What to do if your Idaho driver's license goes missing

If you've lost your Idaho driver's license, you'll need to report it to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and request a replacement. The process is straightforward: you can do it in person at an ITD office, by mail, or online through the ITD website. Most people get their replacement within one to two weeks if they go in person, or three to four weeks by mail. You'll pay a replacement fee (currently around $20, though this can change) and provide proof of identity and residency.

The key thing to know upfront: you don't have to retake any tests. A replacement license is just that — a replacement of the one you already had, with the same class and restrictions. Your driving record stays the same.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost Idaho license in person at any ITD office, by mail, or online at itd.idaho.gov.
  • You'll need to bring or mail proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of current Idaho residency (such as a utility bill or lease).
  • A replacement license costs around $20 and does not require you to retake your written or road test.
  • In-person replacement usually takes one to two weeks; mail requests take three to four weeks.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and monitor your credit, since a stolen ID can be misused.

Replacing your license in person at an ITD office

Walking into an ITD office is the fastest way to get a replacement. You'll need to bring two documents: one for identity and one for residency. For identity, bring your passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Idaho address.

Bring your current license if you still have it — it speeds things up. Fill out an process for Idaho Driver's License or Identification Card (Form ITD 3229) at the office or read it ahead of time from the ITD website. Pay the replacement fee in cash, check, or card. You'll walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you.

ITD offices are located throughout Idaho. You can find the one nearest you on the ITD website by entering your city or zip code. Hours vary by location, so check before you go. Some offices get busy mid-morning and mid-afternoon, so early morning or late afternoon visits often mean shorter waits.

Replacing your license by mail

If you can't get to an office, you can mail your request to ITD. Print and complete Form ITD 3229, then mail it along with copies of your identity and residency documents and a check or money order for the replacement fee. Send everything to the address listed on the ITD website — it changes based on which region you live in, so verify the correct mailing address before you send anything.

Include a note with your current mailing address and phone number. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to reach ITD, then processing takes another one to two weeks, so plan for three to four weeks total. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on your process.

Keep copies of everything you mail. If your documents don't arrive or your process is incomplete, ITD will contact you, but having your own records makes follow-up easier.

Replacing your license online

Idaho allows you to renew or replace a license online through the ITD website if you meet certain conditions. You must have a valid Idaho license (not expired by more than five years), a Social Security number on file, and a valid payment method. The online system will verify your identity using information from your driver's record.

Go to itd.idaho.gov, find the online services section, and follow the prompts. You'll pay the replacement fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within one to two weeks. This option works well if your license is still relatively current and you haven't moved recently.

What to do if your license was stolen

If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, take an extra step: file a report with your local police department. You don't need to do this to get a replacement from ITD, but it creates an official record in case the license is used fraudulently. Give the police your license number if you know it (it's on any documents you received when you first got the license).

After reporting it stolen, monitor your credit for the next few months. A stolen ID can be used to open accounts or make purchases in your name. You can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) for free by contacting any one of them. This alerts lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts.

Replacing a damaged or unreadable license

If your license is still in your possession but damaged — water-damaged, faded, cracked, or the barcode won't scan — you can replace it using the same process as a lost license. Bring the damaged card with you if you go in person; it helps ITD see what happened. If you're mailing your request, include a note explaining the damage.

You'll still pay the replacement fee and provide identity and residency documents. The process and timeline are identical to replacing a lost license.

What happens while you wait for your replacement

If you went to an ITD office in person, you received a temporary paper license good for 30 days. This is valid for driving and identification purposes during that time. Keep it with you while you drive.

If you mailed your request or used the online system, you don't get a temporary license. You can still drive legally during the processing period as long as you can show proof that you've requested a replacement — keep a copy of your mailed process or a screenshot of your online submission confirmation. However, for identification purposes (like at a bank or airport), you'll need another form of ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my license while waiting for the replacement?

If you got a temporary paper license in person, yes — it's valid for 30 days. If you mailed your request or used the online system, you can drive legally during processing, but keep proof of your replacement request (a copy of the form or online confirmation) in case you're stopped. For identification at places like banks or airports, bring another form of ID.

Do I have to retake the written or road test to get a replacement?

No. A replacement license carries the same class and restrictions as your original. You only retake tests if your license expired more than five years ago or if you're changing your license class.

What if I don't know my license number?

You don't need it to request a replacement. ITD will look it up using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you're going in person, bring your identity and residency documents and ITD will find your record.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The replacement fee is currently around $20, though fees can change. Check the ITD website or call your local ITD office to confirm the exact amount before you go or mail your request.

What if my address changed since I got my original license?

Bring proof of your current Idaho address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) when you explore for the replacement. If you're mailing your request, include a copy of a current residency document. Your new license will show your updated address.