In Idaho, anyone who wants to drive a motor vehicle legally must have a valid driver's license. This rule is clearly stated in Idaho's laws, specifically in Title 49, Chapter 3 of the Idaho Statutes. These laws prohibit driving on Idaho highways without a proper license.
The Idaho Transportation Department's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for issuing driver's licenses. Their job is to verify that all drivers meet the state's legal and safety requirements.
To get a license, applicants must pass a test that tests their driving knowledge and skills. This process helps ensure that licensed drivers understand traffic laws and can operate vehicles safely on Idaho's roads.
What Are the Types of Driver's Licenses in Idaho?
The ITD DMV provides several types of driver's licenses to accommodate various needs. Each type has specific criteria and restrictions, organized into classes according to the vehicle category and use.
Class D (Standard License)
This is the standard driver's license for operating regular, non-commercial passenger vehicles, like cars, trucks, and vans. It is the most common type of license in Idaho.
Commercial Driver's Licenses
A commercial driver's license (CDL) is a special license needed to drive large, heavy, or hazardous material-carrying vehicles. It certifies that drivers possess the essential skills and knowledge to safely operate commercial vehicles.
CDLs are classified into the following:
Class A
A Class A CDL is for drivers operating combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. It also covers towing vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of over 10,000 pounds.
Class B
A Class B CDL permits drivers to operate single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. This also applies to towing another vehicle that does not exceed a GVWR of 10,000 pounds.
Class C
A Class C CDL is for vehicles with a GVWR less than 26,001 pounds or those towing another vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds GVWR. Class C vehicles are included in the CDL program if they:
- Are designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver
- Transport hazardous materials requiring placarding under the Hazardous Materials Regulations
- Carry materials listed as select agents or toxins
The Idaho Commercial Driver's License outlines the requirements and regulations for obtaining and maintaining a CDL.
Class M (Motorcycle License)
This license allows the holder to operate a motorcycle. Additional tests and requirements must be met to obtain this endorsement.
Instruction Permits
Instruction Permits (IPs) in Idaho are designed to help drivers gain supervised driving experience. First-time drivers are issued a temporary permit before obtaining a full license.
Aside from the temporary permit, the Idaho DMV issues a Supervised IP (SIP), which requires drivers under 17 to practice with a licensed adult for six months. It is intended for those who have completed a driver's education course.
Driver Training Permit (DT)
The DT permit is designed for individuals aged 14 1/2 to under 17 who intend to enroll in public or private driver training programs. For individuals under 17 1/2, the permit remains valid until five days after their 18th birthday. For those aged 17 1/2 and older, it lasts for six months. DT holders can only drive under the supervision of a certified instructor.
The training is compulsory for minors applying for an Idaho driver's license.
How To Obtain a Driver's License in Idaho?
Applicants must undergo several steps to acquire a driver's license in Idaho. Specific requirements may vary based on the type of license. However, the general procedure for individuals who want to drive legally in Idaho is outlined as follows:
Eligibility
Anyone driving a motor vehicle on the state's public roads must have a valid driver's license.
When moving to Idaho, individuals must apply for an Idaho driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency.
Students enrolled at Idaho colleges or universities are exempt from needing an Idaho driver's license. The same exemption applies to active-duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents.
An Idaho driver's license cannot be issued to individuals who:
- Do not reside in the state of Idaho
- Are not legally present in the U.S.
- Are younger than 15 years old
- Are under 17 years old and have not fulfilled the requirements of Idaho's graduated driver's license program
- Are under 18 years old and are not enrolled in school or have not completed required schooling as outlined in Section 49-303A of the Idaho Code
- Have a suspended, revoked, or canceled driver's license status in Idaho or any other jurisdiction
- Have been legally determined to be habitual drunkards or addicted to narcotics
- Have been legally determined to be mentally incapable of operating a motor vehicle and have not been restored to competency
- May experience physical or mental conditions causing momentary or prolonged lapses of consciousness or control
- Are required to undergo an examination and have not successfully passed it
Required Documentation
One must bring the following to apply for an Idaho driver's license:
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence
This includes original documents like a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, U.S. passport, or other approved forms. Copies are not accepted.
Proof of Idaho Residency
Applicants should provide documents such as a lease, utility bills, or financial statements that show their name and Idaho address within the last 12 months.
Proof of Age and Identity
Primary documents, such as an Idaho driver's license, U.S. passport, or valid DHS photo card, are required to confirm an applicant's identity and age.
