What you need to do to renew in Idaho
Idaho renews driver's licenses by mail, online, or in person at an Ada County office or a participating county sheriff's office. Which method you can use depends on your license type and how long it has been expired. If your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you can renew by mail or online. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person.
The renewal process itself is straightforward: you submit proof of identity and residency, pay the renewal fee, and receive your new license in the mail or when ready in person. Most people renew before their license expires to avoid the in-person requirement, but Idaho allows you to renew up to six months before expiration.
Key Takeaways
- Idaho lets you renew by mail or online if your license is current or expired less than one year; anything older requires an in-person visit.
- A standard five-year renewal costs $28.50; a four-year renewal for certain drivers costs $22.75.
- You will need a current proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and proof of Idaho residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; online renewal is faster but not all license types may have access to.
- In-person renewal at an Ada County office or sheriff's office is same-day if you bring all required documents.
Renewing by mail in Idaho
Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no appointment or trip to an office. You will need to complete the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form D-1), which you can read from the Idaho Transportation Department website or request by phone at 208-334-8736. Fill it out completely, including your signature.
Gather a current proof of identity and proof of Idaho residency. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or tribal ID. For residency, use a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or property tax notice with your name and current address. Mail your completed form, both documents, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the department receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you need your license sooner, do not use mail renewal.
Renewing online through Idaho's system
Online renewal is faster than mail but only works for certain license types. You can renew online if you hold a standard Class D driver's license (not a commercial license, motorcycle endorsement, or hazmat endorsement), your license is current or expired less than one year, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal.
Visit the Idaho Transportation Department's online renewal portal and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you the renewal fee. Pay by debit or credit card. You will receive a temporary digital license when ready, and your physical license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
If the system tells you that you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
Renewing in person at an Idaho office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago, or if you need to update your address, change your name, or add an endorsement. You can renew at the Ada County Transportation Department office in Boise or at most county sheriff's offices throughout Idaho. No appointment is needed at most locations, though some sheriff's offices may ask you to call ahead.
Bring your current license (or expired license if you still have it), proof of identity, and proof of Idaho residency. If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. If you are adding a motorcycle endorsement or other endorsement, you will need to pass a written test at the office.
Processing is same-day at most offices. You will pay the renewal fee and receive your new license before you leave. The Ada County office is located at 3311 W. State Street, Boise, and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours vary at sheriff's offices, so call ahead to confirm.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $28.50. If you are between ages 65 and 69, you can choose a four-year renewal for $22.75 instead. Drivers age 70 and older must renew every four years and pay $22.75. Payment methods depend on your renewal route: mail renewal accepts checks or money orders; online renewal accepts debit or credit cards; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Your new license will be valid for the full term you choose (four or five years) from the date of renewal, not from the date you receive it. If you renew before your current license expires, the new license's validity period starts on the date you submit your renewal, not on the expiration date of your old license.
What to do if your license is lost or stolen
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit an Ada County office or sheriff's office in person to report the loss and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a regular renewal. A replacement license costs $28.50 for a five-year license and is issued same-day.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and keep a copy of the report. This protects you if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently.
Documents you will need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Completed Form D-1, proof of identity, proof of residency, payment by check or money order | 2–3 weeks | |
| Online | Driver's license number, date of birth, last four digits of Social Security number, payment by debit or credit card | when ready temporary license; physical license in 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Current or expired license, proof of identity, proof of residency, payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card | Same-day |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. Idaho requires proof of current Idaho residency to renew. If you have moved out of state, you will need to update your address with the Idaho Transportation Department before you can renew. Contact them at 208-334-8736 to update your address or to surrender your Idaho license.
What if I changed my name since my last renewal?
You must renew in person and bring legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Mail and online renewal do not allow name changes. Bring your old license, the name-change document, proof of identity, and proof of residency to an Ada County office or sheriff's office.
How long does a temporary online license work?
The temporary digital license you receive when ready after online renewal is valid for driving in Idaho until your physical license arrives by mail. Once your physical license arrives, use that instead. The temporary license is not valid outside Idaho.
What if I miss the renewal important date?
If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person. Driving with an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as possible.
Can I renew someone else's license for them?
For mail renewal, yes — someone else can mail in the completed form and documents on your behalf. For in-person renewal, you must appear yourself. For online renewal, only you can complete the transaction because the system verifies your identity directly.