Where to go and what to bring
Kootenai County's driver licensing office is located in Coeur d'Alene and handles all license types — standard, commercial, motorcycle, and instruction permits. You cannot renew or replace a license online in Idaho, so you must visit in person. The office is at the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, 500 Government Way, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.
Before you go, gather your documents. Idaho requires proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or previous license), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If you are explore for your first license, bring all three categories. If you are renewing or replacing, bring what you have.
The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Call ahead at the Sheriff's Office main line to confirm current hours, as they can change seasonally or due to staffing. Bring your documents in originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for identity or residency proof.
Key Takeaways
- Kootenai County's licensing office is at the Sheriff's Office in Coeur d'Alene, and you must visit in person — online renewal is not available in Idaho.
- You need proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency dated within 90 days; originals or certified copies only.
- First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test before a license is issued.
- Instruction permits (learner's permits) are issued the same day if you pass the written test and vision screening, and cost less than a full license.
- Fees vary by license type and length; a standard five-year license costs more than a two-year license, and commercial licenses cost more than standard ones.
What happens during your first visit for a new license
If you are explore for your first driver's license, the office will walk you through three steps before issuing one. First, you take a written knowledge test covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. The test is on a computer at the office, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. You can retake it the same day if you fail, but there is usually a short wait between attempts.
Second, you have your vision screened. The office checks your visual acuity and peripheral vision using standard equipment. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed that day — you must see an eye doctor, get a vision clearance form, and return.
Third, you schedule a driving test with an examiner. The test is not given the same day as your written test and vision screening. You will be told when to return, usually within one to three weeks. During the test, an examiner rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you arrange) and scores your ability to handle basic driving tasks, parking, and traffic situations.
Instruction permits and learner's permits
An instruction permit (also called a learner's permit) lets you practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult before you take your driving test. In Idaho, you must hold an instruction permit for at least 14 days before you can take the driving test. The permit is issued the same day you pass the written knowledge test and vision screening, so you do not have to wait.
While you hold an instruction permit, you must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat with you at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. An instruction permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued.
The cost of an instruction permit is lower than a full license. Once you pass your driving test, you return to the office with your instruction permit, and it is exchanged for your full driver's license. You do not pay twice — the permit fee is credited toward the license fee.
License types and what each one costs
Idaho offers several license types, and the cost depends on which one you need and how long you want it to be valid. A standard driver's license lets you drive regular passenger vehicles and costs less than a commercial license. You can choose a two-year or five-year license; the five-year license costs more upfront but is cheaper per year.
A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. It costs more than a standard license and requires additional testing, including a written test specific to commercial vehicles and a driving test in a commercial vehicle. You must also pass a medical examination and provide a medical certificate.
A motorcycle endorsement can be added to a standard license or obtained separately. It requires a separate written test and a riding skills test on a motorcycle. Some riders take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, which may waive the riding test in some cases — ask the office whether your course qualifies.
Exact fees vary and are set by the state. Contact the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office or check the Idaho Transportation Department website for current pricing. Fees are usually paid in cash or check at the time of process.
Renewing or replacing an expired or lost license
If your license has expired or is about to expire, you can renew it in person at the Kootenai County office. Bring your expired license and proof of residency. You do not retake the written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than five years, in which case the office will tell you what to do.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. A replacement is usually issued the same day. There is a small fee for a replacement, separate from renewal fees.
If you have moved to Kootenai County from another state, you can exchange your out-of-state license for an Idaho license. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Idaho residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not retake the written or driving test — your out-of-state license counts as proof that you have already passed them.
Real ID and what it means for your Kootenai County license
A Real ID is a federal security standard for driver's licenses and ID cards. Starting in May 2025, a standard driver's license will not be accepted for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings — you will need a Real ID or a passport. Idaho offers Real ID licenses at the Kootenai County office.
To get a Real ID license, you need the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. The birth certificate must be a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born, not a photocopy. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or naturalization papers instead.
A Real ID license looks like a standard license but has a gold or star symbol in the upper right corner. It costs the same as a standard license. If you already have a standard Idaho license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at your next renewal or by visiting the office and requesting a replacement.
What to do if you fail the written test or driving test
If you fail the written knowledge test, you can retake it the same day after a short wait. There is no additional fee for a retest on the same day. If you fail again, you can return another day and retake it; each retest may have a small fee.
If you fail the driving test, you must schedule another test appointment. You cannot retake it the same day. There is usually a fee for each driving test attempt. Between attempts, practice with your instruction permit and consider taking a professional driving lesson or a defensive driving course to improve your skills.
If you fail the vision screening, you cannot proceed until you see an eye doctor and get a vision clearance. The office will tell you what form the eye doctor needs to complete. Once you have the clearance, return to the office and you can retake the vision screening at no additional charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail or online?
No. Idaho does not offer mail or online renewal. You must visit the Kootenai County office in person. However, if your license is not yet expired, you can renew it up to six months before the expiration date, so you can plan ahead and avoid a rush.
How long does it take to get a license after I pass all the tests?
Your license is usually printed and issued the same day you pass your driving test. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office, and your plastic card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving until the plastic card arrives.
What if I move out of Kootenai County but stay in Idaho?
You do not need to get a new license. Your Idaho license is valid statewide. However, if you move to a different state, you will need to get a license from that state within the timeframe required by that state's law — usually 30 to 60 days after you establish residency.
Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?
Call the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office to ask whether appointments are required or recommended. Some offices take walk-ins, while others use appointment systems to manage wait times. Calling ahead also lets you confirm hours and make sure you have all required documents.
What if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?
Tell the office staff when you arrive. Some conditions require a medical evaluation or a restricted license (for example, daylight driving only). The office will explain what documentation you need from your doctor and whether your condition affects your ability to pass the vision or driving test.