Frequently Asked Questions

Idaho residents under 21 are required to take and pass a motorcycle drivers license training course through the Idaho STAR courses system. Additionally, drivers over 21 getting a motorcycle license may take one of the STAR courses to waive the skills portion of their motorcycle license testing requirements. STAR courses are broken up by difficulty, with Basic I, Basic II and Experienced courses available.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Idaho

Idaho state law requires all motorcycle license holders to wear a helmet that meets the requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT). DOT-compliant helmets allow riders to see as far around teach side as they need to. Helmets are also required for ATVs both on and off-road.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Idaho

No, residents of Idaho in possession of a commercial drivers license cannot renew online. To renew CDL licenses, you must visit a local Idaho drivers license center and fill out a CDL application. ForCDL renewals, you do not have to retake any of the tests unless you have a hazardous materials endorsement. CDL licenses are valid for four years.

For more information: How to Renew a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Idaho

At this time, Idaho drivers cannot apply for a drivers permit online. DMV tests must be taken in person at a local Idaho drivers license center. Likewise, all required documentation must be presented in person. A parent or guardian must also sign liability forms for learners permit holders under 17.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Idaho

Whether or not you can use an Idaho commercial drivers license outside of Idaho depends on your medical card status. If you self-certified as an interstate driver, you can use your license to drive commercial throughout the country. However, if you self-certified as an intrastate driver, you are restricted to using your CDL license only in the state.

For more information: Idaho Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Idaho residents are not required to get a motorcycle license endorsement if they are riding a motorized bike that is considered a moped. To be considered a moped in Idaho, a motorized bike must meet the following requirements:

• Pedal propelled and electric-powered
• Top speed: 30 mph
• Two or three wheels
• Maximum 50cc engine
• Direct power drive system

Any motorized bike exceeding these requirements is considered a scooter or motorcycle and required a motorcycle endorsement on your license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Idaho

Idaho residents under 17 getting drivers permits must follow the rules of the Graduated Driver s License Program (GDL). Part of the GDL program includes a requirement for minors to complete an approved drivers ed course. Completing and passing driver safety courses is a requirement for all minors prior to receiving their unrestricted driver s license. Drivers ed classes must consist of 30 hours of classroom instruction, six hours of in-car drivers education and six hours of behind-the-wheel drivers training. Idaho offers many driver school programs through the Department of Education. To register for drivers ed, contact your local Idaho drivers license center.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Idaho

Idaho veterans who would like a veteran designation on their ID card must notify DMV officials when completing their ID card application. Veteran designations are a free addition for military veterans who would like it on either their ID card or driver s license. Regular ID card and driver s license fees still apply. To replace ID cards with veteran designations, the fee is $15 (fees may vary).

For more information: How to Apply for an Idaho Identification Card

Residents of Idaho wondering how to get a CDL license can begin the process at a local Idaho drivers license center.To apply for a CDL, take your current class D drivers license, Social Security card and proof of residence to the license center. Additionally, bring the commercial drivers license fee (fees vary based on the length of your CDL license).

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to supply proof of your lawful presence in the United States before you can receive a license to drive commercial. Additionally, your CDL application will need to include a self-certification of your Department of Transportation medical card status.

For more information:Idaho Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Residents getting drivers permits in Idaho must meet a few requirements in order to receive a learners permit. Drivers must be at least 15 years old at the time of their drivers permit application submission. Additionally, minors between 15 and 17 years old must also enroll in an Idaho driver training program prior to receiving their drivers permit. Once enrolled, minors can then proceed to a local Idaho drivers license center to receive alearning permit. At this time, you cannot apply for a drivers permit online.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Idaho

Idaho residents wondering how to get a motorcycle license must apply in person at a local Idaho drivers license center. Obtaining a motorcycle driving license requires you to pass a vision test, written examination and driving skills test. You must also pay the motorcycle endorsement fee of $15. Drivers who are still learning may also apply for a motorcycle drivers license permit, which costs $15 and is valid for 180 days. If you receive a Class M motorcycle license endorsement on your license while you are in possession of a motorcycle permit, the motorcycle license endorsement fee will be waived. Fees may vary.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Idaho

