Idaho driver's license renewal costs $32 for an eight-year license

The standard renewal fee for an Idaho driver's license is $32, and that covers an eight-year license. This is the amount you pay whether you renew in person at an Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) office or by mail. If you are under 21, the renewal fee is different — it costs $24 for a four-year license instead.

The $32 fee is the only cost for a standard renewal if you are renewing a regular driver's license and your address, name, and other information have not changed. If you need to add a Real ID designation to your license (the gold star in the corner), there is an additional $10 fee on top of the renewal cost, bringing your total to $42.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Idaho driver's license renewal costs $32, whether you renew by mail or in person.
  • If you are under 21, renewal costs $24 for a four-year license instead of $32 for eight years.
  • Adding Real ID designation to your license costs an extra $10 on top of the renewal fee.
  • You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had violations or address changes, which saves a trip to an ITD office.

When you need to pay extra fees

If you are changing your name or address during renewal, the fee stays $32 — there is no additional charge for those changes. However, if you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or stolen), that is a separate transaction and costs $10.

Real ID is the main add-on cost. Starting in May 2025, a Real ID-compliant license will be required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have the gold star, you can add it during renewal for $10. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current Idaho address — the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal, plus one extra document showing your address.

How to pay when you renew by mail

If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order for $32 (or $42 with Real ID) to the address on the renewal form the ITD mails you. Do not send cash through the mail. Make the check payable to "Idaho Transportation Department."

Mail renewal is available only if your current license is not expired, you have not had any violations or suspensions, and your name and address have not changed. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at an ITD office.

How to pay when you renew in person

When you renew at an ITD office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you are adding Real ID, bring proof of your current address as well — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.

ITD offices are located in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Pocatello, and Twin Falls. You can also renew at some county sheriff's offices in smaller towns. Check the ITD website to find the office nearest you and see their hours before you go.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail — you must go to an ITD office in person. The fee is still $32, but you will also need to pass a vision test and a written test on Idaho traffic laws. This is treated as a new license rather than a renewal, so the process takes longer.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail or in person at a regular renewal cost. The ITD considers this a renewal rather than a new license process.

Timeline and when to renew

Your license expiration date is printed on the front. You can renew up to one year before it expires. If you renew by mail, allow four to six weeks for your new license to arrive, so send your paperwork at least six weeks before your expiration date to be safe.

If you renew in person at an ITD office, you usually receive your new license the same day or within a few days. During busy times (like around holidays), in-person renewals may take longer, so plan ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra if I want a different photo on my new license?

No. You can request a new photo during renewal at no extra cost. If you renew by mail, you cannot change your photo — you must go to an ITD office in person to have a new photo taken.

What if I renew by mail but my check gets lost?

Contact the ITD to report the missing payment. They can tell you whether your renewal was received and processed. If your check was not cashed, you may need to send a new one or renew in person instead.

Can I renew my license online?

Idaho does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at an ITD office or participating county sheriff's office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online if you meet the requirements.

Is the $32 fee the same every year, or does it change?

The fee can change, but it has remained $32 for several years. Check the ITD website before you renew to confirm the current fee, since it may have changed since this article was written.