What you need to do to get an Idaho driver's license

To get an Idaho driver's license, you visit your local Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) office with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.

Idaho issues licenses to people who are at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license in any state, you can move straight to the written test without the waiting period.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a passport, or a military ID to prove who you are.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your current Idaho address.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete an approved driver education course and hold a permit for six months before taking the driving test.
  • The written test covers Idaho traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • Your temporary permit lets you drive when ready after passing the written test, and your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Documents to bring to the ITD office

Bring an original or certified copy of one of these documents to prove your identity: a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card. A photocopy of your birth certificate does not count unless it is certified by the vital records office that issued it.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Idaho address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a property tax bill. A mail piece from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.

You also need to prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get an Idaho ID card, but not a driver's license.

The written test and vision screening

At the ITD office, you take a written test on Idaho traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the office, and you get your score when ready.

Before the written test, you also take a vision screening. The examiner checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you cannot take the written test that day; you must see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.

You can take the written test in English or Spanish. If you need the test in another language, contact your local ITD office ahead of time to arrange it.

The driving test and what happens after you pass

After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test at the same office or at a different location, depending on how busy the office is. The driving test usually happens within one to four weeks. During the test, an examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive for about 20 minutes. You must demonstrate that you can start the car, control it safely, follow traffic signs and signals, park, and handle common driving situations.

When you pass the driving test, the examiner gives you a temporary permit on the spot. This permit lets you drive when ready. Your permanent Idaho driver's license is printed and mailed to your address within two to three weeks. Do not drive without either the temporary permit or the permanent license.

If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the test fee each time you take it.

Costs and fees

The written test costs $15. The driving test costs $20. A four-year driver's license costs $35, and an eight-year license costs $60. If you are under 21, you get a four-year license. The total cost for a first-time license holder is between $70 and $95, depending on which license term you choose.

You pay these fees at the ITD office when you take each test. Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office takes.

If you are under 18: the permit and waiting period

If you are under 18 and have never held a driver's license, you must first complete a driver education course approved by the Idaho Department of Education. This course covers traffic laws, vehicle operation, and safe driving practices. You can take it at your high school, at a private driving school, or online. The course usually takes four to six weeks.

After you finish the course, you bring your completion certificate to the ITD office along with your identity documents. You take the written test and vision screening. If you pass, you get a permit that lets you drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you.

You must hold this permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. During those six months, you build up supervised driving experience. After six months, you schedule your driving test and follow the same process as an adult applicant.

Renewing or replacing your license

When your license is about to expire, Idaho sends you a renewal notice in the mail. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at an ITD office. A mail renewal costs $35 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license and takes about two weeks. An online renewal is faster and costs the same. If you prefer to renew in person, you can do that at any ITD office.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any ITD office. A replacement costs $15 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. You can also get a temporary permit to drive while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English or Spanish?

Contact your local ITD office at least two weeks before you plan to take the test. Some offices can arrange tests in other languages, but not all. The office will tell you whether it can accommodate your language and what documents you need to bring.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again the same day or schedule another appointment. You pay the $15 test fee each time. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can retake it as soon as you are ready.

Do I need to take a driver education course if I am 18 or older?

No. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license, you can go straight to the written test without completing a course. You still need to pass the written test, vision screening, and driving test.

What if I move to Idaho from another state and already have a license?

You can exchange your out-of-state license for an Idaho license without taking the written or driving tests. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to an ITD office. The exchange costs $35 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license.

How long does the whole process take?

From your first visit to the ITD office to receiving your permanent license in the mail usually takes two to four weeks. The written test happens the same day you visit. The driving test is scheduled for one to four weeks later. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass the driving test.