Yes, you can renew your Idaho driver's license online if you meet certain conditions
Idaho allows online renewal through its website, but only if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or changes since your last renewal. You must be renewing a standard driver's license or enhanced driver's license (EDL) — not a commercial license or an ID card. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $32.50 for a four-year renewal or $49 for an eight-year renewal, paid by debit or credit card.
The online system is run by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start. Once you complete the transaction, ITD mails your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is not expired and you have not been convicted of certain traffic violations since your last renewal.
- Online renewal costs $32.50 for four years or $49 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes on the ITD website.
- You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to begin.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit an ITD office or an authorized county sheriff's office in person.
Who can and cannot renew online
You are may be able to access for online renewal if your current license is still valid (not expired) and you have not been convicted of certain violations since your last renewal. Those violations include driving under the influence, reckless driving, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and certain other criminal traffic offenses. If you have had any of these convictions, you must renew in person at an ITD office or authorized sheriff's office.
You also cannot renew online if your name, address, or other personal information has changed since your last license was issued. In that case, you will need to visit an office in person and bring documents that prove the change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or utility bill showing your new address. If you are renewing an enhanced driver's license (EDL), the same rules explore, but you will also need to bring proof of citizenship or legal residency if you are renewing in person.
If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online system. You must renew in person and may be required to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired.
The step-by-step online renewal process
Go to the ITD website and select the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your personal information and address. If any information is incorrect, you will be directed to renew in person instead.
Next, you will answer questions about your health and driving history. These questions ask whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely, whether you have been convicted of any disqualifying traffic violations since your last renewal, and whether your name or address has changed. Answer honestly — the system cross-checks your answers against ITD records and court records.
Once you have answered the questions, you will review a summary of your renewal and pay the fee. IDT accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Print or save this number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.
What happens after you submit your renewal online
ITD processes your renewal and mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives, even though it may be expired by that point. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your old one has expired, you should carry your confirmation number as proof that you have renewed.
If ITD finds a problem with your renewal — such as a mismatch in your information or a disqualifying violation you did not disclose — they will contact you by mail or phone. In that case, you will need to visit an office in person to complete your renewal. This can add several weeks to the process, so it is important to answer all questions accurately on the first attempt.
When you must renew in person instead
If your license has expired, you cannot renew online and must visit an ITD office or an authorized county sheriff's office. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If your name has changed since your last license, also bring a document that proves the change.
In-person renewal at an ITD office typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will be asked to take a new photo, and you may be asked to retake the vision test. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period (rules vary), you may also have to retake the written test. The cost is the same as online renewal: $32.50 for four years or $49 for eight years.
To find an ITD office or authorized sheriff's office near you, visit the ITD website and use the office locator tool. Many sheriff's offices offer renewal services during limited hours, so call ahead to confirm hours and whether they are accepting walk-ins.
Cost and payment options for online renewal
Online renewal costs $32.50 for a four-year license or $49 for an eight-year license. These are the standard fees set by Idaho state law. ITD accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. There are no additional processing fees for paying online.
If you renew in person at an ITD office, the cost is the same. If you renew at a county sheriff's office, some offices may charge a small additional fee for the service — typically $5 to $10 — but this varies by county. Check with your local sheriff's office before you visit.
How to check the status of your renewed license
After you submit your online renewal, ITD will send you a confirmation number. You can use this number to check the status of your renewal on the ITD website. Go to the status page, enter your confirmation number, and the system will tell you whether your renewal is being processed, has been mailed, or has been delivered.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact ITD by phone or visit the website to report the delay. ITD can remail your license or investigate whether it was lost in transit. Keep your confirmation number and any correspondence from ITD in case you need to follow up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No, you cannot renew online if your license is expired. You must visit an ITD office or authorized sheriff's office in person. Depending on how long your license has been expired, you may need to retake the written test and vision test in addition to paying the renewal fee.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit an office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. ITD will update your address and issue your new license with the correct information.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No, commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online in Idaho. You must renew in person at an ITD office and bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You will also need to pass a medical examination.
What if I have a disqualifying traffic conviction?
If you have been convicted of driving under the influence, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license since your last renewal, you cannot renew online. You must visit an ITD office in person. Bring your current license and any documents related to your conviction, as ITD may need to review them.
Can I renew my license early online?
Yes, you can renew online up to six months before your license expires. This can be useful if you are planning to travel or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date four or eight years from the date you renew.