Where to go for a Nez Perce County driver's license

The Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) issues all driver's licenses in Idaho, including those for Nez Perce County residents. You cannot get a license directly from the county — you must go to an ITD office. The main office serving Nez Perce County is located in Lewiston, at 1954 Airport Road. This is the only full-service ITD driver licensing office in the county.

ITD also operates a smaller office in Moscow, about 30 miles south of Lewiston, which handles some licensing services. Before traveling to either location, check the ITD website or call ahead to confirm current hours and whether your specific transaction is handled at that office. Hours vary by season and staffing.

You can also renew your license by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have no medical restrictions, and you cannot be renewing a commercial license. The ITD website has a mail renewal form you can read and instructions for where to send it.

Key Takeaways

  • The ITD office in Lewiston at 1954 Airport Road is the primary location for all driver's license services in Nez Perce County.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — the ITD website lists which documents satisfy each requirement.
  • First-time licenses and commercial licenses require an in-person visit and a written test; renewals may be done by mail if your license is not expired by more than five years.
  • Bring your current license or ID if you have one, and allow extra time during peak hours, which are typically mid-morning on weekdays.
  • The ITD office does not take walk-ins for certain services; check ahead to see whether you need an appointment or can be served on a first-come basis.

Documents you need to bring

Idaho requires three categories of proof before issuing a driver's license: identity, residency, and Social Security number. You do not need one document from each category — you need documents that together prove all three.

For proof of identity, the ITD accepts a current passport, military ID, tribal ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. A birth certificate alone is not sufficient for identity; it counts only toward residency. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice dated within the last 60 days. A government check stub or bank statement also works. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.

If you are a minor (under 18), your parent or guardian must be present with you. Bring their ID as well. If you are renewing by mail, you do not need to bring originals — photocopies are acceptable, though the ITD recommends sending certified copies of vital documents.

The written test and vision screening

First-time drivers and anyone renewing after a suspension or revocation must pass a written test covering Idaho traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions; 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 Lewiston office.

The ITD also administers a vision screening at the time of your test. You must be able to read a standard eye chart from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the screening. If you fail the vision test, the ITD will note a restriction on your license requiring corrective lenses.

You are allowed to retake the written test if you do not pass on your first attempt. There is typically a waiting period of a few days between attempts, though the exact policy may vary. Ask the staff at the Lewiston office about the current retake procedure when you schedule or arrive.

Fees and payment methods

A standard five-year driver's license costs $32.50 in Idaho. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and requires additional testing. An eight-year license for drivers 65 and older costs $20. Renewal by mail costs the same as in-person renewal.

The Lewiston ITD office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are mailing in a renewal, include a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail. The ITD does not refund fees if you do not pass the written test, so you may need to pay again if you retake it.

Timeline and what to expect on the day

A first-time license appointment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes from check-in to completion. A renewal takes 10 to 20 minutes. Arrival time matters: the Lewiston office is busiest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays. Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon usually means shorter waits.

Bring all your documents in one folder or envelope so you do not lose anything while waiting. The staff will review your documents, you will take the vision screening, then the written test if required. Once you pass, you will have your photo taken. Your temporary license is printed on the spot; your permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

If the office is operating on a first-come, first-served basis that day, arrive early. If appointments are required, you can book online through the ITD website or by calling the Lewiston office directly. The phone number is listed on the ITD website under "Driver Licensing Offices."

Renewing an expired license

If your license has been expired for five years or less, you may renew by mail without retaking the written test or vision screening. read the renewal form from the ITD website, include a photocopy of your current license and proof of residency, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at the Lewiston office and will need to retake the written test and vision screening. The same applies if your license was suspended or revoked — you cannot renew by mail under any circumstances.

A renewed license is valid for five years from the date of renewal (or eight years if you are 65 or older). The ITD sends renewal reminders by mail about 30 days before your license expires, but you are responsible for renewing before the expiration date.

Commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements

A commercial driver's license is required if you drive a vehicle over 26,000 pounds, carry hazardous materials, or transport 16 or more passengers. The CDL process is more involved than a standard license and requires additional testing and medical certification.

You must first obtain a standard Idaho driver's license, then explore for the CDL at the same ITD office. You will need to pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner and provide the results. You will also take a written test specific to commercial driving and a practical driving test in your own vehicle or one provided by a testing service.

The ITD website lists all approved CDL testing locations in Nez Perce County. The Lewiston office can direct you to a testing service or provide information about scheduling your practical exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Idaho does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired by more than five years and has no medical restrictions. Otherwise, you must renew in person at the Lewiston ITD office.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Report the loss to the Lewiston ITD office. You can request a replacement by mail or in person. You will need to pay a replacement fee (typically $10 to $15) in addition to the renewal fee. Bring proof of identity and residency.

Do I need an appointment at the Lewiston office?

The Lewiston office accepts both appointments and walk-ins, but the policy may change. Check the ITD website or call ahead to confirm whether appointments are currently required or recommended. Appointments can be booked online.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test after a waiting period, usually a few days. You will pay the license fee again. Ask the staff at the Lewiston office about the exact waiting period and whether you can schedule your retake when ready.

How long does it take to receive my license in the mail?

Your temporary license is printed at the office on the day you pass your test. Your permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you renew by mail, allow three to four weeks for processing and delivery.