Idaho residents with lost, damaged or stolen ID cards must order an ID card replacement in person at a local Idaho drivers license center. When ordering an ID card copy, you must present certain identification documents to the DMV officials, including:

• Proof of identity (i.e. U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, military ID, etc.)
• Proof of Idaho residency (i.e. utility bill, correspondence with government agency, phone bill, etc.)
• Proof of legal U.S. presence (i.e. birth certificate, employment authorization card, foreign passports)
• Name change documents (if applicable)

You must also pay a small fee for a duplicate ID card.

For more information: How to Apply for an Idaho Identification Card

Idaho residents who are in possession of a drivers permit must have it for six months under the Graduated Driver s License Program prior to receiving their underage driver s license. Learners permits are not renewable, though drivers who have had their learning permit suspended are required to apply for a new one and start the six-month training period over again.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Idaho

Residents of Idaho who would like to renew ID cards should do so before the expiration date. Depending on your age and the length of validity of your ID (four-year or eight-year) you will have a different ID card renewal date. You can go about renewing ID cards either by mail or in person. Residents whose last identification card renewal was by mail are required to renew identification cards in person at a local Idaho drivers license center. You must also pay a fee to renew expired ID cards.

For more information: How to Apply for an Idaho Identification Card

Idaho residents seeking a commercial drivers license must self-certify their medical status when visiting a DMV office to apply for a CDL. Most CDL license holders are required to possess a medical card, unless their particular position is exempt. Physical exams and the resulting medical cards are valid for up to 24 months. Once a medical card has expired, you candownload and print a new Medical Examination Report and have it filled out by a medical examiner during your new physical exam. From there, bring the form to your local Idaho drivers license center.

For more information: Idaho Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Idaho motorcycle licenses are simplyClass M Motorcycle licenses endorsements added to your license. As a result, there is no need to renew motorcycle licenses in the state. An expired motorcycle license is also an expired drivers license, and requires you to follow the drivers license renewal procedures. As you renew your drivers license, you will also renew Class M licenses.

For more information: How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Idaho

Idaho residents who are active-duty military members and are wondering how to get a motorcycle license must go about getting a motorcycle license before their deployment date. Once you have obtained your motorcycle license endorsement, you will have full privileges for operating a motorcycle. Renewing motorcycle licenses and driver s licenses while deployed requires military members to print and complete an Application for Extension of Idaho Driver’s License or ID Card. You may extend the expiration date of your motorcycle driving license for up to four years using this form.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Idaho

Under Idaho s Graduated Driver s License Program, drivers under 17 are required to have at least six months of supervised instruction during which they possess a learning permit. While in possession of a drivers permit during the six-month period, minors must remain violation-free.

If you are convicted of any traffic abuse, violate any restrictions or have your permit for driving suspended during the learners permit period, you will have to reapply for a new learning permit to start the process over.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Idaho

The length of time it will take for you to receive ID cards depend on the county where you apply for ID cards. To get ID cards, visit a local Idaho drivers license center with the required identification documents and complete an ID card application. Once your information has been verified and you have paid the ID card fees, you will either be issued your DMV ID card right there or it will be mailed to you.

For more information: How to Apply for an Idaho Identification Card

Commercial drivers licenses for Idaho residents are valid for a period of four years. When you visit a DMV office to apply for a CDL renewal, you will not be required to retake your initial CDL license tests (with the exception of CDL license drivers with Hazardous Materials endorsements).

For more information: How to Renew a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Idaho

Residents of Idaho dealing with stolen, damaged or lost ID cards while they are out-of-state can apply for ID card renewals by mail if they did not renew ID cards by mail during their last expiration period. If your last ID card renewal was by mail, you will need to contact a local Idaho drivers license center to inquire about other options for ID card replacements.

