What you need to do to replace your Idaho driver's license
To replace your Idaho driver's license, you visit an Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a fee, and take a new photo. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll leave with a temporary paper license that day and receive your plastic card in the mail within two to three weeks.
You cannot replace your license by mail or online in Idaho. Every replacement requires an in-person visit to an ITD office, even if you're replacing a lost or stolen card rather than renewing one that has expired.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ITD office in person with proof of identity and proof of your current Idaho address to replace your license.
- The replacement fee is $25 for a standard driver's license and $30 for an enhanced driver's license (as of 2024, though fees can change).
- You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent plastic card arrives by mail in two to three weeks.
- If your license was lost or stolen, you can report it to ITD at the same time you request the replacement.
Documents you need to bring to the ITD office
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Idaho. For identity, ITD accepts a passport, military ID, tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. Both documents must have your name on them.
If your current license is still in your possession (not lost or stolen), bring it with you. If it was lost or stolen, you don't need it, but you may want to bring a police report if you filed one — it's not required, but it can speed up the process.
Finding an ITD office near you and what to expect
Idaho has ITD offices in most towns and cities. You can find the nearest one by visiting the ITD website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 208-334-8736. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip during peak hours.
Walk-ins are accepted at all ITD offices, but you can also make an appointment online through the ITD website. Making an appointment usually means a shorter wait, though some offices still have walk-in queues. Bring all your documents and be ready to answer questions about your address and driving history.
The cost and what type of license to choose
A standard replacement driver's license costs $25. An enhanced driver's license (EDL) costs $30 and allows you to cross the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea without a passport. Most people choose the standard license unless they travel to Canada regularly. Both are valid for eight years from the date of issue.
The fee is paid at the ITD office when you submit your documents. ITD accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you cannot pay the fee at the time of your visit, you cannot complete the replacement that day.
Your temporary license and when your permanent card arrives
After you complete your visit, the ITD office prints a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card. Keep it with you when you drive.
Your permanent plastic license card is mailed to the address you provided at the ITD office. Standard mail delivery takes two to three weeks in most of Idaho, though rural areas may take longer. If you don't receive your card within four weeks, contact the ITD office where you applied and provide your process number (printed on your temporary license).
If your license was lost or stolen
Tell the ITD staff when you arrive that your license was lost or stolen. They will flag your old license number as invalid in the system so it cannot be used fraudulently. You don't need a police report to do this, though having one doesn't hurt.
If you believe your license was stolen as part of identity theft — for example, if someone used it to open accounts or get pulled over in your name — file a report with the Idaho State Police or your local police department. Bring that report to the ITD office. The ITD can note the theft in your file, which may help if questions arise later about activity under your old license number.
What to do if you cannot visit an ITD office in person
Idaho does not offer mail-in or remote replacement for any driver's license situation. If you are out of state or unable to visit an office, you have two options: return to Idaho to visit an ITD office yourself, or authorize someone else to pick up your replacement on your behalf.
If you authorize another person, you must sign a power of attorney form (available from ITD) and provide it along with your documents. The person acting on your behalf must also bring their own ID. This process is less common and may take longer, so calling your local ITD office first to confirm they accept this method is wise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it's expired?
Yes. A replacement and a renewal are different transactions in Idaho, but you can do both at the same time during a single visit. Bring your expired license, your documents, and pay both fees ($25 for replacement, plus the renewal fee). The ITD staff will handle both in one appointment.
What if I don't have proof of residency?
You must have proof of residency to replace your license. If you recently moved and don't have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, bring a letter from your landlord or a mortgage statement, or ask your bank to print a recent statement showing your address. If you have none of these, contact your local ITD office to ask what alternative documents they accept.
Do I need to take a new photo for a replacement?
Yes. Every replacement includes a new photo, even if your old license photo is recent. You cannot use a photo from home; the ITD takes your photo at the office. Wear something you're comfortable with, as you'll be photographed against a plain background.
How long is my temporary paper license good for?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. If your permanent card hasn't arrived by then, contact the ITD office where you applied. In rare cases, they can issue a second temporary license or investigate a delayed card.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring legal proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The ITD will update your name in the system and issue your new license with the correct name. This counts as a replacement, so you pay the replacement fee.