Idaho License Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driver's License in Idaho
You renew your license through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). Your ID license lasts 8 years. Age 63 or older? You get 4-year cards. It expires on your birthday. For a general overview of renewal rules across all states, see our driver's license renewal guide. Here are your options and steps.
Ways to Renew
- Online — the fastest way to renew. Visit the ITD renewal portal.
- In person — go to a ITD office. First-time REAL ID, vision tests, and new photos all need an in-person visit.
- By mail — follow the steps on your renewal notice.
Steps to Renew
- Check eligibility — Visit the ID ITD site. See if you can renew online. Make sure it's not expired over 25 months.
- Gather documents — Have your license number, SSN, and payment. Going for a Star Card? Bring your birth cert and address docs.
- Complete the application — Use the ITD online portal, visit a county DMV office, or mail in the form. Review your info and submit.
- Pay the fee — Pay $30 for 8 years or $15 for 4 years (age 63+). Use a card online or cash and card in person.
- Receive your license — Get a temp card at the office. Online or by mail? Your card arrives in 10 to 15 days.
Idaho Driver's License Renewal Fees
| Standard renewal fee | $30 |
| Duplicate/replacement license | $15 |
| Motorcycle endorsement | $15 |
| Name change | $15 |
| Senior renewal (age 63+, 4-year) | $15 |
| Knowledge test retake | $3 |
| Valid for | 8 years |
The fee is $30 for an 8-year license. Age 63 or older? $15 for a 4-year card. REAL ID costs the same.
What to Bring
Bring these docs when you renew:
- Current or expired Idaho driver's license
- Social Security number
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport for REAL ID)
- Two proofs of ID residency (for REAL ID)
- Renewal fee payment
Who Can Renew Online
You can renew online if you meet these rules:
- Your license is not expired more than 25 months
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Your license is not suspended or revoked
- You have a valid photo on file
- You are not upgrading to REAL ID for the first time
- You did not renew online last time (must alternate)
ID requires alternating renewals. If you renewed online last time, go in person this time.
Go to ITD online renewal portalWhat Happens If Your Idaho License Expires
Idaho has no official grace period. But you can renew up to 25 months after expiry without retesting.
- Before expiry — Up to 25 months before expiration
- After expiry — Up to 25 months after expiration without retaking tests
- Long-lapsed penalty — Over 25 months expired? Retake the written, skills, and vision tests. Driving on an expired license brings fines up to $150.
If you also need to update your vehicle registration, see our car registration renewal guide.
Important: You cannot drive with an expired license in Idaho. The window only affects how you renew. It does not let you drive past your expiry date.
Vision Test & Health Rules
- Vision test — Yes, at every in-person renewal. Online renewals skip the vision test.
- In-person visits — ID requires alternating renewals. If you renewed online last time, go in person this time.
- Wait time — In person, you get a temp card right away. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 10 to 15 days.
Common Idaho License Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes:
Not knowing the senior cutoff is 63, not 65
ID switches to 4-year cycles at age 63. That's younger than most states. Plan ahead.
Trying to renew online twice in a row
ID requires alternating renewals. Online one time, in person the next.
Confusing Star Card with a special license
ID's Star Card is just their REAL ID. Same rules, same cost. Just a different name.
Waiting over 25 months to renew
Past 25 months, you retake all the tests. ID gives you more time than most states, but don't push it.
REAL ID Info for Idaho
ID offers Star Card (REAL ID compliant) at no extra charge. Visit a county DMV office with your birth cert or passport, SSN card, and two proofs of ID address.
You need a REAL ID (gold star) to board U.S. flights. You also need one to enter federal buildings. This started May 7, 2025. Get one at your next in-person visit. See our full REAL ID deadline guide for costs and next steps.
Senior & Age Rules
Age 63 or older? Your license lasts 4 years instead of 8. The fee drops to $15.
What Makes Idaho Different
ID gives you 25 months after expiry to renew without retesting. More time than most states.
Age 63 or older? You switch to 4-year cycles at $15.
ID calls its REAL ID the "Star Card." Same thing, different name.