Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Idaho driver's license in person at any Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit — you straightforward send documents and a check to the address ITD provides.

Before you go to an office or prepare your mail packet, gather your current driver's license, proof of Idaho residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll also need to pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on how many years you're renewing for.

Your license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before that date, which gives you flexibility in timing. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person using the same process — there's no separate "expired license" procedure.

Key Takeaways

  • Idaho lets you renew by mail if you have no medical conditions, no name changes, and no outstanding tickets or suspensions — otherwise you must go in person.
  • In-person renewal at any ITD office takes about 30 minutes and you get a temporary license when ready; mail renewal takes two to three weeks.
  • You need your current license, proof of Idaho residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number for either method.
  • The renewal fee depends on how many years you're renewing for; ITD's website shows the current fee schedule by license type and term length.
  • You can renew up to one year before your birthday, so timing is flexible unless your license has already expired.

Renewing in person at an ITD office

Walk into any ITD office during business hours with your documents and payment method. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You'll fill out form D4220 (process for Idaho Driver's License) on a tablet or paper at the office — staff will guide you through it. The form asks for your name, address, height, eye color, and whether you want to be an organ donor.

You'll have your photo taken at the office. Wear something you're comfortable being photographed in; the photo will be on your license for the next several years. After the photo, you'll pay the renewal fee by cash, check, or debit card (most offices accept all three, but call ahead if you want to confirm). You'll 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 open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations staying open until 6 p.m. on certain days. There's no appointment system — it's first-come, first-served. Arrive early in the morning or mid-week if you want a shorter wait. You can find your nearest office and its exact hours on the ITD website.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is only available if you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, your name hasn't changed, you have no outstanding tickets or suspensions, and your license hasn't been revoked. If any of those explore to you, you must renew in person. If you're unsure whether you have outstanding tickets or suspensions, call ITD at 208-334-8736 before sending anything by mail.

To renew by mail, print form D4220 from the ITD website or request it by phone. Fill it out completely and sign it. Include your current license (or a photocopy of both sides if you want to keep the original), proof of residency dated within 90 days, and a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to "Idaho Transportation Department." Do not send cash.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — it's the ITD headquarters in Boise. Your new license will arrive two to three weeks after ITD receives your packet. During that time, your old license remains valid. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your old one has expired, you can print a temporary license from the ITD website using your driver's license number and date of birth.

Renewal fees and license term lengths

Idaho offers driver's licenses in one-year, four-year, and eight-year terms. The renewal fee increases with the term length — a one-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact amounts change periodically, so check the ITD website for the current fee schedule before you pay. You can choose which term length you want when you renew, so if you prefer to renew more frequently and pay less at once, you can choose a shorter term.

If you're over 65, you have the option to renew for a one-year term only, regardless of which term you choose. This is a safety measure that allows for more frequent medical reviews. The fee for a one-year renewal at age 65 or older is the same as for any other driver.

What happens after you renew

If you renewed in person, you'll have a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Use this to drive while you wait for your permanent license. Your permanent license arrives by mail and is valid for the full term you chose — one, four, or eight years from your renewal date. Check the expiration date on the back of your new license when it arrives to confirm it matches what you expected.

If you renewed by mail, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it in a safe place — you don't need to return it to ITD. If your new license doesn't arrive within four weeks of mailing your packet, contact ITD to check the status.

Renewing if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through the normal process. If your license is suspended, you must first resolve the reason for the suspension — usually paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or serving a waiting period. Contact ITD or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do.

Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew normally. If you're unsure whether your license is suspended, call ITD at 208-334-8736 and provide your driver's license number. They'll tell you the status and what steps are needed to clear it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Idaho does not offer online renewal. You can renew in person at any ITD office or by mail. Some states offer online renewal, but Idaho's system requires either an in-person visit for a new photo or a mailed packet with your original license and documents.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new Idaho address dated within 90 days — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you're renewing by mail, include a copy. Your new license will show your current address. If you've moved out of state, you cannot renew an Idaho license; you'll need to get a license from your new state.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No. ITD offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no appointment system. Arrive during business hours with your documents and payment. Morning hours and mid-week days typically have shorter waits than afternoons and Fridays.

How long is my temporary license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it at the office. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If it doesn't arrive within four weeks, contact ITD to check on it.

What if my name changed and I need to renew?

You must renew in person. Bring your current license and a document proving your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew by mail if your name has changed since your last license was issued.