What you need to do to renew in Idaho

Idaho lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at an Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, which takes a few days to a couple of weeks. If your license has already expired or you need a new photo, you'll have to go in person.

Your license is valid for eight years if you're under 65, and four years if you're 65 or older. Idaho sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Idaho offers online and mail renewal for licenses that are still valid, but you must renew in person if your license has expired or you need a new photo.
  • Online renewal through the ITD website is the fastest option and takes only a few days, while mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks.
  • You'll need your current driver's license, proof of Idaho residency, and a valid form of identification to renew.
  • The renewal fee in Idaho is $32 for a standard eight-year license, though the cost may differ if you're renewing early or need a duplicate.

Renewing online through the ITD website

The Idaho Transportation Department website allows you to renew online if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo. Go to itd.idaho.gov, find the driver's license renewal section, and create an account or log in if you already have one. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and other identifying information to confirm your identity.

During the online process, you'll answer questions about any changes to your address, medical conditions, or other license restrictions. You'll also confirm whether you want to keep the same photo or get a new one. If you want a new photo, the system will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead. Once you submit the form and pay the $32 renewal fee by debit or credit card, your new license will be mailed to you within a few business days.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the ITD by calling 208-321-8000 or visiting an ITD office. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any changes to your information. Attach a copy of your proof of residency — this can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail the form, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for $32 to the address provided on the form.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the ITD receives your packet. There's no way to track your process by mail, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date. If you don't hear back within four weeks, contact the ITD to confirm they received your materials.

Renewing in person at an ITD office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you want a new photo, or if you're changing your name or address and need to provide original documents. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if it's been less than five years), proof of Idaho residency, and a valid form of identification such as a passport, military ID, or tribal ID. If you're changing your name, bring the original or certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

ITD offices are located in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Pocatello, and Twin Falls. You can walk in during business hours, but many offices now use an online appointment system to manage wait times. Check the ITD website to see if your local office requires an appointment or accepts walk-ins. The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready while your permanent license is mailed to you.

What documents you need to bring

For any renewal method, you'll need your current driver's license. If you're renewing by mail or in person, you'll also need proof of Idaho residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days works. If you're renewing in person, bring a valid form of identification as well, such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or tribal ID.

If you're changing your name, address, or other information on your license, bring documents that support the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order proves a name change. A lease agreement or utility bill proves a new address. The ITD website lists all acceptable documents for each type of change.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The standard renewal fee for an eight-year driver's license in Idaho is $32. If you're 65 or older, your license is valid for four years and costs $16 to renew. You can pay by debit or credit card when renewing online, or by check or money order when renewing by mail. In-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

If you renew early — more than one year before your license expires — you may pay a different fee. The ITD website shows the exact cost based on how early you're renewing. If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, that's a separate transaction with its own fee.

What happens after you renew

If you renewed online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks. Your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, so you can continue to use it while you wait. If you renewed in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks.

Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it in a safe place. Some people keep expired licenses as a record, but you should not carry both licenses at the same time. If your new license doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the ITD to check the status of your order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Idaho license if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online as long as your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo. If you need a new photo or your license has expired, you'll need to visit an ITD office in person or request a temporary extension while you arrange to renew.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

You can update your address during online or mail renewal. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease agreement. The ITD will print your new address on your renewed license.

How long is my license valid after I renew?

Your new license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal if you're under 65, or four years if you're 65 or older. The expiration date will be printed on your new license.

What if I need my license before the mail renewal arrives?

If you're renewing by mail and need your license sooner, you can visit an ITD office in person instead. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll get a temporary paper license right away.

Can I renew online if I want a new photo?

No, online renewal keeps your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an ITD office. The online system will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment if you select the option for a new photo.