License Renewal in Idaho
Here's exactly how to renew your Idaho driver's license — every route the state offers, what it costs, and what to do if it's already expired. Start below, or ask Sam about your exact case.
How to renew your driver's license in Idaho
Renew Your Idaho Driver's License
Every driver in Idaho must have a valid driver's license. When your driver's license is near its expiration date, you'll need to renew it. Fortunately, the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) makes the process fairly easy.
If you need details about another type of driver's license or permit, you can visit any of the following links:
- Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals.
- ID cards.
- Driver's permits.
- Motorcycle licenses.
REAL IDs in Idaho
The Idaho DMV now issues both federally-compliant REAL ID licenses—called Star Cards—as well as non-compliant licenses. A REAL ID license allows you to use your license as approved identification for activities such as boarding an airplane or entry into federal and military buildings.
Most licenses issued will be verified REAL IDs, but if you don't qualify, you'll receive a non-compliant license—details are outlined below.
When to Renew Your ID Driver's License
In Idaho, you can renew your driver's license with the DMV as early as 25 months before it expires.
When you renew, you have the choice between renewing it for 4 years or 8 years. To be eligible for 8 years, you must be 21 to 62 years old.
NOTE: If you moved to a new address, you will need to notify the Idaho DMV within 30 days of moving. For more information on how to process an address change, please see our Changing Your Address page.
Under 21 Years Old?
If you are 18 to 20 years old, your driver's license expires 5 days after you turn 21 years old.
You can't renew before your 21st birthday; you must renew within the next 5 days or your Idaho driver's license will expire.
If you are 15 to 17 years old, your driver's license expires 5 days after you turn 18 years old. Again, you can't renew before your 18th birthday; you must renew within the 5 days after that or your license/permit will expire.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License
If you are in need of a duplicate Idaho driver's license, you may be able to renew it instead of replacing it. See whether you're eligible by contacting your local ID DMV office.
For more information on how to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license in Idaho, please read our page about Replacing a Lost License.
Expired Driver's License
If your Idaho driver's license has been expired for 25 months or longer, the DMV will require you to re-take the written and skills tests when you renew.
To get details about the status of your driver's license in Idaho, you can always get a copy of your Idaho driving record.
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Renew Your Driver's License in Idaho
You can renew your driver's license by mail or in person at your local Idaho DMV office. To save time at the DMV, you can make an appointment.
Upgrading to a REAL ID?
If you're changing from a standard license to a REAL ID license upon renewal, you MUST do so in person and follow the steps for a first-time application.
By Mail
NOTE: With a few exceptions, only those 21 to 69 years old who received a mail renewal application can renew their driver's license by mail. If you decide to do so, you can only do this once every 8 years.
If you're eligible to renew by mail, you'll receive a mail renewal application from the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with your renewal notice.
To renew by mail, you'll need to:
- Complete the renewal application form you received in the mail.
- Provide payment for the driver's license renewal fee.
- See Fees to Renew Your ID Driver's License below.
- You will be charged an additional $1 sheriff's administrative fee.
- Send everything to the address listed on the renewal form.
You'll receive a renewed Idaho driver's license with the same photo as your previous license. The ID DMV requires you to destroy the expiring driver's license. If you don't receive your renewed license, check the status by contacting the Idaho DMV.
Need to make changes?
If you need to update your driver's license, you must apply in person (see below).
In Person
To renew your Idaho driver's license in person, head over to your local driver's license office with your current license and be prepared to:
- Take a vision test (plus written and skills tests, if necessary).
- Pay the appropriate driver's license renewal fee.
- See Fees to Renew Your ID Driver's License below.
The examiner may request that you take a skills test or undergo a medical examination before your driver's license will be renewed.
NOTE: If you changed your name, you'll need to present additional proof of the change to the ID DMV. Visit our Changing Your Name page for more details.
Out-of-State Residents & Military Members
Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany
If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.
You can renew your Idaho driver's license up to 25 months in advance of its expiration date. However, if you're outside of Idaho when your driver's license expires, you still have options.
Idaho Civilian Residents Out of State
If you're a non-military resident temporarily outside of Idaho, you may request an extension of your driver's license for 12 months at $10.
To proceed, you'll need to:
- Complete and sign the Application for Extension of Idaho Driver's License or ID Card (Form ITD 3153).
- Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form.
Contact the ID DMV at (208) 334-8736 if you have any questions.
Military Residents
For active Idaho members of the military and their dependents, you may request a driver's license extension:
- A completed Application for Extension of Idaho Driver's License or ID Card (Form (ITD 3153).
- A copy of your military orders.
- Payment for the $10 extension fee.
Submit the above via mail, fax, or e-mail to the addresses listed on the form (checks or money orders must be mailed). This extension will expire 60 days after EITHER the date on your extended license OR your discharge from the military, whichever comes first.
Fees to Renew Your ID Driver's License
The fees to renew your driver's license in Idaho will depend on your age and the length of the renewal.
- $20 for 1 year (17 years old).
- $35 for 4 years (21 years old and older).
- $60 for 8 years (21 to 62 years old).
For a complete list of driver's license renewal fees, visit the Idaho DMV website.
Acceptable Payment Methods
You can pay your fees to the Idaho DMV using the following payment methods, depending on how you opt to renew your driver's license.
- Cash.
- Check.
- Money order.
- Credit card.
Be sure to contact your local Idaho DMV office for specific details on how to pay your fees.
While you're at it
Renewal is the moment most people discover something else is out of date. Here's what's worth checking.
Frequently asked questions
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