With recent updates to Idaho’s driver’s license renewal laws and the approaching May 7, 2025, REAL ID deadline, all Idaho drivers should be aware of important changes and requirements affecting how and when they renew their licenses. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what’s new and what you need to know.
Key Changes and Requirements
- REAL ID (Star Card) Deadline:
By May 7, 2025, Idahoans will need a REAL ID (Star Card) for certain federal purposes, like boarding domestic flights. Obtaining or upgrading to a Star Card requires an in-person visit with specific documents; online renewal is not permitted for this upgrade. - Online Renewal Encouraged:
The Idaho DMV strongly encourages eligible drivers to renew online to reduce in-office wait times. There is even a $5 discount for online renewals.
Renewal Eligibility and Options
Online Renewal
You may renew your Idaho driver’s license online if you meet these criteria:
- Age 21–69 (license cannot expire after your 70th birthday)
- Most recent renewal was 4 years or less
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Hold a valid Idaho Class D license or ID card (even if expired, but not for more than 25 months)
- No name change, no adding/removing endorsements or restrictions
- Not upgrading to a Star Card (REAL ID)
In-Person Renewal
Required if:
- Upgrading to a Star Card (REAL ID)
- Making changes to name, endorsements, or restrictions
- Your license has been expired for more than 25 months (you will need to retake the written and driving tests)
Mail Renewal
- Available only if you are between 21 and 69 years old and receive a DMV invitation.
- Can only be used once every eight years.
- Not available for Star Card upgrades or for those aged 70 and older.
Renewal Timing and Grace Periods
- You can renew your license up to 25 months before it expires; renewing early does not affect your expiration date.
- If your license has expired for less than 25 months, you can still renew without retesting. If it’s expired for 25 months or more, you must retake the knowledge and skills tests and pass a vision screening.
Renewal Frequency and Age-Based Rules
| Age Group | Renewal Term Options | Special Rules/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | Expires 5 days after 18th birthday | — |
| 18–21 | Expires 5 days after 21st birthday | — |
| 21–62 | 4 or 8 years | 8-year option available |
| 63+ | Every 4 years | Must renew in person; vision test required |
| 70+ | No mail renewal permitted | Must renew in person; vision test required |
- Drivers 63 and older must renew every four years and cannot renew by mail after age 70.
- Vision tests are required for all in-person renewals for drivers 63 and older. Written and road tests are only required if there are concerns about driving ability or if the license has been expired for over a year.
Fees
- 4-year license (age 21+): $30
- 8-year license (age 21–62): $55
- Online renewal: $5 discount
- Mail renewal: $1 administrative fee
Required Documents
For in-person renewals, especially for the Star Card, you’ll need:
- Proof of identity and date of birth
- Social Security Number
- Proof of Idaho residency
- For name changes: legal documentation
Additional Notes
- You cannot renew an Idaho license if you have obtained a license in another state; you must apply as a new applicant.
- Drivers with medical or physical impairments may be subject to additional testing or restrictions.
- The DMV can accept written requests from family, law enforcement, or doctors to review a driver’s fitness.
Idaho’s new license renewal laws emphasize online renewals for eligible drivers, stricter documentation for REAL ID upgrades, and special provisions for older drivers. Renew early, gather the right documents, and check your eligibility for online or mail renewal to ensure a smooth process as the 2025 REAL ID deadline approaches.
Sources:
- https://itd.idaho.gov/news/help-us-help-others-renew-online-if-you-can/
- https://adacounty.id.gov/sheriff/services/drivers-licenses/
- https://idahonews.com/news/local/new-dmv-laws-set-to-go-into-effect-this-summer
- https://www.bannockcounty.us/drivers-license/
- https://zutobi.com/us/id-car/driver-guides/idaho-drivers-license-renewal
