Just Arrived

If you have recently moved to the state, welcome! As part of getting settled, be sure you apply for an Idaho identification card within your first 90 days here, regardless of whether your out-of-state license or ID card has expired. The steps to get an ID card are fairly similar to those required when you are trying to obtain a state driver's license.

Where Do I Apply?

Your county driver's license office is the go-to place for Idaho ID cards.

What Should I Bring?

Proof of Idaho Residency

If you want an Idaho ID card, you have to prove you live within its borders. Do so by bringing with you a document that displays your name and address, such as a lease or rental agreement, utility bill, employment record, or school enrollment record.

You cannot use your workplace, vacation home/residence, or a part-time residence, P.O. Box, mail drop, or general delivery as proof.

Proof of Age and Identity

You must present two approved documents that show proof of age and identity. One should be a certified original birth certificate and the other must feature your photo.

You must provide at least one from the primary documents list (primary documents list your full, legal name and date of birth, and the examiner must be able to contact the issuing agency to verify authenticity).

Use secondary documents to help further confirm your identity. They must contain your name and enough information that directly supports at least some of the information presented on the primary document.

Foreign Documents

Having a document that is not written in English is not a major problem as long you bring along an acceptable document written in English or an acceptable translation.

Social Security Card

In order to verify your Social Security number, no other document works better than the card issued by the Social Security Administration. If you don't have a Social Security number, don't fret. All you have to do in that case is obtain a letter from the SSA that states you do not have a number.

Before you attempt to obtain this letter you must have an acceptable legal presence document, such as a certified original U.S. birth certificate, an original certificate of naturalization/citizenship, a valid Immigration and Naturalization (INS) card/document with a photo, or a valid passport with a valid U.S. visa.

Proof of School Enrollment or School Completion

You only have to provide acceptable proof of this if you are younger than 18. You must show your enrollment and attendance in (or that you graduated from) a recognized high school or a program that equals such.

Renewing an ID Card

All Idaho ID cards expire on your birthday, four years after the date of issue. However, once you reach the age of 21, you may opt for either four or eight year renewal. You will receive a postcard notifying you that the renewal of your ID card is coming up.

The fee for a four-year renewal is $10 and for an eight-year renewal is $20. You may renew your ID card by U.S. Mail by simply returning the postcard sent to you. Be sure you include the appropriate fee, plus $1 for administrative costs. You may also renew your ID card in person at your local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Driver Services location.

Replacing an ID Card

You may replace an ID card at a county driver's license office by bringing one acceptable identification document.

Here's the cost breakdown for acquiring a replacement ID:

Younger than 18 years old ― $10
Ages 18-21 ― $10
Ages 21 and older ― $10 (four-year ID)
Ages 21 and older ― $20 (eight-year ID)

Final Note

While the information presented above is rather extensive, it does not cover every detail involved in obtaining an Idaho ID card. Therefore, you should call the Division of Motor Vehicles/Driver Services Section at (208) 334-8735 if you have any questions.

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