Idaho Vehicle Registration

Mandatory Insurance for Vehicle Registration

Before residents in Idaho can register their vehicles, they must have car insurance that meets the state's minimum coverage requirements. These requirements include:

• $50,000 for the bodily injury of multiple individuals in an accident
• $25,000 for the bodily injury of one person in an accident
• $15,000 for destruction or damage to property of others in an accident

These coverage limits represent the maximum amount the insurance company must pay to the other party involved in an accident on the individual's behalf. However, residents can purchase higher coverage limits for increased protection.

Vehicle Registration for New Residents

New residents in Idaho must register their vehicles within 90 days of establishing residency in the state. However, they can declare their residency earlier and register their cars then.

Like Idaho residents, new residents must acquire insurance coverage and a car title before registering their vehicles.

When ready to register their vehicles, new residents can visit their local County Assessor Motor Vehicle office and provide the following documents:

• Their Idaho driver's license number and SSN
• Proof of their new Idaho residency or address
• Their current foreign vehicle title
• Form ITD 3403

After submitting these required documents, new residents must pay the necessary registration fees to finalize the process. They may also have the choice to register their vehicles for one or two years. Opting for the two-year registration will require paying double the annual fee.

Vehicle Registration for Military Members and Out-of-State Residents

Idaho residents temporarily living outside the state due to military service, school, or work can complete their vehicle registration process by mail. This remote registration option is designed to accommodate these residents' unique situations.

To register their vehicles remotely, individuals must collect and submit the following documents:

• Proof of insurance
• A copy of their Idaho driver's license
• Bill of sale or completed title
• Form ITD 3403
• Filled out Limited Power of Attorney For Specific Motor Vehicle/Vessel (Form ITD 3368)
• Odometer disclosure for automobiles under 16,000 pounds and year 2011 or newer model

Along with these required documents, the resident must also include payment for the applicable fees, which must be in the form of a check made payable to the department. Once the DMV receives the completed paperwork and fee payment, they will process the vehicle registration on the resident's behalf.

Registration of Vehicles Acquired from a Private Individual in Idaho

When purchasing a vehicle from a private party in Idaho, and no financial institution is recording a lien, the buyer is responsible for filing the necessary documents with their local County Assessor Motor Vehicle office within 30 days of the transfer. Failure to do so will result in a $20 late filing penalty.

To register the purchased vehicle, the individual must submit the following documents to the office:

• Accomplished Application for Certificate of Title (Form ITD 3337) for a used vehicle or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin for a new vehicle
• Odometer disclosure for automobiles under 16,000 pounds and year 2011 or newer model
• Form ITD 3403
• Bill of sale
• Proof of car insurance

Along with these documents, the buyer must also pay the applicable 6% sales tax and $14 title charge. Note, however, that the entire sales tax may differ depending on the time of purchase or whether the individual bought it in or outside the state.

Registration of Vehicles Acquired from a Dealership in Idaho

Like other states, registering a vehicle purchased from a dealership in Idaho is straightforward. When an individual buys a car from a dealership, the dealer will handle the registration process. They will prepare an application for registration or title on behalf of the new owner and file it with a County Assessor Motor Vehicle office within 30 days of vehicle delivery.

By promptly managing and submitting the paperwork, dealers help maintain compliance with Idaho's vehicle registration laws. This process also ensures that the new vehicle is registered correctly without additional effort from the buyer.

Idaho License Plates

When an individual registers a vehicle in Idaho, they will receive a standard license plate from the DMV that they must affix to their vehicle. However, the department also offers various specialized license plate options beyond the standard one.

Specialized plates in Idaho contain unique combinations of letters and numbers that the vehicle owner can personally select. These specialized plates come in different categories, which represent professions, causes, or organizations.

By choosing a specialized plate, vehicle owners in Idaho can personalize their vehicle registration and express their interests or affiliations. This extensive selection of specialized plate options allows them to customize their vehicle's appearance while meeting the state's registration requirements.

How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Idaho?

Individuals interested in getting a specialized or vanity license plate in Idaho can utilize the DMV Online services, which allows individuals to register with or without an account or Idaho credentials. To order vanity plates using this service, one must provide details such as their vehicle type, the kind of plate they want, and the desired plate text.

In Idaho, individuals can use up to seven characters that must contain at least one character on their personalized license plate. They may also choose to add spaces, but these will count as one of the seven characters if used.

Note, however, that individuals cannot use special characters or punctuation in their personalized plates. They also cannot use the letter "O" as it is indistinguishable from the number zero on license plates.

In addition to the online method, interested individuals may acquire a specialized or vanity license in Idaho by mailing Personalized License Plates (Form ITD 3425) to the department. For more information on utilizing this method, refer to the Instructions for Ordering Special License Plates on the department's website.

Passenger Vehicles

In Idaho, registering passenger vehicles like community electric vehicles, pickup trucks, and other motor vehicles with a maximum gross weight of not more than 8,000 pounds involves specific fees based on the age of the vehicle. The basic annual registration fees are as follows:

• Seven or more years old vehicles: $45
• Three to six years old vehicles: $57
• One or two years old vehicles: $69

Trucks

The vehicle's annual weight category determines the registration fees for farm and non-commercial trucks in Idaho. According to the state's guidelines, the following fees apply:

• 50,001 to 60,000 pounds: $336.88
• 40,001 to 50,000 pounds: $213.28
• 30,001 to 40,000 pounds: $55.08
• 26,001 to 30,000 pounds: $116.68
• 16,001 to 26,000 pounds: $86.08
• 8,001 to 16,000 pounds: $73

For trucks that fall into heavier weight categories, contact the authorized department to inquire about the applicable registration fees.

Similarly, the department established a registration fee structure for interstate buses and commercial trucks based on the vehicle's annual weight category. The specific fees are as follows:

• 50,001 to 60,000 pounds: $540.40
• 40,001 to 50,000 pounds: $385
• 30,001 to 40,000 pounds: $316.60
• 26,001 to 30,000 pounds: $248.80
• 16,001 to 26,000 pounds: $168.40
• 8,001 to 16,000 pounds: $73

For information on registration fees for other vehicle types in Idaho, contact the local County Assessor Motor Vehicle office where the vehicle will be registered. Individuals may also visit the department's website for additional information.

Renew in Office

To renew their vehicle registration in person in Idaho, residents must visit their local County Assessor Motor Vehicle office. Before visiting a local county office, it's advisable to check the directory provided on the DMV website for their contact details. This directory also details whether they are currently open for walk-in services or operating by appointment only.

When renewing in person, individuals must provide their Idaho driver's license and the registration renewal postcard they received. After submitting these required documents, vehicle owners must pay the applicable renewal fee to the department to complete the process.

Note, however, that specific requirements may vary by county, so vehicle owners should check with their local office beforehand to ensure they have all the necessary documentation and information for a smooth in-person renewal process.

Renew through an Online Portal

For Idaho vehicle owners seeking a convenient renewal option, the DMV offers the Quick Registration Renewal service online. To utilize this database, individuals must provide the last six digits of their VIN and their complete license plate number. They must also provide their billing address and a valid credit or debit card to make the required payment.

After completing the online renewal process, the new license plates, registration, and stickers will be mailed to the provided address. If these items are not received, vehicle owners can contact the department to check their online vehicle registration renewal status.

Regardless of the renewal method chosen, Idaho residents must renew their vehicle registration before the current one expires. Failing to do so on time can result in late fees or other penalties.