How to reinstate your Idaho driver's license
To reinstate your Idaho driver's license after suspension, you must contact the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to find out why it was suspended, pay any required fees, and complete any mandatory requirements — such as taking a test or attending a course. The reinstatement process differs depending on whether your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, DUI-related reasons, medical issues, or administrative violations. ITD will not reinstate your license until all conditions are met.
The first step is calling ITD's Driver Services Bureau at 208-334-8736 or visiting an ITD office in person to learn the specific reason for your suspension and what you must do to restore driving privileges. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set period, but most require you to take action. You cannot drive legally until your license is reinstated, even if you believe the suspension was unfair — that is a separate legal matter handled through the court system.
Key Takeaways
- Contact ITD's Driver Services Bureau by phone or in person to learn why your license was suspended and what steps you must take.
- Reinstatement fees vary by reason for suspension and typically range from $75 to $100, though some suspensions have no fee.
- You may need to pass a written test, vision test, or driving test depending on the type of suspension.
- Some suspensions require completion of a course or program, such as a DUI education class, before ITD will reinstate your license.
- Once all requirements are met and fees are paid, reinstatement usually takes a few business days to process.
Why your license was suspended in Idaho
Idaho suspends driver's licenses for several reasons, and the reinstatement path depends on which one applies to you. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, DUI or DWI convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, failure to maintain car insurance, medical conditions that make driving unsafe, and failure to pay child support or other court-ordered obligations.
Some suspensions are automatic — for example, a DUI conviction triggers a mandatory suspension period set by state law. Others happen because you did not respond to a court notice or did not pay a fine by the important date. A few suspensions are temporary and lift on their own after a certain date, but you still need to contact ITD to confirm your license is active again and to obtain a replacement card if needed.
What you need to do before reinstatement
Before ITD will reinstate your license, you must complete all requirements tied to your suspension. If you were suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed to the court or traffic violations bureau. If you were suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse assessment, attend an education or treatment program, and install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
For suspensions related to medical conditions, you may need to provide a doctor's statement saying you are fit to drive, or you may need to pass a medical examination. If your suspension was for accumulating too many traffic violation points, you may be required to take a defensive driving course. ITD will tell you exactly which requirements explore to your case when you call or visit.
Some requirements must be completed through a third party — for example, a DUI education program or a medical provider — and you will need to provide ITD with proof that you finished. Keep all receipts, certificates, and documentation, because ITD will ask to see them.
Reinstatement fees and how to pay
Idaho charges a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges. The amount depends on the reason for suspension. Most reinstatement fees range from $75 to $100, though some suspensions have no fee at all. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card at any ITD office, or by phone using a credit card.
If you are unable to pay the full fee at once, contact ITD to ask whether a payment plan is available. Some suspensions also require you to pay the original fine or court costs before reinstatement, which is separate from the reinstatement fee itself. Ask ITD for a complete breakdown of all amounts you owe.
How to contact ITD and complete reinstatement
The fastest way to start the reinstatement process is to call ITD's Driver Services Bureau at 208-334-8736. They can tell you when ready why your license was suspended, what you must do, and how much it will cost. You can also visit an ITD office in person — there are locations in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Twin Falls, plus smaller offices in other cities.
When you contact ITD, have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. Ask for a written summary of all requirements and fees so you have a clear checklist. Once you have completed every requirement and paid all fees, ITD will process your reinstatement, which usually takes a few business days. You will receive a new license card in the mail.
If you need a temporary driving permit while waiting for your reinstatement to be processed, ask ITD whether one is available for your situation. Some suspensions allow a temporary permit; others do not.
If you disagree with the suspension
If you believe your license was suspended in error or unfairly, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a separate legal process from reinstatement and does not stop the suspension from being in effect while you pursue it. You must request a hearing within a certain time frame — usually 30 days from the date of suspension — so contact an attorney or your local legal aid office right away if you want to challenge the suspension.
Even if you request a hearing, you still cannot drive legally until the suspension is lifted. Some people choose to complete the reinstatement requirements while their hearing is pending, so they can drive again without waiting for the legal process to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take after I pay the fee?
Once you have met all requirements and paid the reinstatement fee, ITD typically processes your case within a few business days. Your new license card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before the card arrives, ask ITD whether you can get a temporary permit or a paper proof of reinstatement to carry with you.
Can I drive with a suspended license if I am reinstating it?
No. Your license remains suspended until ITD officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait until you receive confirmation from ITD that your reinstatement is complete.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact ITD to ask whether a payment plan is available for your situation. Some offices may work with you on timing. You can also ask whether any of your requirements can be waived or reduced. Until you pay and complete all requirements, your license will remain suspended.
Do I need to retake the written driving test to get reinstated?
It depends on the reason for suspension. Some suspensions require you to pass a written test, vision test, or driving test before reinstatement. Others do not. ITD will tell you whether testing is required when you contact them about your specific suspension.
What happens if I move out of Idaho while my license is suspended?
You must still complete Idaho's reinstatement requirements if you want to restore your Idaho license. If you move to another state, you may be able to obtain a license there, but your Idaho suspension will remain on your record. Contact ITD to understand how an out-of-state move affects your reinstatement timeline.