Where to renew and what you'll need

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. The in-person route is faster and handles most situations; the mail route works only if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your name and address haven't changed since your last renewal.

For an in-person renewal, bring 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 do not need to bring your birth certificate or passport unless you're renewing for the first time after turning 21.

For a mail renewal, send your current license, a completed Form D-4 (available on the ITD website), and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks after ITD receives your packet.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewals at any ITD office take about 30 minutes and are the fastest option for most people.
  • Mail renewal is available only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions or name changes.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of an in-person renewal, or about two weeks after ITD receives a mailed process.
  • The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license is valid; check the ITD website or call your local office for the current amount.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Finding your nearest ITD office and hours

Idaho has ITD offices in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Pocatello, and Twin Falls. You can find the full list of locations, hours, and phone numbers on the ITD website under "Driver Services." Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours one evening per week.

Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer during lunch hours or late afternoon. If you want to avoid a wait, call ahead to ask about current traffic, or visit early in the morning. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online through the ITD website.

What happens during an in-person renewal

When you arrive at the ITD office, you'll check in at the front desk and receive a number. A staff member will review your documents, take a new photo for your license, and confirm your address and any medical restrictions. The whole process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

You will not take a written test or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than five years, or unless the staff member notices a problem with your vision or medical information. If either of those applies, the staff member will tell you what you need to do before you leave.

Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the paper license with you until the plastic one arrives.

Renewing online is not an option in Idaho

Unlike some states, Idaho does not offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew either in person at an ITD office or by mail. If you are outside Idaho and your license is about to expire, you can use the mail-in option if you meet the conditions listed above, or you can renew in person the next time you're in the state.

If you are a member of the military stationed outside Idaho, contact your local ITD office by phone to ask about options specific to your situation.

Renewing a license that has expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it using the same process as a current license—in person or by mail. You will not need to retake any tests.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an ITD office. You may be required to retake the written test and vision screening, depending on how long it has been expired and whether you have any medical restrictions. Call your local ITD office before you go to ask whether you'll need to study the driver's manual or bring any medical documentation.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you've moved, bring proof of your new Idaho address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days). The ITD staff member will update your address during the renewal process at no extra cost.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, bring the document proving the change. You can update your name during renewal without paying an extra fee. If you need to change your name but your license is not expiring soon, you can still visit an ITD office to update it; this is called a name-change correction and may have a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Idaho allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early is useful if you're about to travel or if you want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until closer to the expiration date.

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

Report the lost license to your local ITD office or police department first. Then bring a police report or ITD lost-license report to your renewal appointment. The staff member will issue a replacement license during the renewal process. There may be a small replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

How much does it cost to renew?

The renewal fee depends on how long your new license will be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Check the ITD website or call your local office for the current fee. You can pay by cash, check, or card at an in-person renewal; mail renewals require a check or money order.

What if I have medical restrictions on my license?

If you have medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or hearing aid required), you cannot renew by mail. You must renew in person so the ITD staff can confirm your restrictions are still accurate. Bring any medical documentation your doctor provided when your restrictions were first added.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must be present in person for an in-person renewal. For a mail renewal, you can have someone else mail the packet on your behalf, but you must sign the process form yourself. If you are unable to visit an ITD office due to a disability or medical condition, call your local office to ask about accommodations.