Social Security Number (SSN)
Applicants should provide their SSN, which will be verified through the Social Security Administration (SSA) online system. Applicants who cannot present their SSN should have a letter from the SSA stating their absence, along with proof of lawful presence.
Name Change Documentation
Applicants must provide additional documentation if their name differs from their citizenship or lawful presence documentation. The ITD DMV accepts certified marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court-ordered name change documents.
Additional Requirements
If a driver has conditions affecting their ability to drive safely, they will need a physician's certification. Parental consent is required for drivers below the age of 18. Underage drivers also need to provide proof of school enrollment or completion. Moreover, any licenses a driver has obtained from other states should be surrendered when applying for an Idaho license.
Testing Requirements
Drivers need to pass several tests to obtain a non-commercial license:
Vision Screening
An applicant's vision must meet a minimum standard of 20/40 in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses. If a driver wears glasses or contacts during the screening and receives a lens restriction on their license, they must always wear them while driving.
Written Knowledge Test
This is required for new applicants or those with an expired Idaho driver's license of 25 months or more. It covers Idaho traffic laws, highway signs, signals, markings, and vehicle equipment.
Applicants can familiarize themselves with the types of questions that may be asked and understand the structure of the exam through practice tests. The ITD DMV website has sample written tests in English and Spanish.
Driving Skills Test
A skills test is required for:
- First-time license applicants
- Individuals completing driver's training and the supervised instruction period
- Applicants whose license has expired for 25 months or more
- Applicants presenting or surrendering a foreign driver's license (except from Germany or Korea)
- Applicants who fail to meet vision standards
An additional skills test may be required if there are concerns about an applicant's ability to safely operate a vehicle. This test is necessary regardless of age or years of driving to guarantee that drivers meet safety standards.
Out-of-state drivers who surrender an expired out-of-state license within the past 25 months are exempt from the skills test. However, they must provide additional documentation to support their application for a driver's license.
Graduated Driver's License (GDL) Program
The GDL program in Idaho mandates that individuals under 17 years old without an Idaho driver's license must complete an approved driver's training program. This includes 30 hours of classroom instruction, six hours of in-car observation, and six hours of supervised driving with an approved instructor.
Where To Get a Driver's License
Drivers can visit their local county DMV locations that provide the licensing services. Applicants can check the ITD DMV's directory online to see if their local office is equipped to handle driver licensing needs.
Fees
The fees for obtaining a driver's license in Idaho vary based on both the applicant's age and the duration of the license:
- For a 1-year license, applicable to ages 17 or 20, the fee is $20.
- A 3-year license, available for ages 15 to 18 and 18 to 21, costs $30 each.
- Individuals aged 21 and over can opt for a 4-year license, priced at $35.
- An 8-year license, suitable for ages 21 to 62, requires a fee of $60.
Additionally, there are fees associated with testing:
- The knowledge test costs $5.
- The skills test is $35, with $6.50 paid at the county and $28.50 to the skills test examiner.
Idaho drivers can refer to the Idaho Driver's Handbook for more information about driving safely and complying with the state's standards.
How To Renew or Replace a Driver's License in Idaho?
Renewing a driver's license in Idaho is necessary when it nears its expiration date. Drivers can also request a duplicate to replace their license in cases of loss, theft, or significant damage. Here's the general process for renewal and replacement:
License Renewal
Drivers can initiate the renewal process in person or online up to 25 months before their license expires.
Class D licenses can be renewed for either four or eight years. The longer option is available to individuals aged 21 to 62. If a license has been expired for 25 months or more, applicants seeking renewal need to retake both the written knowledge and skills tests.
Depending on the vision exam results, additional tests, such as a skills test, visual exam, or medical assessment, may be required during the renewal process.
Idaho now allows for online license renewals through its Online DMV Services. Drivers must create an account to determine whether they are qualified for this renewal option.
License Replacement
Drivers who lose, damage, or misplace their license can apply for a duplicate at their local county DMV or through the Online DMV Services.
Residents who are temporarily living out-of-state may be eligible to receive a replacement through the mail as long as it is not past expiration. However, this service is not available to those whose driving privileges are currently suspended in any state.
For those with expired licenses, a duplicate must be processed in person. The ITD DMV does not permit replacements to be processed by mail in this scenario.
If the lost license is found after a replacement is issued, it must be destroyed or surrendered to the county office. The newly issued duplicate becomes the valid driver's license to keep.
