Get a replacement Idaho driver's license by visiting your local DMV office with proof of identity and residency
You can replace a lost Idaho driver's license in person at any Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles office. You'll need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of your current address, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Idaho does not offer online or mail-in replacement for lost licenses. You must visit a DMV office in person. If you live far from an office or have mobility issues, you can ask about mobile DMV services in your area, though availability varies by county.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a valid ID (passport, military ID, or birth certificate with a photo ID), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number to the DMV office.
- The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Your new plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive legally with the temporary paper license until it arrives.
- Find your nearest DMV office on the Idaho Transportation Department website and check their hours before you go, as some offices have limited schedules.
What to bring to the DMV office
Bring one valid form of primary identification. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, military ID, birth certificate paired with a photo ID (such as a school or work ID), or a tribal ID. If you don't have any of these, you can bring two secondary forms of ID such as a Social Security card, insurance card, or bank statement with your name on it.
You'll also need proof of your current Idaho address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. The document must show your name and current street address. A P.O. box is not acceptable as proof of residence.
Have your Social Security number ready. You don't need to bring a card, but you'll need to provide the number when you fill out the replacement form at the DMV.
The replacement fee and what you receive
The replacement fee for a standard Idaho driver's license is $20. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office. Some offices may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm payment methods is wise.
When you pay the fee, you'll receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with the temporary paper license during this time.
If you need your license sooner, Idaho does not offer expedited mail service for replacements. However, you can request a duplicate temporary license if the first one is lost or damaged before your permanent card arrives.
Finding and visiting your local DMV office
Visit the Idaho Transportation Department website and use their office locator tool to find the DMV office nearest you. The site lists all office addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Some smaller towns have limited hours or are only open certain days of the week, so check before you go.
You do not need an appointment at most Idaho DMV offices. Walk-in service is available during posted hours. However, some offices in larger cities may offer appointment scheduling during peak times. If you prefer not to wait, call your local office to ask about current wait times before you visit.
If you cannot reach an office easily, ask whether your county offers mobile DMV services. Some rural counties send a mobile unit to smaller towns on a rotating schedule. The Idaho Transportation Department website lists which counties have this service and when the mobile unit visits each location.
What happens after you leave the DMV
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. During this time, you can drive normally and use it as proof of identity. Keep it in a safe place, as you'll need it if you're stopped by law enforcement before your permanent card arrives.
Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provided at the DMV. If you move before it arrives, contact the DMV to update your address. You can call your local office or visit the Idaho Transportation Department website to request an address change. Provide your driver's license number and new address, and the DMV will redirect your card to the correct location.
Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary paper license. You do not need to return it to the DMV. Your new license is valid for eight years if you're under 65, or four years if you're 65 or older.
If your license was lost with other documents
If your wallet or purse was stolen along with your license, you may also need to replace other cards. Contact your bank and credit card companies when ready to report the loss and request new cards. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to monitor for unauthorized activity.
If your Social Security card was also lost, you can request a replacement from your local Social Security office. Bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and a photo ID. Social Security replacements are free and take about two weeks by mail.
For your vehicle registration and insurance cards, contact your insurance company and the Idaho Transportation Department separately. These are not replaced through the DMV driver's license process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?
Yes. The temporary paper license you receive at the DMV is valid for 30 days and counts as legal proof that you're licensed to drive. Law enforcement will accept it as proof of a valid license. Keep it with you when you drive.
What if my permanent license doesn't arrive after 10 days?
Contact your local DMV office and provide your driver's license number. They can check the status of your replacement card and confirm the mailing address on file. If there's a problem, they can issue another temporary license or investigate the delay.
Do I need to take a new photo or pass a test for a replacement?
No. A replacement license uses your existing photo and information from your current license record. You do not retake the written or driving test, and you do not need a new photo taken at the DMV.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still replace it at any Idaho DMV office. Bring the same documents you would bring if you lost it in Idaho. If you're currently out of state and need to drive before returning to Idaho, contact your local DMV office by phone to discuss temporary options.
Is there a difference between a replacement and a duplicate license?
Yes. A replacement is issued when your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. A duplicate is issued when you need an extra copy of your current valid license. Both cost $20 and follow the same process, but a duplicate uses your existing license number and information.