I'm a new resident in Idaho: what do I do with my license?

Compare with the state you moved from

Choose the state you came from to see the main differences from Idaho. Every value comes from that state's official manual (with the page number) or from its license guide. Where a manual does not state a rule, we say so instead of guessing.

Key rules in Idaho

Each rule comes from the Idaho driver manual or from the license guide, with its source.

Licensing and paperwork

• Deadline to switch your license

  30 days of living in Idaho, whether or not your out-of-state license has expired.

  What the manual says

  • New residents must apply within 30 days of residing in Idaho, whether or not the out-of-state license has expired.

  • Apply within 30 days

    When you move to Idaho, you must apply for an Idaho driver’s license or ID card within 30 days of living in Idaho, whether or not your out-of-state license has expired. You must also title and register your vehicle within 30 days of moving.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 4

  Source: [1] [2] [3]

• Tests when you transfer a license

  Surrender your license and pass the Class D knowledge test; also the skills test if expired 25 months or more.

  What the manual says

  • A transferring driver must pass a Class D knowledge test, plus a skills test if the license has been expired for 25 months or more.

  • Transferring an out-of-state license

    To transfer a license from another state, you must surrender it and pass the Class D knowledge test. You must also pass the skills test if your license has been expired for 25 months or more. ITD says an out-of-state license may help you avoid the driving test when you apply for an Idaho license of the same class and endorsements. People from U.S. territories surrender the territory license and pass the knowledge test but do not need the skills test. If an Idaho or out-of-state Class D license has been expired for 25 months or more, you must take all applicable knowledge and skills tests.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 12

  Source: [1] [4]

• Liability insurance

  Failing to carry vehicle insurance can lead to suspension; a first offense needs one year of proof of financial responsibility.

  What the manual says

  • Failure to carry motor vehicle insurance is on the manual's list of violations that can lead to suspension.
  • For a first no-insurance offense, proof of financial responsibility is required for one year.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 124, 128

• Change of address

  Notify ITD within 30 days when your address changes.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says you must notify ITD within 30 days when your address changes.

  • Changing your address

    You must notify ITD within 30 days when your address changes. To have the new address shown on your license or ID card, you must apply for a duplicate, unless you are eligible to renew. The DMV online portal handles changes of address.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 29

  Source: [1] [2]

• How long the license lasts

  A renewal is valid for four or eight years; ages 21 to 62 may choose eight.

  What the manual says

  • A renewal is valid for either four years or eight years, or to the end of the lawful stay in the United States.
  • The manual says if you are between 21 and 62 years of age, you may choose the eight-year renewal.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 30

Road rules

• Teen driving hours

  Under 16: daylight only (5 a.m. to 10 p.m.) unless a licensed driver 21+ sits beside you.

  What the manual says

  • Under 16, daylight only travel is allowed unless a valid licensed driver at least 21 years old sits in the front seat beside you.
  • Daylight is defined as 5:00a to 10:00p local time.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 16

• Passengers for teen drivers

  Under 17, first 6 months: one passenger under 17 at most, unless related.

  What the manual says

  • The number of passengers under 17 is limited to not more than one, unless they are related to the driver.
  • The limit does not apply to passengers related to the driver by blood, adoption or marriage.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 16

• Alcohol limit under 21

  A driver under 21 is considered driving under the influence at a BAC of .02 or more.

  What the manual says

  • Idaho law considers a driver under 21 to be driving under the influence at a BAC of .02 or more.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 131

• Refusing a chemical test

  Drivers consent to testing; refusal upheld by the court: one-year suspension; second refusal within 10 years: two years.

  What the manual says

  • Anyone who drives or is in physical control of a motor vehicle has given consent to a BAC or drug test if suspected of driving under the influence.
  • If the court upholds the officer's findings, a first refusal means one year suspended with absolutely no driving privileges of any kind.
  • A second refusal within 10 years results in a two-year absolute suspension.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 126, 127

• Seat belts

  All occupants must wear safety belts or shoulder straps in vehicles factory-equipped with them.

  What the manual says

  • Idaho law requires all occupants to wear safety belts and/or shoulder straps in a vehicle equipped with them by the factory.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 41

• Child safety seats

  Children 6 or younger in non-commercial vehicles must ride in approved child car safety seats.

  What the manual says

  • The law requires approved child car safety seats for children 6 years of age or younger in a non-commercial motor vehicle.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 41

• Phone use while driving

  Texting (reading, writing or sending) while driving is an infraction; the law excludes hands-free devices used without either hand.

  What the manual says

  • Reading, writing or sending written communication (text messaging) while driving is illegal and considered an infraction in Idaho.
  • The manual says the law does not apply to hands-free devices without the use of either hand.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 92

• School buses

  Stop for flashing red lights until children are clear; opposite traffic exempt on four-or-more-lane highways, two each way.

  What the manual says

  • You must stop when approaching a school bus displaying flashing red lights while stopped for children, and remain stopped until all children are clear of the roadway and the bus.
  • You do not have to stop if you are traveling in the opposite direction on highways with four or more lanes if two lanes are going in each direction.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 70

• Move Over law

  Slow below the posted limit, cautiously; with two or more lanes your way, move to a non-adjacent lane if safe.