What Happens if a Driver's License Is Suspended in Idaho?
The IDT DMV monitors moving violations across Idaho and other jurisdictions, including Canada. Driving privileges can be suspended, canceled, or revoked if drivers violate certain laws or exhibit careless driving behavior.
Violation Point System
The ITD DMV assigns every offense a point value based on severity. Its pointing system details these violations, their corresponding Idaho code sections, and the points assessed. These remain on a driver's record for three years post-conviction.
The IDT DMV and judicial authorities have the legal authority under state statutes to suspend, revoke, downgrade, or disqualify a driver's license. This applies to various offenses, regardless of the driver's point accumulation. These offenses include serious violations such as:
- Driving under the influence
- Using a vehicle to commit a felony
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death
- Reckless driving
- Others outlined in Idaho Code Sections 49-326, 18-8001, 49-1301(1), and 49-1404(1)
Penalties
The ITD DMV may initiate the following actions against driver's licenses based on point violations:
- 12 to 17 violations within any 12-month period result in a 30-day suspension
- 18 to 23 violations within any 24-month period result in a 90-day suspension
- 24 or more violations within any 36-month period result in a 6-month suspension
The DMV tracks all convictions, whether in Idaho or elsewhere, to determine if a suspension is necessary. Drivers can appeal suspensions through an administrative hearing with the ITD DMV.
Drivers will receive courtesy warning letters when they accumulate:
- Eight to 11 points in 12 months
- 14 to 17 points in 24 months
- 20 to 23 points in 36 months, which could lead to license suspension
Idaho drivers whose licenses are suspended may qualify for a restricted driving permit. This allows travel to specific destinations such as work, medical appointments, or grocery stores.
Preventive Measures
The state has systems in place to keep drivers from accumulating too many points:
Defensive Driving Course (DDC)
Drivers can reduce their points by three by completing an approved DDC every three years before facing suspension. The ITD DMV has a list of accredited DDC providers for Idaho drivers.
Traffic Safety Education Course (TSC)
If available at the time of the citation, drivers can reduce up to four citation points every three years by completing a city-sponsored TSC.
Drivers may use only one course every three years to remove points. This does not affect convictions or CDL disqualifications.
License Reinstatement
After suspension, revocation, or disqualification ends, individuals can reinstate their licenses by applying to the ITD DMV in Boise. Depending on the violation, a reinstatement fee ranging from $25 to $285 must be paid.
Additional documents such as a court payment receipt, proof of child support compliance, proof of school re-enrollment, or proof of financial responsibility, like an insurance/SR 22 certificate, may also be required for certain offenses.
Penalties for Driving Without a License
Operating a vehicle without a valid Class D driver's license, unless permitted under specific sections indicated in 18-8001(1) and 49-304 of the Idaho Code, constitutes an infraction.
For a first offense, the penalty is a fine of $150. A second offense within five years raises the fine to $300. Further violations within the same timeframe are considered misdemeanors, carrying penalties of up to $1,000 in fines, imprisonment for a maximum of six months in the county jail, or both.
Can Someone Drive in Idaho With a Foreign License?
Idaho allows foreigners to drive in Idaho, provided they have a valid driver's license from their country of origin and an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP translates the driver's license into multiple languages and is accepted as a legal document in many countries.
Foreigners can drive in Idaho using their foreign license and IDP for up to one year from their date of entry into the U.S. This period aligns with the duration of their visa or authorized stay. If they plan to stay longer or become residents, they must apply for an Idaho driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency.
Travelers must obtain an IDP before their trip, as the U.S. does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. To acquire an IDP, they should contact the motor vehicle department in the country where their driver's license was issued. An IDP's cost and processing time will vary depending on the issuing country.
Can a Foreigner Get a Driver's License in Idaho?
Foreigners can obtain a driver's license in Idaho with the necessary identification, such as a valid foreign passport.
Applying for an Idaho Class D driver's license without a CDL in any jurisdiction does not require surrendering a foreign driver's license or providing a driving record. However, drivers from Korea or Taiwan who choose not to surrender their foreign licenses must take the skills test. All other foreign drivers must also take a skills and knowledge test.
License holders cannot use or show their foreign license while operating a motor vehicle in Idaho. Doing so may result in a misdemeanor citation and fine.
For more information, applicants can contact the ITD DMV via their online contact form. Foreign drivers can also refer to their phone contact list to reach them by phone.