Idaho lets you renew online if your license is not expired more than one year and you have no medical holds or address changes
Idaho's online renewal system is run through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) website. You can renew without visiting an office if your current license meets three conditions: it expired no more than 12 months ago, you have no medical restrictions or holds on your record, and your address on file is still correct. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person.
If your license expired more than a year ago, you have a medical hold, or you need to change your address, you must renew in person at an ITD office or an authorized county sheriff's office. The online system will tell you when ready if you do not meet the requirements.
You will need your current or expired Idaho driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method (debit or credit card). The state does not accept checks or money orders online.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last 12 months, you have no medical holds, and your address has not changed.
- The renewal fee is the same online or in person; Idaho charges based on how many years you renew for (typically $35 to $70 for a four-year or eight-year license).
- Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
- If you do not meet the online requirements, you must visit an ITD office or county sheriff's office in person.
Step-by-step process on the ITD website
Go to the Idaho Transportation Department website and look for the "Renew Your Driver's License" link under the Driver Services section. Click the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
The system will pull up your current record and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online. If you see a message that you cannot renew online, stop there — you will need to visit an office. If you are may be able to access, you will move to the next screen.
Review your personal information: name, date of birth, address, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. If your address has changed, you cannot complete the online renewal; you must go to an office instead.
Enter your debit or credit card information. The state uses a find payment processor and does not store your card details. After payment is approved, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number — you may need it to track your license or if questions come up.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date your payment is processed. You do not need to do anything else; the ITD will handle printing and mailing.
You can use your expired license to drive until your new one arrives, as long as it has not been suspended or revoked. If you need to verify your renewal status before the license arrives, you can call the ITD Driver Services line at 208-321-8000 and provide your confirmation number.
If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the ITD. Occasionally licenses are lost in the mail, and the department can issue a replacement or reprint.
Fees and payment options
Idaho driver's license renewal fees depend on the term you choose. A four-year license costs $35; an eight-year license costs $70. You pay the same amount whether you renew online or in person. The state does not offer partial-year renewals.
Online renewal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The payment is processed when ready, and you will see the charge on your statement within one to two business days. There are no additional fees for paying online.
When you cannot renew online and must visit an office
If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person. The ITD treats licenses expired longer than one year as a new issuance rather than a renewal, which requires a vision test and a new photo.
Medical holds or restrictions also require an in-person visit. These are placed on your record by a doctor, the ITD, or a court, and they must be reviewed by an ITD examiner before you can renew. You may need to bring medical documentation or a letter from your physician clearing you to drive.
If you need to change your address, you cannot do it online. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) to an ITD office or county sheriff's office along with your current license and payment.
Finding an ITD office or county sheriff's office near you
Idaho has ITD Driver Services offices in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Twin Falls. Most county sheriff's offices also handle driver's license renewals. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the ITD website under "Office Locations."
Walk-in service is available at most offices, but wait times vary. Some offices accept appointments, which you can book through the ITD website. Appointment slots often fill up weeks in advance, especially in larger cities, so plan ahead if you need to renew in person.
Bring your current or expired license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, tax return, or W-2), and payment (cash, check, or card). If you are changing your address, bring proof of residency as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or in person until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the ITD to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.
What if I moved out of state but still have an Idaho address on file?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit an ITD office or county sheriff's office in person and provide proof of your new address. If you moved out of state, you may want to get an Idaho ID card instead of renewing your driver's license, depending on your situation.
How long does the online renewal take from start to finish?
The online form itself takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your payment is processed when ready. Your new license is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Total time from submission to receiving your license is usually two to three weeks.
Can I renew my license if it is currently expired?
Yes, as long as it expired no more than 12 months ago and you have no medical holds. If it expired more than a year ago, you must renew in person and take a vision test and new photo.
What if I entered the wrong information during my online renewal?
Contact the ITD when ready with your confirmation number. Depending on what was entered wrong and how far along your renewal is, they may be able to cancel it and let you start over, or they may issue a corrected license. Call 208-321-8000 during business hours.