How to Renew Your Idaho Driver's License

Renew in person at an ITD office or by mail, depending on your license type and how long it has been expired

Idaho offers two main paths to renew: mail renewal for standard licenses that are not yet expired or expired less than five years, and in-person renewal at an Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) office for all other situations. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how long ago it expired, and whether you need to update your address or photograph.

If your license is current or expired within the last five years, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. You also must renew in person if you need a new photograph, want to change your address, or are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Key Takeaways

Mail renewal works only if your license is not yet expired or expired less than five years ago, and you do not need a new photograph or address change.
In-person renewal at an ITD office is required if your license has been expired five years or longer, or if you need a new photo or address update.
The mail renewal form is the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form D-4), which you send with your current license and the renewal fee to the ITD mailing address.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at most ITD offices, and you will receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks.
You will need proof of identity and proof of Idaho residency for in-person renewal; mail renewal requires only your current license and the fee.

Mail renewal: what you need and how to send it

To renew by mail, obtain the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form D-4) from the ITD website or by calling the ITD Customer Service line at 208-334-8736. Fill out the form completely, including your current signature. You must include your current driver's license with the form.

Write a check or money order for the renewal fee—currently $75 for a four-year license or $105 for an eight-year license—made payable to the Idaho Transportation Department. Mail the form, your license, and the fee to: Idaho Transportation Department, Driver Services, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707.

The ITD processes mail renewals in the order received. You should expect to receive your new license by mail within three to four weeks of submission. Do not mail your original license if you need it for identification before the new one arrives; instead, visit an ITD office in person.

In-person renewal at an ITD office

Visit any ITD Driver Services office with your current driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of Idaho residency. Proof of identity can be your current license, passport, military ID, or tribal ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, property tax statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. The office will take a new photograph and update your address if needed. The renewal fee is the same as mail renewal: $75 for four years or $105 for eight years. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices.

Processing takes about 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. ITD offices are located in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Pocatello, and Twin Falls. Hours and exact addresses are on the ITD website.

When you must renew in person instead of by mail

You cannot use mail renewal if your license has been expired for five years or longer. You also cannot renew by mail if you need a new photograph—this includes any renewal where your current license photo is more than eight years old, or if you straightforward want a new photo taken.

Address changes must be done in person. If you have moved since your last license was issued and want to update your address on the new license, you must visit an ITD office. Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals also require in-person service and additional documentation related to your commercial driving status.

What happens if your license is expired more than five years

An expired license that has been invalid for more than five years cannot be renewed through the mail process. You must explore in person at an ITD office. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

The fee remains the same ($75 for four years or $105 for eight years), and you will receive a temporary paper license and a permanent license by mail within two to three weeks. There is no additional penalty fee or retest requirement for renewing a license that has been expired longer than five years, as long as you are not renewing a CDL.

ITD office locations and how to find hours

The ITD operates six Driver Services offices across Idaho: Boise (headquarters), Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Pocatello, and Twin Falls. Each office handles renewals, address changes, and photograph updates. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis during posted hours.

Check the ITD website at itd.idaho.gov or call 208-334-8736 to confirm current hours before you visit, as hours vary by location and may change seasonally. The Boise office typically has the longest hours and highest volume, so visiting a smaller regional office may mean a shorter wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Idaho does not offer online renewal. You must renew either by mail (if your license is not expired or expired less than five years) or in person at an ITD office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online renewal in terms of convenience.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot use mail renewal if you do not have your current license to send in. You must visit an ITD office in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

How long is a renewed Idaho driver's license valid?

You choose either a four-year license ($75) or an eight-year license ($105) when you renew. Both are valid for their full term from the issue date. Commercial driver's licenses have different validity periods and renewal rules.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your current license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Mail renewal and in-person renewal both accept early renewals.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at an ITD office to update your address. Mail renewal does not allow address changes. Bring proof of your new Idaho residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) along with your proof of identity.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.