The fastest way to renew in Idaho

You can renew your Idaho driver's license online through the Idaho Transportation Department website, by mail, or in person at an ITD office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $32.50 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.

If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but works the same way: you send in your current license, a completed form, and a check. In-person renewal at an ITD office is when ready if you bring the right documents, but you'll need to schedule an appointment or arrive early to wait.

Your license is valid until the expiration date printed on it. You can renew up to one year before that date, so you don't have to wait until the last moment. Renewing early means you won't be caught without a valid license if mail is delayed.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Idaho Transportation Department website is the fastest option and takes 10 minutes, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the expiration date to start the process.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment, and takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at an ITD office gives you a new license the same day, but you need an appointment or should arrive early to wait.
  • Your license renewal costs $32.50 for four years or $65 for eight years, depending on which term you choose.

Renewing online through the ITD website

Go to itd.idaho.gov and look for the driver's license renewal section. You'll enter your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and show you the renewal fee based on whether you want a four-year or eight-year license.

Pay with a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Once your payment goes through, you're done — the ITD will mail your new license to the address on file. If your address has changed, update it before you pay, because the new license will go to whatever address you confirm during renewal.

You don't need to send in your old license when you renew online. Keep it until your new one arrives, since you'll need a valid ID if you're stopped while driving. Once the new license comes in the mail, you can throw away the old one.

Renewing by mail

Request a renewal form from the Idaho Transportation Department by calling 208-334-8736, or read it from itd.idaho.gov. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Mail everything to the address listed on the form — this is usually the ITD's main office in Boise. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license back, though most people don't bother. The ITD will process your renewal and mail your new license within two to three weeks of receiving your packet.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal, but it works if you don't have internet access or prefer not to pay online. Keep your old license until the new one arrives, since you need a valid ID to drive.

Renewing in person at an ITD office

Visit an ITD driver's license office with your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

You can schedule an appointment online at itd.idaho.gov or walk in during office hours. Appointments are faster, but walk-ins are accepted if you're willing to wait. Processing takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll get your new license on the spot — you can drive with it when ready.

In-person renewal costs the same as online or mail renewal: $32.50 for four years or $65 for eight years. The ITD has offices in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Pocatello, and Twin Falls, plus several smaller locations. Check itd.idaho.gov for the office nearest you and its hours.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you have to explore for a new license instead. This means you'll need to take a written test and an eye exam, and you may need to provide documents like a birth certificate or passport. The process is longer and more expensive than renewal.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. The ITD treats it as a renewal rather than a new process, so you skip the testing and paperwork.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you're renewing online, you can update your address before you pay. The new license will be mailed to your updated address. If you're renewing by mail, write your new address clearly on the form or include a note with your packet.

If you're renewing in person, tell the ITD staff member about your address change, and they'll update it in the system before they print your new license. If your name has changed, bring the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows the change. The ITD will print your new name on your new license.

Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license

A four-year license costs $32.50 and expires in four years. An eight-year license costs $65 and expires in eight years. The eight-year license is cheaper per year — about $8.13 per year versus $8.13 per year for the four-year — but you pay more upfront.

Choose the four-year license if you expect your appearance to change significantly (you're planning major surgery, growing or shaving a beard, or changing your hair color dramatically), or if you want to renew sooner. Choose the eight-year license if you want to go longer between renewals and can afford the higher upfront cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. The ITD will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or a suspended license. You must pay the fine or resolve the suspension first. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the ITD to find out what you owe and how to pay it.

What if I lost my current license and can't send it in?

If you're renewing by mail, include a note explaining that your license was lost or stolen. If you're renewing online or in person, you don't need your old license at all — just your license number. If you don't remember your license number, call the ITD at 208-334-8736 and they can look it up.

How long is my license valid after I renew it?

Your new license is valid for either four or eight years from the date it's issued, depending on which term you chose. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew again up to one year before that date.

Can I renew online if I'm out of state?

Yes. Online renewal works from anywhere as long as you have internet access and a valid payment method. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the ITD, so make sure your address is current before you pay.

What if my vision has changed since my last license?

If you're renewing online or by mail, you don't need a new eye exam — the ITD assumes your vision is still valid. If you renew in person, the ITD will do a quick vision screening. If your vision has changed significantly and you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during your in-person renewal so the ITD can note that on your license.