What to do if your Idaho driver's license goes missing
If your Idaho driver's license is lost or stolen, you need to report it to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and request a replacement. You can do this in person at an ITD office, by mail, or online through the ITD website. The fastest route is usually online or in person, and you'll receive a new license within one to two weeks if you go in person, or two to three weeks by mail.
You do not need to take a new written or road test to replace a lost license — ITD will issue a duplicate with the same class and restrictions you already had. The main thing you'll need is proof of identity and your Social Security number.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost Idaho driver's license online, by mail, or in person at any ITD office without retaking any tests.
- A replacement license costs $20 and is valid for the same expiration date as your original license.
- In-person replacement at an ITD office is the fastest option and takes about one to two weeks to receive your new license.
- You will need a valid form of identification and your Social Security number to request a replacement.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and monitor your credit for identity theft.
Replacing your license online through ITD
The Idaho Transportation Department allows you to request a duplicate license through their website at itd.idaho.gov. You'll need to create an account or log in if you already have one, then select the option to replace a lost or stolen license. You'll provide your driver's license number (if you remember it), date of birth, and Social Security number.
After you submit your request online, ITD will mail your new license to the address on file. This process typically takes two to three weeks. You'll pay the $20 replacement fee using a credit or debit card during the online transaction. Online replacement is convenient if you don't have time to visit an office, but it's slower than going in person.
Getting a replacement in person at an ITD office
Walking into an ITD office is the fastest way to get a replacement license. Bring a valid form of identification (a passport, state ID card, or military ID work), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need to bring your old license — it's lost.
ITD will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use right away. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The $20 fee is paid at the office when you submit your request. Find the ITD office nearest you on their website or call 208-321-7700 to confirm hours before you go.
Requesting a replacement by mail
You can also mail a request to ITD with the required documents. You'll need to fill out the appropriate form (available on the ITD website), include a copy of your identification and proof of address, and send it with a check or money order for $20 to the address ITD provides.
Mail-in replacement is the slowest option — expect three to four weeks from the time ITD receives your request. This route works if you're out of state or unable to visit an office, but plan ahead because you won't have a license to use during the wait. Make sure to keep a copy of everything you send in case the mail is lost.
What happens if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, consider reporting it to your local police department. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. You don't need a police report to get a replacement from ITD, but having one on file can help if identity theft occurs later.
After reporting the theft, monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you notice unauthorized accounts or charges, contact the credit bureau and the creditor when ready.
Your temporary license while you wait
If you replace your license in person at an ITD office, you'll receive a temporary paper license that day. This temporary license is valid for driving and has the same legal weight as your permanent license while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail.
If you replace your license by mail or online, you won't have a temporary license. Plan your driving around the wait time, or consider visiting an ITD office in person if you need to drive before your replacement arrives. Some employers and banks may not accept a temporary license as proof of identity, so ask ahead if you need your license for a specific purpose.
Cost and timeline summary
| Method | Cost | Timeline | Temporary License |
|---|---|---|---|
| In person at ITD office | $20 | 1–2 weeks | Yes, same day |
| Online through ITD website | $20 | 2–3 weeks | No |
| By mail to ITD | $20 | 3–4 weeks | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?
If you received a temporary paper license in person at an ITD office, yes — it's valid for driving. If you replaced your license online or by mail, you should not drive until your permanent license arrives, since you have no valid license document to show an officer if stopped.
What if I don't remember my driver's license number?
You don't need your old license number to request a replacement. ITD can look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you're explore in person, bring your identification and proof of address and staff will find your record.
Do I have to take a new written or road test?
No. A replacement license is a duplicate of your original — ITD will issue it with the same class and restrictions without any testing. You only take tests when you first get a license or upgrade to a different class.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
You can update your address when you request your replacement. If you're explore in person, tell the ITD staff your new address and they'll print it on your new license. If you're explore online or by mail, provide your current address in the request form.
How long is a replacement license valid?
Your replacement license is valid until the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement will also expire in 2027 — you don't get extra time.