
Fees and Payment Methods
The renewal fee for an eight-year Idaho driver's license is $32.50. This is the standard fee for all renewal methods. If you are renewing in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order only; do not send cash. If you are renewing online, you must use a credit card.
There are no additional fees for address changes or name changes during renewal. If you need a replacement license before your renewal is processed (for example, if your license was lost or stolen), you will pay a separate replacement fee of $32.50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Idaho driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. However, the Idaho Transportation Department will not mail your new license until closer to your expiration date, so there is no advantage to explore very early. Most people renew within 30 to 60 days of expiration.
What if I moved out of state after getting my Idaho license?
You cannot renew your Idaho license by mail or online if you have moved. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office in Idaho, or you can transfer to a driver's license in your new state instead. If you are no longer in Idaho, contact the Idaho Transportation Department at 208-334-8736 to discuss your options.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the Idaho Transportation Department receives your process (by mail) or processes it (online or in person). Mailing time is separate, so allow an additional 3 to 5 business days for delivery. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary permit valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent license.
Do I need to take the written test again when I renew?
No, unless your license has been expired for more than one year. If your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you only need to pass the vision test if you renew in person. If you renew by mail or online, you do not take any test.
What if my Social Security number has changed?
Contact the Idaho Transportation Department at 208-334-8736 before you renew. You will need to renew in person and bring documentation of your new Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2, or a recent tax return showing your new number.