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Driver's license

Switch to an Idaho license within 30 days

By J&H Digital Services LLCChecked Oct 23, 20268 sources

In short

New residents must get an Idaho license within 30 days of moving. In Ada and Canyon counties, first-time Idaho licenses are issued by the county sheriff's driver's license offices. Book an appointment, bring proof of identity, your and two proofs of Idaho address, pass a vision check, and pay $35 for 4 years or $60 for 8 years.

Deadline
30 days after you move
Cost (21+)
$35 for 4 years or $60 for 8 years (ages 21 to 62)
Who issues it
Ada County Sheriff or Canyon County Sheriff driver's license office
Tests
Vision check for everyone; written and road tests only in some cases
Card
Paper temporary license the same day; plastic card mailed to you
01

How do I switch to an Idaho driver's license?

  1. 1

    Decide: Star Card or standard

    The Star Card is Idaho's REAL ID. It costs the same and looks the same, with a star in the top right corner. Since May 7, 2025 you need a Star Card, a passport or another federally accepted ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building or military base. A standard license is fine for driving and most ID uses.

    Cost Same fee either way
    ITD: Star Card ↗
  2. 2

    Gather your documents

    You need proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, a photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your Idaho address. Bring two different proofs of address so you qualify for a Star Card. Originals only: no photocopies or laminated documents.

    ITD: Required documents ↗
  3. 3

    Book an appointment

    Walk-in waits can be long. Canyon County warns that walk-in waits can reach four hours or more, and it may stop taking walk-ins without notice. Ada County uses one online booking system for all its offices.

    Time 5 minutes
    Ada County booking ↗
  4. 4

    Go to the office

    Show your documents, pass the vision screening (at least 20/40 in one eye, with or without glasses), have your photo taken and pay. If you wear glasses or contacts for the test, your license will carry a lens restriction.

    Cost $35 (4-year) or $60 (8-year) for ages 21 and up
  5. 5

    Take tests only if required

    Most drivers switching a valid U.S. license do not take the road test. A skills (road) test is required if you have never been licensed, your license expired 25 months ago or more, you hold a foreign license (except Germany, Korea or Taiwan), you do not meet the vision standard, or the examiner has concerns. First-time Idaho drivers may also take the written knowledge test.

    Cost $5 written test; $35 road test
    ITD: Taking the test ↗
  6. 6

    Wait for your card in the mail

    You leave with a paper temporary license. The plastic card is printed centrally and mailed to the address you give. Cards are not forwarded, so use an address where you will get mail. ITD has said cards go out within about 10 business days and the temporary paper is good for 60 days.

    Time About 2 weeks
02

What do I bring to get an Idaho license?

  • Proof of citizenship or lawful presence: U.S. birth certificate, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card, naturalization certificate, or a permanent resident card or other immigration document
  • A photo ID with your full legal name and date of birth, such as your current out-of-state license
  • Your Social Security number (it is checked electronically)
  • Two proofs of your Idaho address dated within the last 12 months, with your name: a signed lease, mortgage statement, utility bill (not a cell phone bill), bank statement, pay stub, W-2, or Idaho insurance card
  • If your name changed, a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order linking the names. Update your name with Social Security first
  • Glasses or contacts if you wear them to drive
  • Payment for the fee
03

How much does an Idaho driver's license cost?

LicenseWho it is forFee
8-year licenseAges 21 to 62$60
4-year licenseAges 21 and over$35
3-year licenseUnder 21 (expires at 21)$30
1-year licenseAges 17 to 20$20
Instruction permitLearners$20
Driver training permitAges 14 1/2 to 17$21.50
Written knowledge testIf required$5
Skills (road) testIf required$35
Duplicate licenseLost or replaced card$20
ID card, 4-year / 8-yearAges 21 and over, non-drivers$15 / $25

The Star Card costs the same as a standard license. The $35 road test fee is split: $6.50 to the office and up to $28.50 to the examiner. Source: ITD: Driver's licenses and ID cards

04

Where are the driver's license offices?

05

What else do people ask about Idaho driver's licenses?

Who is exempt from the 30-day rule?

Students at an Idaho college or university and active-duty military members and their families can keep driving on a valid out-of-state license.

Can I fly with my temporary paper license?

Plan on bringing a second photo ID, such as a passport. Airlines and TSA may ask for one when you show a paper temporary.

My teen has a permit or license from another state. What happens?

Drivers under 18 need a parent or guardian at the office to sign as the liability signer, plus proof of school enrollment or graduation. Idaho teens under 17 must finish driver training, and new drivers under 17 can carry only one unrelated passenger under 17 for the first six months. Call the office before you go to ask how an out-of-state permit or license will transfer.

How do I change my address later?

You can change your address in DMV Online. Your first login asks for your Social Security number to verify who you are.

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Sources (8) · Checked Oct 23, 2026

Fees, rules and providers change. Confirm with the official source before you go.

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