For more information: How to Apply for an Idaho Identification Card

Yes, all residents of Idaho completing CDL applications must be at least 18 years old. You must also have at least one year of driving experience before you can apply for a CDL. It is possible to take the regular driver s license tests and the commercial drivers license tests at the same time.

For more information: Idaho Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Idaho residents under 21 who are wondering how to get a motorcycle license must complete a few requirements first. Drivers under 21 must take an Idaho DMV STAR course (either Basic I, Basic II or Experienced). Once the course is passed, you have one year to apply for a Class M motorcycle license endorsement. Drivers under 17 who are getting a motorcycle license must pass an Idaho DMV-approved driver education course prior to enrolling in a STAR motorcycle license course.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Idaho

There are six different CDL endorsements drivers can request when they apply for a CDL. CDL endorsements include:

• Double/Triple (CDL T endorsement): CDL license holders pulling two or three trailers
• Hazardous materials (CDL H endorsement): CDL license holders transporting hazardous materials (requires background check)
• Passenger (CDL P endorsement): CDL license holders driving vehicles that carry 16 or more passengers (driver included)
• School bus (CDL S endorsement): CDL license holders transporting school children to and from home, school and school-sponsored events
• Tank vehicles (CDL N endorsement): CDL license holders transporting liquid or gaseous material in tank(s)
• Tank Vehicles/Hazardous Materials (CDL X endorsement): CDL license holders driving combination of tanks and hazardous materials

For more information: Idaho Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Idaho DMV ID card fees vary based on the length of the ID card validity and how old the resident is. For residents ages 21 and under, identification cards are $10. For residents over 21, ID cards are $10 for a four-year and $20 for an eight-year. The fee to replace ID cards is the same price as the original ID card fee.

For more information: How to Apply for an Idaho Identification Card

Idaho residents who possess a permit for driving have a few restrictions they must follow. Restrictions include:

• Must drive with a supervising adult 21 years old or older who possesses a valid driver s license (adult must be in the front passenger seat)
• All occupants must wear seatbelt and/or child restraints
• Driving permit must be on your person
• Observe all alcohol and intoxicating substance laws and regulations

Residents getting drivers permits must accumulate at least 50 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel training in the six-month period of their drivers permit before they can move on to their restricted license.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Idaho

Idaho residents submitting CDL applications must self-certify their medical card status with the Idaho DMV. To self-certify for your CDL license, you must either visit a local Idaho drivers license center or visit the self-certification page on the Idaho DMV website.

To apply for a CDL self-certification,commercial driving license holders must declare whether they will be conducting interstate (multi-state) or intrastate (strictly within Idaho state borders) commerce. Additionally, you will have to declare whether or not you are exempt from Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card requirements.

Commercial drivers licenseapplicants can acquire a DOT medical card after undergoing a physical exam conducted by a qualified medical examiner. Medical exams are valid for up to 24 months, and must be submitted to the Idaho DMV before residents can receive theirlicense to drive commercial.

For more information: Idaho Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Drivers in Idaho who have learners permits are subject to stricter penalties for traffic ticket fines than drivers with full licenses. In addition to receiving a revoked drivers license, learners permit holders will receive the following:

• First fine: warning letter
• Second fine: 30-day suspended drivers license
• Third fine: 60-day suspended drivers license

Once the drivers license suspension has been lifted, learners permit holders will have to start their restriction period over again.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Idaho

Idaho residents who own three-wheel motorcycles must meet the same requirements for getting a motorcycle license as they would for a two-wheel motorcycle. To learn more about the different types of motorcycles and their certification requirements, refer to the Identification Chart for Motorized Vehicles with Two or Three Wheels.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Idaho

Idaho residents seeking a permit for driving must provide a few documents during the drivers permit application process. Required documents include:

• Social Security card
• Certified birth certificate
• Photo ID
• School enrollment paperwork (for minors)

Minors will also need a parent or guardian present to sign a release form before they will be issued a drivers permit.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Idaho

