Getting a replacement license in Idaho takes about two weeks by mail, or you can walk out the same day if you visit a driver services office in person

A lost driver's license in Idaho is replaced through the Department of Transportation (ITD), not through local police or the DMV — Idaho doesn't have a DMV. You'll need to request a duplicate license, which costs $20. The fastest route is to visit an ITD driver services office in person with your ID and payment; you'll leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you. If you can't get to an office, you can mail in a request, but it takes longer and requires more paperwork.

The choice between in-person and mail depends on how soon you need to drive. If you need a license today or tomorrow, only an in-person visit works. If you can wait three to four weeks and don't need a temporary license, mail is simpler because you don't have to travel to an ITD office.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any ITD driver services office with a valid ID and $20 to get a temporary license the same day and a replacement card by mail within two weeks.
  • If you mail in your request, you'll need a completed form, a copy of your ID, a payment method, and proof of your current address — the whole process takes three to four weeks.
  • Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and counts as proof of identity while you wait for the plastic card.
  • If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to local police first so the report is on file if someone tries to use it.

What you need to bring to an ITD office

Bring one form of valid ID — a passport, military ID, tribal ID, or state ID card all work. You also need $20 in cash or card. That's it for an in-person visit. ITD offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours. You don't need an appointment; you walk in and take a number.

If you don't have any ID at all, the process is harder. You'll need to bring documents that prove your identity and residency — a birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, and lease or mortgage statement. Call your nearest ITD office before you go, because staff will need to verify your identity differently, and some offices handle this better than others.

Getting your license by mail instead

If you can't reach an ITD office, you can request a duplicate by mail. read or print the process for Duplicate Driver License or Identification Card from the ITD website. Fill it out completely, including your driver's license number if you remember it — if you don't, write "unknown" and ITD will look it up.

Mail the form with a copy of your ID (front and back), a check or money order for $20 made out to ITD, and a piece of mail showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. Mail everything to the address on the form. Processing takes three to four weeks from the day ITD receives your envelope, so account for mail time both ways. You won't get a temporary license this way, so you'll be without one until the card arrives.

What happens if your license was stolen

If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, consider filing a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You don't have to, but a report creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. Give the report number to ITD when you request your duplicate — it flags your case internally.

You should also check your credit report through AnnualCreditReport.com (the only free, official source) to watch for identity theft. If you see accounts you didn't open, contact the creditor and the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. A stolen license is a common first step in identity theft, so staying alert for a few months is worth the effort.

Where to find ITD driver services offices

Idaho has driver services offices in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Pocatello, and Twin Falls. You can visit any of them — you don't have to go to the one in your county. The ITD website has the full address, phone number, and hours for each location. If you live far from any office, calling ahead is smart; some locations get busy and you might wait an hour or more.

A few counties also have part-time satellite offices that handle basic transactions like duplicate licenses. These are usually open one or two days a week. Check the ITD website or call your county sheriff's office to see if one is near you.

Your temporary license and what it covers

When you get your duplicate in person, ITD prints a temporary paper license on the spot. It's valid for 30 days and has the same legal weight as a plastic license — police will accept it as ID, you can use it to drive, and it works for age verification. Write down the expiration date so you know when to expect your plastic card or when to follow up if it hasn't arrived.

Your plastic replacement card is mailed to the address on file with ITD. If you've moved recently and haven't updated your address with ITD yet, the card will go to your old address. If that's the case, update your address at an ITD office or by mail before you request the duplicate, or call ITD to ask them to hold the card at an office for you to pick up.

If your replacement card doesn't arrive

Plastic cards usually arrive within two weeks of your visit, but mail can be slow. If three weeks have passed and you haven't received it, call the ITD office where you applied. Have your temporary license number ready. They can check whether the card was mailed and resend it if needed. If it was lost in the mail, ITD will issue another one at no extra charge.

If your temporary license is about to expire and your plastic card hasn't arrived, go back to an ITD office and ask for another temporary. You'll pay another $20, but it buys you another 30 days while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with just the temporary paper license?

Yes. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and counts as proof of identity and your right to drive. Police will accept it, and you can use it anywhere you'd use a plastic license.

What if I find my original license after I get a replacement?

You can keep both or destroy the original — it doesn't matter. The replacement is now your active license. If you want to be cautious, you can call ITD and let them know you found it, but it's not required.

Do I need to renew my license if I'm getting a duplicate?

No. A duplicate has the same expiration date as your original. If your license was expiring soon anyway, you can renew at the same time, but it costs extra and isn't required just because you lost it.

Can someone else pick up my temporary license for me?

No. You have to be present at the ITD office with your ID. This is a security measure to prevent fraud.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still request a duplicate by mail from anywhere. If you're staying in another state for a while, you can have the replacement mailed to an address there. Just make sure the address you provide is one where you'll actually receive mail.