Where to go for your driver's license in Pocatello
The Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) Driver Services office in Pocatello handles all driver's license transactions — new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. The office is located at 1600 Garrett Way, Pocatello, ID 83201. You can reach them by phone at (208) 334-8736 during business hours to ask about wait times or specific requirements before you go in.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. There is no appointment system, so you walk in and take a number. Wait times vary by day and time of day — early mornings and mid-week tend to be less crowded than late afternoons and Fridays.
Key Takeaways
- The ITD Driver Services office at 1600 Garrett Way in Pocatello is the only place to handle driver's license transactions in the city.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to complete any transaction.
- A new driver's license costs $32.50 and is valid for eight years; a renewal costs $32.50 and extends your license for eight more years.
- If you are renewing by mail or online, you must have a valid license already and meet Idaho's vision and medical requirements.
- Bring your current license or ID card to your appointment, along with any documents showing a name change if applicable.
What documents you need to bring
Idaho requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. For proof of identity, bring your current driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have any of these, a birth certificate or naturalization papers work, though processing takes longer.
For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Pocatello address. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you recently moved and your documents do not yet show your new address, bring a letter from your landlord or a utility company confirming your residency.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though the office can look it up if you know the number. If you have changed your name since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — bring the court order or marriage certificate showing the change.
Getting a new license if you do not have one
If you are getting your first driver's license in Idaho, you must pass a written test on road rules and a driving test. The written test covers traffic signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Idaho Driver's Manual, available free on the ITD website or in print at the Pocatello office.
The driving test takes place at the same office. You drive an examiner's vehicle or your own (if it is insured and passes a safety inspection) on a route through Pocatello. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe decision-making. You must pass both tests to receive your license.
If you are moving to Idaho from another state and already have a valid driver's license, you do not need to take the tests. Bring your current out-of-state license, and the office will issue an Idaho license. You must still provide proof of residency and identity as described above.
Renewing your license in person or by mail
If your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you can renew it at the Pocatello office by bringing the documents listed above. The process takes about 30 minutes from check-in to receiving your new license. You will have your photo taken and pay the $32.50 renewal fee. Your new license is valid for eight years from the date of issue.
Idaho also allows renewal by mail if your license has not been suspended or revoked and you meet the state's vision and medical standards. To renew by mail, contact the ITD Driver Services office at (208) 334-8736 and request a renewal form. You fill it out, include a check or money order for $32.50, and mail it with a copy of your current license. Processing takes two to three weeks, and your new license is mailed to your address on file.
Online renewal is available through the ITD website if you have a valid Idaho license that is not expiring within 30 days. You log in, verify your information, pay the fee by credit or debit card, and your new license is mailed within two weeks. This option is fastest if you do not need your license when ready.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license has been suspended — usually for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points — you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the ITD Driver Services office or the Pocatello Police Department to find out why your license is suspended and what you must do to clear it. This often means paying outstanding fines or completing a court requirement.
A revocation is more serious and usually results from multiple violations or a DUI conviction. You cannot drive legally during a revocation period, which can last months or years depending on the reason. Once the revocation period ends, you must reapply for a license at the ITD office and may need to retake the written and driving tests.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the ITD Driver Services office in Pocatello with your proof of identity and residency. Tell the staff that you need a replacement. They will issue a new license with the same number and expiration date as your old one. The replacement fee is $10.50, which is less than a full renewal.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to the Pocatello Police Department, though this is not required to get a replacement. A police report can help protect you if someone tries to use your stolen license fraudulently.
Changing your address or name on your license
If you move within Pocatello or to another part of Idaho, you must update your address on your driver's license within 30 days. Go to the ITD office with your current license and proof of your new residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). The address change is free and takes about 15 minutes. You do not receive a new license card — the office updates your record in the system.
If you change your name through marriage, divorce, or legal order, bring your current license and the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will issue a new license with your updated name at no additional charge beyond the standard renewal fee if your license is expiring soon, or a $10.50 replacement fee if your license is still valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a new driver's license in Pocatello?
If you are renewing in person at the ITD office, you receive your new license the same day — usually within 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times. If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks. Online renewal takes about two weeks for the license to arrive by mail.
Can I renew my license online if it has already expired?
No, online renewal is only for licenses that are still valid or expiring within 30 days. If your license has been expired for more than 30 days, you must renew in person at the ITD office in Pocatello and may need to retake the vision test.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee for retakes. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. The examiner will tell you which areas to practice before you come back.
Do I need an appointment to get my license in Pocatello?
No, the ITD office operates on a walk-in basis. You arrive, take a number, and wait your turn. Going early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
What if my Social Security card is lost?
You do not need to bring your Social Security card to the ITD office. You can provide your Social Security number from memory, and the office can verify it in their system. If you do not know your number, contact the Social Security Administration before your visit.