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 submit the necessary documents. The process differs depending on whether your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, a medical issue, a DUI conviction, or another reason. ITD will tell you exactly what you need to do and how much it will cost when you call or visit in person.
Your license cannot be reinstated until the reason for suspension is resolved. If you were suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay them. If you were suspended for a medical condition, you may need a doctor's clearance. If you were suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete an alcohol education program first. Once the underlying issue is handled, ITD will process your reinstatement and issue a new license.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Idaho Transportation Department directly to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to fix it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee to ITD, which varies depending on the reason for suspension.
- You cannot drive legally until your license is reinstated, even if you believe the suspension was a mistake.
- The reinstatement process typically takes one to two weeks after ITD receives all required documents and fees.
Contact ITD to find out why your license was suspended
Call the Idaho Transportation Department at 208-334-8736 or visit an ITD office in person. Have your driver's license number ready. The person who answers will tell you the exact reason for suspension and what documents or payments you need to provide. Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date, in case you need to follow up later.
If you cannot reach ITD by phone, you can visit a local driver's license office. ITD has offices in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Twin Falls, plus smaller offices in other towns. Bring your ID and be prepared to wait. The staff can print out a suspension notice that explains what you owe and what steps come next.
Pay any reinstatement fees ITD requires
ITD charges a reinstatement fee when you restore your license. The amount depends on why your license was suspended. Fees typically range from $75 to $200, but you must confirm the exact amount with ITD before sending payment. Some suspensions have no reinstatement fee, so do not assume you owe money until ITD tells you.
You can pay by check, money order, or credit card. ITD will tell you where to send payment or whether you can pay in person at an office. Keep a copy of your payment receipt. If you pay by mail, allow extra time for the check to arrive and be processed — usually one to two weeks.
Submit required documents for your specific suspension reason
The documents you need depend on why your license was suspended. If you were suspended for unpaid fines, you may only need to pay the fines and the reinstatement fee. If you were suspended for a medical reason, you will need a signed statement from your doctor saying you are safe to drive. If you were suspended for a DUI, you may need proof that you completed an alcohol education program or a substance abuse assessment.
Ask ITD which documents explore to your situation. Some documents must be original or certified copies, not photocopies. If you are unsure whether a document meets ITD's requirements, bring it to an office and ask staff to review it before you submit it. This prevents delays if the document is rejected.
Handle unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered suspensions
If your license was suspended because of unpaid fines, you must pay the fines to the court that issued them, not to ITD. Call the court listed on your suspension notice and ask how to pay. You can usually pay by phone, mail, or in person. Once the court confirms payment, it will notify ITD automatically, and your suspension will be lifted within a few business days.
If your suspension was ordered by a court for a different reason — such as a DUI conviction or a failure to appear in court — you must resolve that issue with the court first. Contact the court clerk and ask what you need to do. Do not contact ITD until the court issue is resolved, because ITD cannot lift a court-ordered suspension on its own.
Complete alcohol education or medical requirements if needed
If your suspension was related to a DUI or alcohol-related offense, you may need to complete an alcohol education program before ITD will reinstate your license. ITD will tell you which program to attend and how long it takes. Programs typically run four to eight weeks. You must provide ITD with a certificate of completion from the program before reinstatement.
If your suspension was for a medical reason — such as a seizure disorder or a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — you will need a letter from your doctor stating that you are medically fit to drive. The letter must be on the doctor's letterhead and include their license number. Some conditions may require you to pass a driving test or a medical examination before your license is reinstated.
Submit your reinstatement request to ITD
Once you have paid all fees, resolved the underlying issue, and gathered required documents, submit everything to ITD. You can mail your documents and payment to the address ITD provides, or you can deliver them in person to an ITD office. Include a cover letter with your name, driver's license number, and a brief explanation of what you are submitting.
ITD will send you a confirmation letter once your reinstatement is approved. Your new license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask ITD whether you can pick up a temporary driving permit at an office. Some suspensions allow temporary permits; others do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Idaho and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Wait until ITD confirms your reinstatement is complete before you drive. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask ITD whether a temporary permit is available.
What if I disagree with the reason my license was suspended?
Contact ITD when ready and explain your concern. If ITD made an error, they can correct it. If the suspension was ordered by a court, you may need to file a motion with the court to challenge it. Ask ITD whether the suspension is court-ordered or administrative, because the process to dispute it differs.
How long does reinstatement take?
Once ITD receives all required documents and fees, reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks. If you are missing documents or if your payment is incomplete, the process will take longer. Call ITD to confirm that your submission is complete before you expect your new license to arrive.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to reinstate my license?
Not usually. Most reinstatements do not require a new test. However, if your suspension was for a medical reason or if your license has been suspended for more than one year, ITD may require you to pass a written test or driving test. Ask ITD whether a test is required in your case.
What if I lost my license or it was damaged?
If your license is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement at the same time you request reinstatement. Tell ITD about the lost or damaged license when you contact them. The replacement fee is separate from the reinstatement fee, and both will be due before your new license is issued.