What You Need to Do to Reinstate in Idaho
To reinstate your Idaho driver's license, you must contact the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) in person or by mail, pay the reinstatement fee, and resolve whatever caused the suspension or revocation in the first place. The specific steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical reasons, or a DUI conviction. Idaho does not reinstate licenses automatically; you must take action, and the process typically takes one to three weeks once ITD receives your complete request.
The reinstatement fee is $75 for a suspension and $100 for a revocation, as of the current fee schedule. You will also need to pay any outstanding fines, court costs, or restitution related to the reason for suspension. If your license was suspended due to a medical condition, you may need to provide a doctor's clearance. If it was suspended for a DUI, you may be required to complete a substance abuse evaluation or treatment program before reinstatement is possible.
Key Takeaways
- Idaho requires you to contact ITD directly — by phone, mail, or in person at a driver services office — to request reinstatement; the state does not reinstate licenses automatically.
- You must pay the reinstatement fee ($75 for suspension, $100 for revocation) plus any outstanding fines, court costs, or restitution tied to the reason for suspension.
- The reason for your suspension determines what additional steps you must complete before ITD will reinstate your license, such as paying court-ordered restitution or obtaining medical clearance.
- Once ITD receives your complete reinstatement request and payment, the process typically takes one to three weeks; you can check the status by calling ITD or visiting in person.
How to Contact Idaho Transportation Department
You can request reinstatement by phone, mail, or in person. The main ITD Driver Services Bureau phone line is 208-321-8000. Have your driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason for suspension ready when you call. ITD staff can tell you when ready whether your license is may be able to access for reinstatement and what documents or payments you need to submit.
If you prefer to mail your request, send it to Idaho Transportation Department, Driver Services Bureau, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707. Include a letter stating your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason you believe your license was suspended. Enclose a check or money order for the reinstatement fee plus any outstanding fines. Mail takes longer — typically two to three weeks for processing — so calling first is faster if you need your license soon.
You can also visit a driver services office in person. ITD has offices in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Twin Falls. Bring your identification, the reinstatement fee, and proof of payment for any outstanding fines. Staff can process your request on the spot if your file is complete, though you will still need to wait for the new license to be printed and mailed to you, which takes about one week.
Suspension vs. Revocation: What the Difference Means for Reinstatement
Idaho distinguishes between suspension and revocation, and the reinstatement process differs for each. A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, after which you can request reinstatement. A revocation is permanent unless you meet specific conditions set by the court or ITD, and reinstatement may not be possible for several years.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, or medical suspension due to a reported condition. Suspensions typically last 30 days to one year, depending on the violation. Once the suspension period ends or the underlying issue is resolved (such as paying the fine), you can request reinstatement by paying the $75 fee.
Revocation is more serious and usually results from a DUI conviction, reckless driving, or multiple serious violations. A first DUI revocation in Idaho lasts one year; a second DUI within ten years results in a five-year revocation. Before you can request reinstatement after a DUI revocation, you must complete a substance abuse evaluation, pay all fines and court costs, and sometimes complete a treatment program. Even after meeting these conditions, ITD may impose restrictions such as an ignition interlock device requirement.
Resolving the Underlying Reason for Suspension
Before ITD will reinstate your license, you must resolve the issue that caused the suspension. If your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed to the court or the agency that issued the citation. Contact the court listed on your citation or call ITD to find out which court or agency holds your case.
If your suspension was due to failure to appear in court, you must contact the court, explain your absence, and resolve the case. This may mean paying a fine, pleading guilty or not guilty, or rescheduling your court date. Once the case is resolved, the court will notify ITD, and you can then request reinstatement.
If your license was suspended for a medical reason — such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or loss of consciousness — you must obtain a medical clearance from your doctor. ITD will provide you with a form (DL 323) that your physician must complete and sign. This form certifies that you are medically safe to drive. Mail the completed form to ITD along with your reinstatement request and fee.
For DUI-related revocations, you must complete a substance abuse evaluation through an approved provider in Idaho. The evaluator will assess your situation and may recommend treatment. You must complete any recommended treatment before ITD will consider reinstatement. You will also need to pay all court-ordered fines and restitution. Some DUI revocations also require installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before you can drive again.
Reinstatement Timeline and What to Expect
The reinstatement timeline depends on how you submit your request and how quickly you resolve the underlying issue. If you call ITD and your file is complete, staff can process your request over the phone in one business day. Your new license will be printed and mailed within one week. If you mail your request, allow two to three weeks for processing plus one week for mailing.
If your reinstatement requires additional steps — such as court action, medical clearance, or substance abuse evaluation — the timeline extends. For example, if you must appear in court to resolve a failure-to-appear charge, that court date may be weeks away. Once the court resolves your case, ITD must receive notification from the court, which can take another week. Then you can submit your reinstatement request.
You can check the status of your reinstatement request by calling ITD at 208-321-8000. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. ITD staff will tell you whether your request has been received, whether your file is complete, and when you can expect your new license to arrive.
Fees and Payment Methods
The reinstatement fee is $75 if your license was suspended and $100 if it was revoked. This fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or restitution you owe. You must pay the reinstatement fee to ITD and any outstanding fines to the court or issuing agency.
You can pay by check, money order, or credit card. If you pay by mail, make your check or money order payable to "Idaho Transportation Department." If you pay in person at a driver services office, you can pay by cash, check, money order, or card. If you pay by phone, ITD accepts credit cards only. Do not send cash by mail.
If you cannot afford the full reinstatement fee and outstanding fines at once, contact the court or ITD to ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay in installments. Once you have paid the reinstatement fee to ITD and resolved the underlying issue, your license can be reinstated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended or revoked until ITD officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a crime in Idaho and can result in arrest, additional fines, and jail time. Wait until you receive your new license in the mail before driving.
What if I don't know why my license was suspended?
Call ITD at 208-321-8000 and provide your driver's license number and date of birth. ITD will tell you the reason for suspension and what you must do to resolve it. You can also visit a driver services office in person and ask staff to look up your file.
Do I need a new written test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a written or driving test unless your suspension was for a medical reason and your doctor's clearance raises questions about your driving ability. In most cases, you straightforward pay the fee and resolve the underlying issue.
What happens if I move out of Idaho after my license is suspended?
You can still request reinstatement by mail or phone. Contact ITD, pay the reinstatement fee, and resolve the underlying issue. Once your license is reinstated, ITD will mail it to the address on file. If you have moved, update your address with ITD before requesting reinstatement so your new license goes to the correct location.
Can I get a temporary license while waiting for reinstatement?
No. Idaho does not issue temporary licenses during suspension or revocation. You must wait for your reinstated license to arrive by mail, which typically takes one week after ITD processes your request.