What you need to do to renew your Idaho driver license

Idaho lets you renew your driver 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 to update your address or other information. Most people can complete a renewal without visiting an office, but some situations require you to appear in person.

Your Idaho driver license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. The state does not charge a late fee if you renew after expiration, but driving on an expired license is illegal — so renew before the date on your card runs out.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew by mail, online through the ITD website, or in person at any ITD office, and the method depends on whether your license is still valid and whether you need to change your address.
  • Mail and online renewals cost less than in-person renewals and take one to two weeks, but you cannot use them if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need to update your photo.
  • In-person renewal at an ITD office takes about 30 minutes and costs more, but it is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you want a new photo.
  • You will need your current license, proof of Idaho residency such as a utility bill or lease, and payment by check, money order, or debit card — ITD offices do not accept cash.
  • If you renew online, you receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready and your physical card arrives in the mail within one to two weeks.

Renewing online through the ITD website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address or photo. Go to itd.idaho.gov, find the driver license renewal section, and log in or create an account. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is $20 for a five-year renewal.

After you complete the online form and pay, you receive a temporary digital license on your phone that you can use when ready while you wait for your physical card. Your new license arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. If you need to change your address during renewal, you can do that online at the same time.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), or if you want to update your photo. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal costs $20 and takes one to two weeks. You do not need to visit an office, but you must send your current license along with your payment and a completed form. read the renewal form from itd.idaho.gov or call the ITD at 208-334-8736 to request one by mail.

Mail your completed form, current license, and payment (check or money order only) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Your new license will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks of ITD receiving your package. Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago.

Renewing in person at an ITD office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you are renewing a CDL, or if you want to update your photo. It also takes longer and costs more — the fee is $25 for a five-year renewal. However, you receive your new license on the spot or within a few days, not weeks.

Bring your current license, proof of Idaho residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and payment by check, money order, or debit card. ITD offices do not accept cash. The process takes about 30 minutes. You can find the ITD office nearest you and check its hours on the ITD website.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, bring a letter from your doctor.

What happens if your license is expired

You can still renew an expired license, but the method depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired less than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an ITD office.

Driving on an expired license is illegal, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer proof that you have submitted a renewal process — such as a receipt from an online renewal or a mailed package tracking number — but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew before your license expires to avoid this situation.

Updating your address during renewal

You can change your address when you renew online or by mail without any extra steps — just enter your new address on the form. If you renew in person, tell the ITD staff member your new address and they will update it on your new license.

If you move and do not want to wait until your license expires to update your address, you can change it separately at any ITD office without renewing your license. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. There is no fee for an address change alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. You must go to an ITD office in person. Bring proof of your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of Idaho residency. The staff will look up your license number and help you renew. There is no extra fee for a lost license renewal.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take one to two weeks for your physical card to arrive. In-person renewal is faster — you receive your license on the spot or within a few days. If you renew online, you get a temporary digital license on your phone right away that you can use while you wait for the physical card.

Can I renew my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Idaho issues driver licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens. You will need proof of your identity and legal presence in the United States, such as a valid passport, visa, or work permit. Bring these documents to an ITD office to renew in person.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can renew by mail or online if you provide this document, or in person at an ITD office. If you renew by mail, include a copy of the name change document with your process.