How to Renew Your Idaho Driver's License

Renew Your Idaho License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Idaho lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at itd.idaho.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at any Idaho Transportation Department office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes and your new license arrives in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at an ITD office is when ready if you need your license the same day.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and whether your address or name has changed. If your current license is expired by more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to an office. If you are over 65, Idaho requires you to renew in person every four years.

Key Takeaways

Idaho driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew online at itd.idaho.gov if your license is not expired by more than five years.
Online renewal costs $30 and keeps your current photo; mail renewal costs $30 and takes 2 to 3 weeks; in-person renewal at an ITD office costs $30 and is when ready.
If you are over 65, you must renew in person every four years, and if your address or name changed, you will need to bring documents to prove the change.
You will need your current Idaho license number, a valid email address, and a payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.

Renew Online Through the Idaho Transportation Department Website

Go to itd.idaho.gov and look for the "Driver License" section. Select "Renew Your License" and choose the online renewal option. You will need your current Idaho driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information.

Review your name, address, and other details on screen. If everything is correct, you can proceed to payment. If your address changed, you must update it during this step — the system will ask you to confirm. Pay the $30 renewal fee with a debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation email when ready, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal keeps your current photo on file. If you want a new photo, you cannot renew online — you must go to an ITD office in person.

Renew by Mail If Your License Is Current

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change. You will need to request a renewal form from the Idaho Transportation Department. Call the ITD Driver Services Bureau at 208-334-8736 to request the form, or visit an ITD office to pick one up in person.

Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and your signature. Include a check or money order for $30 made payable to "Idaho Transportation Department." Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form — this is typically the ITD office in Boise. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date ITD receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license.

If your address changed since your license was issued, you cannot use mail renewal. You must go to an ITD office in person to update your address and renew at the same time.

Renew In Person at an Idaho Transportation Department Office

Visit any ITD office with your current driver's license and payment. Bring a document that proves your current address if it has changed since your license was issued — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. If your name changed, bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Tell the clerk you want to renew your license. They will take a new photo unless you request to keep your current one. Pay the $30 renewal fee with cash, check, or card. Your new license is printed on the spot and you leave with it the same day. This is the only method that gives you an when ready license.

ITD offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in most locations. Some offices have reduced hours or are closed on certain days, so check the ITD website for your local office's schedule before you go. Bring your Social Security number or a document with it on it — the clerk will need to verify it.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than Five Years Ago

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must go to an ITD office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or a document with it on it. The clerk will take a new photo and issue a new license on the spot.

If you cannot find your expired license, bring a document that shows your name and date of birth — a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. The ITD office can look up your record and issue a replacement. The fee is still $30.

License Validity and Renewal Timing in Idaho

Idaho driver's licenses are valid for four years if you are under 65, and for four years if you are 65 or older (though those over 65 must renew in person). You can renew your license up to 30 days before it expires. If you wait until after it expires, you can still renew using any of the three methods, but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives or is issued.

Your renewal notice will not arrive in the mail — Idaho does not send reminders. Mark your license expiration date on a calendar or set a phone reminder so you do not forget. If your license expires while you are out of state, you can still renew online or by mail from anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Idaho license if I moved out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you moved to another state and want to keep your Idaho license, online renewal is the fastest option. If you moved and want a license from your new state instead, you will need to contact that state's motor vehicle department.

What if my name changed since I got my license?

You must renew in person at an ITD office. Bring your current license, the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. The clerk will issue a new license with your updated name on the spot.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Not if you renew online — your current photo stays on file. If you renew by mail, your photo does not change. If you renew in person, the clerk will take a new photo unless you ask to keep your current one.

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

Your new license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, go to an ITD office in person — you will get it the same day.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

Go to an ITD office in person. Tell the clerk you need a replacement license. Bring proof of your identity and current address. The fee is $30 and you get your new license the same day.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.