Idaho's new license plate design and what it means for you

Idaho introduced a redesigned license plate in 2024 with a new color scheme and layout. The plate features a white background with blue text and a blue stripe on the left side bearing the state seal, replacing the previous design that had been in use since 2001. If you renew your vehicle registration, you will receive the new plate design automatically — you do not have to request it separately.

The transition is gradual. Drivers are not required to replace working plates when ready. When your registration expires and you renew it, the Idaho Department of Transportation will issue the new plate as part of that renewal. Plates that are damaged, unreadable, or lost still need to be replaced on demand, and those replacements will also be the new design.

Key Takeaways

  • New Idaho plates roll out automatically when you renew your vehicle registration — no separate request needed.
  • You keep your current plate until your registration expires; there is no important date to switch.
  • Replacement plates for lost, stolen, or damaged plates are issued in the new design when ready.
  • The new plate design includes a blue state seal stripe on the left and white background with blue lettering.
  • Personalized and specialty plates (such as veteran or conservation plates) are also available in the new design.

When you will receive your new plate

Your registration renewal date determines when you get the new plate. The Idaho Department of Transportation mails renewal notices about 30 days before your registration expires. When you renew — either online, by mail, or in person at a county office — you will receive the new plate design as part of that process.

If you renew online through the Idaho Department of Transportation website, the new plate will be mailed to your address on file. Processing typically takes one to two weeks after your payment is received. If you renew in person at a county clerk's office, you can sometimes receive temporary plates when ready and the permanent plate by mail within the same timeframe.

Drivers who renew early do not receive the new plate early. The new design is issued only at the time of renewal, regardless of when you complete the transaction.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged plate

If your current plate is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you can request a replacement at any county clerk's office or through the Idaho Department of Transportation. Replacement plates are issued in the new design, even if your registration is not due for renewal. The fee for a replacement plate varies by county but typically ranges from $10 to $15.

To request a replacement, bring your vehicle registration and proof of ownership (such as your title or insurance card) to your county clerk's office. You can also mail a request with a check and a copy of your registration to your county office. Replacement plates are usually ready for pickup within a few business days or will be mailed to you.

Personalized and specialty plates in the new design

Idaho offers personalized plates (custom letter and number combinations) and specialty plates for veterans, conservation supporters, and other groups. All of these are now available in the new design. If you currently have a personalized or specialty plate and want to keep your custom combination, you can transfer it to a new plate when you renew your registration.

The process for transferring a personalized plate is the same as a standard renewal — the new plate with your custom combination will be issued in the new design. Specialty plates that recognize military service, wildlife conservation, or other causes follow the same renewal process and are also produced in the new design.

How to renew your registration and receive the new plate

You have three ways to renew your vehicle registration in Idaho: online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal through the Idaho Department of Transportation website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current registration card and a valid payment method (credit or debit card).

By mail, you can send your renewal notice with a check to your county clerk's office. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — because of processing time. In person, you can visit your county clerk's office with your registration card and payment. In-person renewal is when ready, though the physical plate arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Regardless of which method you choose, the new plate will be mailed to your address on file unless you pick it up in person at the county office on the day of renewal.

What happens to your old plate

Once you receive your new plate, your old plate is no longer valid for use on the road. You should remove it from your vehicle and can dispose of it or keep it as a keepsake. Some drivers frame old plates; others recycle them. There is no requirement to return old plates to the state.

If you sell your vehicle, the new owner will need to register it in their name and will receive their own plate — either the new design if they are a new registrant, or the new design when their registration renews. License plates are not transferred between owners in Idaho.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra to get the new plate design?

No. The new plate is issued at no additional cost when you renew your registration. You pay only your standard registration renewal fee. If you need a replacement plate outside of renewal, the replacement fee applies, but that fee existed before the new design was introduced.

Can I keep my old plate if I do not want the new design?

No. When your registration renews, you will receive the new plate design. Idaho does not offer an option to keep the old design. However, you are not required to renew until your registration expires, so you can continue using your current plate until that date.

What if my registration expires before I receive the new plate in the mail?

Contact your county clerk's office if your plate has not arrived within two weeks of renewal. They can issue a temporary plate or expedite the mailing. Driving with an expired registration is illegal, so do not delay — call your county office as soon as you notice the delay.

Are motorcycle and trailer plates also changing to the new design?

Yes. All vehicle registration plates in Idaho, including those for motorcycles, trailers, and commercial vehicles, are transitioning to the new design. The same renewal process applies — you receive the new design when your registration renews.

Can I order the new plate before my registration expires?

No. New plates are issued only at the time of registration renewal or when replacing a damaged, lost, or stolen plate. You cannot order the new design in advance of your renewal date.