License Plates & Placards in Idaho

SUMMARY: Idaho License Plates

In Idaho, you apply for license plates by registering your vehicle. Similarly, you renew your license plate validation stickers by renewing your registration. When you sell or trade your vehicle, you'll usually be able to transfer your tags to your next vehicle when you register it. If your plates are lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the DMV in person to get replacement tags.

Keep reading for information about license plates and tags in Idaho.

Do you have a disability and need disabled parking plates? You'll find detailed information on our Disability Plates and Placards page.

Looking for a unique license plate or plate number? Learn more about vanity plates on our Types of Special Idaho Plates page.

What are the Types of Idaho License Plates?

If you are a resident of Idaho and drive any vehicle on Idaho roadways, your vehicle must have license plates issued by the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Vehicles like cars, trucks, and vans must have plates on the front and back of the vehicle. Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and trailers only require a plate on the back.

Your rear license plate must also have a registration sticker that shows the current registration year.

Non-Standard License Plates

The Idaho DMV offers other types of license plates, including personalized plates and special plates.

Learn more about these options, as well as application details, on our ID Types of Special License Plates page.

If you have a disability, you may qualify for a disabled parking license plate. Our Disability Plates and Placards page has more information, including how to apply.

Temporary Tags

When you buy a car from a dealer in Idaho, ask for temporary tags so you can operate your vehicle while waiting for your registration and license plates from the DMV.

How to Apply for License Plates in Idaho

You will apply for license plates as part of the vehicle registration process.

You must register your vehicle with the ID DMV within:

  • 90 days of moving to the state.
  • 30 days of buying a vehicle in a private sale.

If you buy a vehicle from a dealer, they will handle the paperwork for you.

Visit our Idaho Vehicle Registration page for complete details, including registration fees and application instructions.

How to Renew Idaho Tags

To update the sticker on your license plate, you have to renew your vehicle registration every 2 years or 1 year based on which registration you choose.

Once you pay your renewal fees, you will receive a new decal to put over the previous one on your license plate.

Visit our Registration Renewal page for more information.

How to Replace Your License Plates in Idaho

If your license plate or expiration sticker has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you need to apply for replacements in person at your nearest Idaho DMV office.

You'll need to:

  • Sign a statement about what happened to your plates.
  • Pay the appropriate fees:
  • $3.75 per plate.

The ID DMV does not require you to file a police report, but you may wish to anyway to avoid misuse of your lost or stolen plates or identity theft.

Transfer or Surrender Plates

License plates are considered your property, which means that they stay with you, NOT your vehicle, when you sell or trade it. In some cases, plates may stay with a vehicle, such as off-highway plates or antique vehicle plates.

You can transfer your tags to another vehicle that you buy or already own when you register it.

You can also surrender your plates at your local Idaho DMV office if you no longer need them.

Fees for License Plates in Idaho

The fees below are basic vehicle registration 1 year fees. These fees include your license plate or license plate sticker renewal. To calculate registration fees for 2 years simply double the fee below.

You may also have to pay local fees, service fees, or other fees when you register or renew your registration, or replace your tags.

  • New license plates and plate renewal:
    • Cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and other passenger vehicles:
      • 1 to 2 years old: $69.
      • 3 to 6 years old: $57.
      • 7 years old and over: $45
    • Motorcycles: $25.
    • Motorhomes and recreational vehicles: Based on market value and age.
  • Replacements:
    • License plates: $3.75.

License Plate Lookup in Idaho

The Idaho DMV offers a license plate lookup as part of its online vanity license plate ordering process. You'll just enter a few details, including the plate design you want, and check your preferred letter and number combinations.

You CANNOT search for the registered owner of a vehicle by license plate number. If you need to report a vehicle violation, you should contact your local law enforcement agency.

For information about a specific vehicle, you can order a vehicle history report by vehicle identification number (VIN).

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