How to Renew Your Idaho Driver's License

Renewing your Idaho driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Idaho driver's license through three routes: online at itd.idaho.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at any Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) office. Online renewal is fastest — you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you'll wait at an ITD office.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. If your current license is expired by more than 5 years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go in person. If you've changed your name since your last license, you'll need to bring a certified copy of the document that proves it (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to an ITD office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at itd.idaho.gov takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $32 for a standard license or $47 for a Real ID.
Mail renewal is available only if your license expired within the last 5 years and you have no address changes or name changes.
In-person renewal at an ITD office is required if your license has been expired for more than 5 years or if you need it the same day.
Idaho driver's licenses are valid for 8 years; your renewal notice will arrive by mail 60 days before expiration.
A Real ID-compliant license requires proof of citizenship or lawful presence and a Social Security number, and costs $15 more than a standard renewal.

Online renewal: fastest option for most people

Go to itd.idaho.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll need your current Idaho driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your identity using information on file with ITD.

Online renewal costs $32 for a standard driver's license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead, add $15 to that total. You'll pay the fee during checkout. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address, you can do that during the online process.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than 5 years, if you've had a name change, or if you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal. You also cannot renew online if you're explore for a Real ID for the first time — you'll need to provide original proof of citizenship or lawful presence in person.

Mail renewal: available only if your license is recent

Mail renewal is an option only if your Idaho driver's license expired within the last 5 years and you have no address changes or name changes to report. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail 60 days before your license expires; that notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions.

Complete the form on the back of the notice, sign it, and mail it back with your current license. Do not send cash — include a check or money order for $32 (standard license) or $47 (Real ID). Mail your renewal at least 3 weeks before you need your new license, since processing takes 2 to 3 weeks and mail delivery adds time on both ends.

If you don't receive a renewal notice 60 days before expiration, contact ITD at 208-334-8736 to request one. You can also call to confirm whether mail renewal is an option for your situation before you send anything.

In-person renewal at an ITD office

Visit any ITD office with your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that proves it (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

In-person renewal costs $32 for a standard license or $47 for a Real ID. You'll receive your new license on the spot. ITD offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead can help you pick a less busy time.

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than 5 years, if you're explore for a Real ID for the first time, or if you've had a name change. You should also come in person if you need your license the same day — online and mail renewal both take weeks.

Real ID versus standard license: what's the difference

A Real ID-compliant license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard Idaho driver's license cannot. If you fly domestically or visit a federal courthouse or military base, you'll need a Real ID.

Real ID renewal costs $15 more than standard renewal ($47 instead of $32). You'll need to prove your citizenship or lawful presence — bring your passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or visa and I-94 form. You'll also need to show your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number.

If you're renewing online for the first time and want a Real ID, you cannot complete that step online. You'll need to go to an ITD office in person to show your citizenship or lawful presence documents. After your first Real ID is issued, you can renew it online in future years.

What to do if your license is expired by more than 5 years

If your Idaho driver's license has been expired for more than 5 years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to an ITD office in person with your expired license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number.

Bring the same documents you would for any in-person renewal: a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days, your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and payment ($32 for standard or $47 for Real ID). If you've changed your name since your license expired, bring a certified copy of the document that proves it.

You'll receive your new license on the spot. If you need to drive before you can get to an ITD office, you can request a temporary permit at the office, though availability varies by location.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If you're renewing online and only need to change your address, you can do that during the online process. Your new license will be mailed to your new address.

If you've had a name change (through marriage, divorce, or court order), you must renew in person at an ITD office. Bring a certified copy of the document that proves the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot process a name change by mail or online.

If you're renewing by mail and your address has changed, call ITD at 208-334-8736 before mailing your renewal. They can tell you whether to update your address first or whether to come in person instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is an Idaho driver's license valid?

An Idaho driver's license is valid for 8 years from the date it's issued. You'll receive a renewal notice by mail 60 days before expiration. If you don't receive a notice, contact ITD at 208-334-8736 to request one or to check your expiration date.

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

Yes. You can renew online at itd.idaho.gov from anywhere. If you prefer mail renewal and meet the requirements (license expired within 5 years, no name or address changes), you can mail your renewal from out of state. In-person renewal requires you to visit an Idaho ITD office.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you don't have your current license number. Go to an ITD office in person with proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government ID), proof of your address, and proof of your Social Security number. You'll receive a replacement license on the spot.

Do I need a Real ID to drive in Idaho?

No. A standard Idaho driver's license is valid for driving within the state and for driving across state lines. You need a Real ID only if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building. If you're unsure whether you need one, ask at your ITD office — they can explain which documents you'd need to bring.

How much does it cost to renew in person versus online?

The cost is the same: $32 for a standard license or $47 for a Real ID. The difference is timing — in-person renewal gives you your license the same day, while online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal also costs the same but takes 2 to 3 weeks.

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.