  What the manual says

  • You are required to immediately reduce your speed below the posted limit and proceed with caution.
  • On a road with two or more lanes in your direction, you must also move to a lane not adjacent to the emergency vehicle, as soon as possible if safe.
  • The requirement to slow below the posted limit applies to a tow truck or incident response vehicle as well as to emergency and police vehicles.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 95

• Headlights

  Sunset to sunrise and when poor visibility requires; in daytime when vision drops to about 500 feet.

  What the manual says

  • Headlamps and tail lamps must be lighted from sunset to sunrise and when poor visibility makes them necessary for safety.
  • You are required to turn on your headlights in the daytime when vision is reduced to about 500 feet.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 43, 110

• Right turn on red

  After stopping and yielding to cross-traffic, you may turn right on red, except where posted otherwise.

  What the manual says

  • At a steady red light you may turn right after stopping and yielding to cross-traffic, except where posted otherwise.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 69

• Speed limits

  35 mph residential, business or urban; 65 on state highways (70 if posted); posted limits in school zones.

  What the manual says

  • The maximum speed in any residential, business, or urban district is 35 miles per hour unless otherwise posted.
  • Vehicles shall not exceed 65 miles per hour on state highways, and 70 may be allowed where posted.
  • In school zones, you must observe the posted speed limits.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 68, 69

• Left lane and keeping right

  On freeways the left lane is for faster traffic and passing; don't stay in the extreme left lane impeding traffic.

  What the manual says

  • You may not operate a vehicle in the extreme left-hand lane for a period of time that impedes the flow of other traffic traveling at a lawful rate of speed.
  • The manual says the left lane is for higher-speed traffic and passing.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 69, 85

• Points and suspension

  12 points in 12 months: 30-day suspension; 18 in 24 months: 90 days; 24 in 36: six months.

  What the manual says

  • The point table sets a 30-day suspension for 12 to 17 points in any 12 months.
  • The point table sets a 90-day suspension for 18 to 23 points in any 24 months.
  • The point table sets a 6-month suspension for 24 or more points in any 36 months.

  Source: Idaho Driver's Handbook (July 2026), page 123

Official steps for moving to Idaho

• Apply within 30 days

  When you move to Idaho, you must apply for an Idaho driver’s license or ID card within 30 days of living in Idaho, whether or not your out-of-state license has expired. You must also title and register your vehicle within 30 days of moving.

  Source: [1] [2] [3]

• Transferring an out-of-state license

  To transfer a license from another state, you must surrender it and pass the Class D knowledge test. You must also pass the skills test if your license has been expired for 25 months or more. ITD says an out-of-state license may help you avoid the driving test when you apply for an Idaho license of the same class and endorsements. People from U.S. territories surrender the territory license and pass the knowledge test but do not need the skills test. If an Idaho or out-of-state Class D license has been expired for 25 months or more, you must take all applicable knowledge and skills tests.

  Source: [1] [4]

• If you lost your out-of-state license

  New Idaho applicants who have lost a valid out-of-state license or ID card must give documents to help verify their identity (see “Documents to bring”).

  Source: [1]

• Driver privilege cards

  Driver privilege cards, which differ from standard driver’s licenses and REAL ID cards, are not acceptable as proof of age and identity. ITD’s policy note says an applicant who surrenders one of these out-of-state cards must give additional proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.

  Source: [1] [5]

• A license from another country

  If you hold a foreign Class D license and no CDL anywhere, you are not required to surrender the foreign license or provide a driving record. All foreign drivers must take the knowledge test. A skills test may be required for a foreign license, and it is required when there is no reciprocity agreement; ask the county driver’s license office what applies to your country. Once you have an Idaho license, you may not show or use your foreign license to drive; doing so can bring a misdemeanor citation and a fine. ITD does not issue international driving permits; contact the American Automobile Association (AAA) for one.

  Source: [1] [3]

• Students and military families

  Students at an Idaho college or university who hold a valid license from another state and claim residency in that state do not need an Idaho license. The same goes for U.S. military members on active duty, their spouses and their dependents, if they hold a valid license from another state and claim residency in that state.

  Source: [1]

• Get your Star Card at the same visit

  ITD says that while you are already gathering your documents, you can give a second, different proof of Idaho residency and get a Star Card, Idaho’s REAL ID (see “REAL ID: the Star Card”).

  Source: [3]

Sources

1. Idaho Driver’s Handbook, English, July 2026 edition (itd.idaho.gov) — Idaho Transportation Department
2. Drivers Licenses & ID Cards (ITD DMV) (itd.idaho.gov) — Idaho Transportation Department
3. New to Idaho (ITD guide) (itd.idaho.gov) — Idaho Transportation Department
4. Star Card Acceptable Documents (itd.idaho.gov) — Idaho Transportation Department
5. Driver Privilege Cards Not Acceptable for Identity (policy release note) (itd.idaho.gov) — Idaho Transportation Department