What an Idaho driver's license record contains and how to request it
Your Idaho driver's license record is a document held by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) that shows your driving history, license status, and any violations or suspensions. It includes traffic citations, accidents you reported, license suspensions or revocations, and points on your record. You can request your own record in person, by mail, or online through ITD's website.
The record ITD keeps is different from what appears on a background check — a background check company may pull data from court records, insurance databases, or other sources that ITD does not maintain. If you need the official version for a job, insurance company, or court, you want the record directly from ITD, not a third-party service.
Key Takeaways
- Idaho driver's license records are maintained by the Idaho Transportation Department and show your driving history, violations, and license status.
- You can request your record online at itd.idaho.gov, by mail to ITD's Records Bureau, or in person at any ITD office.
- The online request is the fastest method and typically returns your record within one to two business days.
- You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid form of identification to prove you are requesting your own record.
- There is a fee for the record, which varies depending on whether you request it online, by mail, or in person.
Requesting your record online through ITD
The fastest way to get your Idaho driver's license record is through the ITD website. Go to itd.idaho.gov and look for the "Driver Records" or "Abstract of Driving Record" section. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. ITD will then ask you to verify your identity using a method they specify — this may be a security question or a code sent to your email or phone.
Once you complete the identity verification, you can pay the fee online using a credit or debit card. ITD will email your record to you, usually within one to two business days. Print the email and the attached record — most employers and insurance companies will accept the emailed version, but some may ask for an official copy with ITD's seal.
Requesting your record by mail
If you prefer to request your record by mail, send a letter to the Idaho Transportation Department, Records Bureau, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, current address, and a copy of a valid ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Write a clear statement that you are requesting an abstract of your driving record.
Include a check or money order for the fee payable to "Idaho Transportation Department." Mail processing typically takes one to two weeks, depending on ITD's current workload. If you need the record faster, the online method is more reliable. If you are mailing from outside Idaho, allow extra time for postal delivery.
Requesting your record in person at an ITD office
You can walk into any ITD Driver Services office and request your record on the spot. Bring your valid driver's license or state ID and be prepared to pay the fee in cash, check, or card. ITD will print your record while you wait, usually within 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
Find the nearest ITD office location on itd.idaho.gov. Call ahead if you want to confirm hours or check wait times. In-person requests are useful if you need the record the same day or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.
Understanding what appears on your record
Your Idaho driving record shows your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), all traffic citations from the past three to five years, any accidents you reported to police or your insurance company, points assessed against your license, and any license suspensions or revocations. The exact timeframe for how long violations stay on your record depends on the type of violation — minor infractions may fall off after three years, while serious violations like DUIs stay longer.
Points accumulate based on the severity of violations. Accumulating too many points in a short period can trigger an automatic suspension. If you have questions about specific entries on your record, ITD's Records Bureau can explain what each violation means and how long it will remain visible.
Correcting errors on your record
If you believe your record contains an error — such as a violation you did not commit, a duplicate entry, or incorrect dates — contact ITD's Records Bureau directly. You can call them or visit an ITD office with documentation showing the error. For example, if a citation was dismissed in court, bring a copy of the court dismissal order.
ITD will investigate the error and correct it if they find it is wrong. This process can take several weeks. If you need a corrected record for a job or insurance company, explain the situation to them and ask if they will wait for the correction or accept a letter from ITD explaining the dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Idaho driver's license record cost?
The fee varies by request method. Online requests are typically the least expensive, while in-person and mail requests may cost slightly more. Check itd.idaho.gov for current pricing, as fees can change. Most records cost between $5 and $15.
Can someone else request my record for me?
No, ITD only releases your record to you or to someone with a valid power of attorney. If an employer or insurance company needs your record, you must request it yourself and provide it to them, or authorize them in writing to request it directly from ITD.
How long does a violation stay on my Idaho driving record?
Minor violations typically remain visible for three to five years. More serious violations like DUIs, reckless driving, or at-fault accidents may stay on your record for seven to ten years or longer. ITD can tell you the exact timeframe for any specific violation on your record.
What if my license is suspended or revoked?
Your record will show the suspension or revocation status. If you believe the suspension is an error or if you have completed the requirements to reinstate your license, contact ITD directly. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee or complete a driver improvement course before you can drive again.
Do I need an official record with ITD's seal, or will an email copy work?
Most employers and insurance companies accept an emailed record from ITD. Some government agencies or courts may require an official copy with ITD's seal. Ask whoever is requesting the record what format they need before you request it.