What you need to do to renew in Idaho
Idaho lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at your local DMV office. Which method works for you depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people can handle the whole process without leaving home, but some situations require a visit to the office.
Your Idaho driver's license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and four years if you are 65 or older. You can start the renewal process up to one year before your license expires, which gives you plenty of time to avoid the rush near the expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Idaho offers online renewal through its website if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not changed your address in the past four years.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment to the Idaho DMV.
- In-person renewal at an Idaho DMV office is necessary if you need a new photo, have changed your address recently, or want to update your name or other information.
- The renewal fee is $32 for a standard eight-year license, or $16 for a four-year license if you are 65 or older.
- You will need to bring proof of identity and residency if you renew in person, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
Renewing online through the Idaho DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You go to the Idaho DMV website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal form. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card, and your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
You can only use online renewal if your current license is valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked), you have not changed your address within the past four years, and you do not need to update your photo. If any of these do not explore to you, you will need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You will need to complete the renewal form (available on the Idaho DMV website or at any DMV office), include your current license, and send everything to the address listed on the form along with your payment. The Idaho DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, and your new license typically arrives within two to three weeks of them receiving your packet.
Write a check or money order for the renewal fee and make it payable to the Idaho State Police. Do not send cash. Keep a copy of everything you send in case there are questions, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
You need to visit a DMV office in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your address in the past four years, or if you want to update your name or other personal information. Bring your current license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days).
Idaho DMV offices are located in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Idaho DMV website. Some offices take walk-ins, but many now use an appointment system. Check ahead to see whether you need to book a time slot or whether you can just show up. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it—you have to explore for a new license instead. This means you will need to visit a DMV office in person, pass a written test, and take a new photo. The process is more involved than a straightforward renewal and takes longer.
If your license expired within the past year, you can still renew by mail or in person using the standard renewal process. Online renewal is not available for expired licenses, so you will need to choose mail or in-person.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a standard eight-year license is $32. If you are 65 or older, you can get a four-year license for $16. These are the only fees charged for renewal; there are no additional processing or handling charges.
For online renewal, you pay by debit or credit card during the process process. For mail renewal, send a check or money order. For in-person renewal, most offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card, but call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.
How long the process takes
Online renewal is the fastest: you finish the process when ready, and your license arrives within two to three weeks. Mail renewal also takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet, plus whatever time it takes for your envelope to arrive. In-person renewal is done on the spot—you walk out with a temporary paper license and your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
If you are close to your expiration date, online or in-person renewal gives you a temporary license you can use right away. Mail renewal does not, so if your license expires soon, plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?
An unpaid traffic ticket or fine does not automatically block renewal, but if there is a hold on your license, you cannot renew until it is cleared. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out whether a hold exists and how to resolve it.
What if I changed my name since my last license?
You cannot update your name through online or mail renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Not necessarily. If you renew online or by mail, your current photo stays on your license. If you want a new photo or if your current one is more than eight years old, you can request one during in-person renewal, though it is not required.
What if my address changed recently?
If you changed your address within the past four years, you must renew in person or by mail—online renewal is not available. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your own license. For mail renewal, you sign the form and send it yourself. For in-person renewal, you must appear at the office. Online renewal requires you to log in with your own credentials.