Getting a motorcycle license in Idaho requires you to provide a few documents at the local Idaho drivers license center. Required documents include:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of residency
• Proof of date of birth
• Proof ofSocial Security Number
• Proof of completion of STAR motorcycle driving license courses (if applicable)

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Idaho

Idaho drivers who would like to receive a motorcycle license endorsement must apply in person at a local Idaho drivers license center. At the center, you will be required to take and pass the motorcycle endorsement written exam and driving skills test. The skills portion of the motorcycle drivers license exams can be waived if you complete one of the STAR motorcycle license courses. The written exam must be taken by everybody getting a motorcycle license, and consists of 25 questions of which at least 20 must be answered correctly. The fee for the written test is $3, while the fee for the skills test is $10.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Idaho

CDL license holders in Idaho who are convicted of DUIs will be disqualified from commercial driving license privileges for one year for the first offense. If you have a license to drive commercial, transport Hazardous Materials and are convicted of a DUI, you will be disqualified from driving privileges for three years. A second DUI conviction will disqualify drivers from all CDL license privileges for life.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Idaho

An Idaho ID card is a non-driver form of identification issued by the Idaho DMV to state residents with no other state-issued ID card, driver s permit or driver s license. DMV ID cards are used to prove identity, age and where you reside within the state. Identification cards are valid for either four or eight years depending on the ID card you receive when you apply.

For more information: How to Apply for an Idaho Identification Card

Minors in Idaho who possess a drivers permit for at least six months can graduate to a restricted drivers license provided they pass the required drivers ed tests. Drivers license tests consist of a written exam and drivers exam (behind-the-wheel). The written drivers test consists of 25 questions, of which at least 20 must be answered correctly.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Idaho

Minors in Idaho who possess a learners permit must have it for six months without any violations before they can graduate to a restricted license. Prior to receiving the restricted license, learners permit holders must be at least 15 years old and pass the required DMV drivers tests: both the written drivers test and skilled driving test. Drivers who fail the written test and/or skilled drivers test must wait three days before they are allowed to retest.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Idaho

To apply for a CDL, Idaho residents must take a knowledge test based on the type of commercial drivers license they are applying for. Additionally, CDL applications require you to take a skills test to assess basic vehicle control and on-road driving skills. Available knowledge tests include:

• General knowledge: Required for all CDL applications
• Passenger: Required for all bus driver CDL applications
• Air brakes: Required for all CDL applicants driving vehicles with air brakes
• Combination vehicles: Required for all CDL applicants driving combination vehicles
• Hazardous materials: Required for all Hazardous Material CDL applications (initial and renewal)
• Tank vehicle: Required for all tank driver CDL applications
• Doubles/Triples: Required for all CDL license holders pulling double or triple trailers
• School bus: Required for all bus driver CDL applications

CDL practice tests are available on the Idaho DMV website and in the Commercial Drivers License Manual.

For more information: Idaho Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Idaho DMV ID cards are valid for a period of four or eight years depending on the ID card you receive during your application. Residents under 18 at the time they get ID cards, will see their ID cards expire on their 18th birthdays. Residents between 18 and 21 while in possession of identification cards will have an ID card expiration date on their 21st birthdays.

For more information: How to Apply for an Idaho Identification Card

Idaho residents who would like to apply for ID cards can do so by visiting a local Idaho drivers license center. To get ID cards, you must present DMV officials with both proof of identity and proof of residence documents. Idaho identification cards are subject to a fee based on the length of the ID card s validity.

For more information: How to Apply for an Idaho Identification Card

Minors in Idaho completing a drivers permit application must bring a parent or guardian at least 18 years old to a local Idaho drivers license center during the application process. The parent or guardian must sign a liability form before a drivers permit can be issued. For this reason, you cannot apply for a drivers permit online.

If the person signing for the drivers permit is not a parent, he or she must provide legal documents proving he or she is a guardian of the minor in question. Minors who are married can have their spouse sign for their driving permit, provided the spouse is at least 18 years old.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Idaho