Where to go for your Boise driver's license

In Boise, you get your driver's license at the Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) Driver Services office. The main office is located at 3311 W State Street in Boise. This is where you'll take your written test, vision test, and photo for a new license, or renew an existing one.

ITD also operates a smaller office at 2470 E Parkcenter Boulevard, but the W State Street location handles most services. You can check current hours and wait times on the ITD website before you go — wait times vary significantly by day and time of day, and some services require an appointment.

You cannot get a Boise driver's license online or by mail for a first-time license. Renewals can sometimes be done by mail or online if you meet certain conditions, which we cover below.

Key Takeaways

  • First-time licenses require an in-person visit to the ITD Driver Services office on W State Street in Boise, where you will take a written test, vision test, and photo.
  • You need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number before you go.
  • License renewals can sometimes be done by mail or online if your license is not expired more than five years and you have no medical restrictions.
  • The fee for a new license is different from the fee for a renewal, and both vary depending on how long you want the license to last.
  • Wait times at the Boise office change throughout the day and week, so checking the ITD website for current wait times before you visit saves time.

Documents you need to bring

Bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. For proof of identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or military ID. A school ID or work ID does not count as proof of identity by itself.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Boise address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Do not bring a PO box address — ITD requires a street address.

If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and a letter from the IRS showing it. Bring the originals of these documents, not copies, though ITD will return them to you after they verify them.

Taking the written and vision tests

When you arrive at the ITD office, you will take a written test on Idaho traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study using the official Idaho Driver's Manual, which is free on the ITD website and also available in print at the office.

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test. The test checks whether you can see 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision report back to ITD before you can get your license.

You will also have your photo taken at the office. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo will be on your license for several years. Avoid hats, sunglasses, and heavy makeup that obscures your face.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your current license is not expired more than five years ago, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting the office in person. You cannot renew by mail or online if you have medical restrictions on your license, if your address has changed, or if you need to update your name.

To renew online, go to the ITD website and follow the online renewal process. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the ITD website, fill it out, and mail it with your current license and the renewal fee to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time ITD receives it. Both online and mail renewal are only for people whose licenses are still valid or expired less than five years — if your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit the office in person and take the tests again.

License fees and how long your license lasts

A new driver's license costs between $30 and $50, depending on whether you choose a four-year or eight-year license. The eight-year license costs more upfront but is cheaper per year. A renewal costs between $20 and $40, also depending on the length you choose.

Boise driver's licenses are also available as REAL ID compliant licenses, which meet federal requirements for flying domestically and entering federal buildings. A REAL ID license costs slightly more than a standard license but uses the same process process — you just check a box on the form. If you do not want REAL ID, you can get a standard license instead.

What happens after you pass

After you pass both tests and have your photo taken, ITD will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office and how busy they are. Ask at the counter whether your license will be issued when ready or mailed. If it is mailed, you will receive it at the address you provided on your process.

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is what you show to police. Keep it in a safe place.

If you do not receive your license within two weeks of your visit, contact the ITD office where you applied. Licenses are occasionally lost in the mail, and ITD can issue a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Boise driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. Bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, along with a letter from the IRS showing your ITIN. The process is otherwise the same. Bring the original letter, not a copy.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts in Idaho. Each attempt may have a small fee, so ask at the counter. Most people pass on the second or third try after studying the Idaho Driver's Manual.

Do I need an appointment to visit the ITD office in Boise?

Appointments are not required, but the ITD website shows current wait times and you can reserve a time slot online to reduce your wait. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?

No. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit the ITD office in person, take the written and vision tests again, and get a new photo. You cannot renew by mail or online in this situation.

How long does it take to get a Boise driver's license after I explore?

If your license is issued at the office, you receive it when ready or within a few days by mail. If it is mailed, expect it within two weeks. Your temporary license is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.