The Idaho state ID is designed for residents who do not intend to drive in the state. The ID card essentially allows you to identify yourself in a variety of circumstances – when questioned by police, when purchasing alcohol or during any other activity when you may need to show formal proof of your identity. The only difference is, this official credential does not allow you driving privileges like an Idaho drivers license.

In order to get an identification card in Idaho successfully, you need to learn what documents you need to bring to prove your identity, where you can apply for a card, how much it costs and why you may choose to get a card that is REAL ID-compliant. Once you are issued your credential, it is equally important to learn the processes associated with renewal and replacement.

Idaho DMV ID Requirements

The process for how to get a new ID in Idaho is different than the process for getting your license. This is because DMV state ID requirements are less strict than driver’s license requirements. You can get an ID without taking a knowledge exam or a practice exam, because the card does not allow you to drive. Additionally, there are no age requirements enforced for identity credentials in the state.

There are two, main requirements asked of all applicants. These include the below:

  1. You must be a resident of the state.
  2. You must have legal presence in the United States.

Note that you cannot have a non-driver ID card and a driver’s license issued in your name at the same time. If your license has not expired, but you wish to get an ID card, you will need to surrender the license before you can get your new ID. An expired driver’s license can be used to prove your identity when applying for your ID card, however, but you are not required to surrender it.

Keep in mind that Idaho’s child ID card does not have different requirements than the card for adults. This ID is the only form of state-issued identification minors can get before they are of driving age.

What do you need to get an ID in Idaho?

The documents required for state ID are the same as those required for a driver’s license, even though the eligibility and age requirements are not. The documents needed for a state ID in Idaho include:

  • One proof of identification. You can use an expired ID, out-of-state ID, passport, birth certificate, Permanent Resident card, employment authorization document or military ID.
  • One proof of your Social Security Number (SSN). You can use a Social Security card, W-2, 1099 or pay stub (The paystub will only be accepted if it lists both your name and full SSN.)
  • One proof of your residency. When getting your identification card, you can use a housing contract, a utility bill, bank correspondence, school records and ID, a Military LES, employment records, a paycheck, a hotel, motel RV or campground receipt or a residency affidavit, so long as these documents were issued no more than 60 days previously. Note that court documents, property tax receipts or proof of vehicle insurance will be accepted no matter the issuance date, so long as you bring the current copy.

Keep in mind that your documents should not be photocopied, faxed or laminated in order to be considered valid.

Most offices allow you to pay your DMV ID card fee with cash or a check. That said, acceptable payment methods are not standard throughout the state, and some offices also allow payment with a credit card, debit card or money order. If you need to pay for your ID and cannot bring cash or a check, you should call the office ahead of time before visiting.

How to Get an ID in Idaho

When determining where to get a state ID in Idaho, you should contact your local sheriff’s office. You need to get this DMV service fulfilled at the sheriff’s office, because these credentials are handed out at these locations.

If you are wondering how to get ID online in Idaho, the answer is simple: you cannot. The reason you cannot get ID online is that the in-person visit allows the office to inspect your documents to check and see that they are legitimate.

You need to go to the DMV to get ID, meaning, the office does not accept mail or phone applications, either. When you are ready to apply, simply compile the documents listed in the section above (or refer to the section below, if you want a REAL ID) and visit the sheriff’s office. No exams are required when obtaining this type of Idaho credential; this includes eye or medical exams.

REAL ID Cards in Idaho

The Idaho REAL ID card, also known as the Star Card, will be required for the purposes of government identification starting on October 1, 2020. This means knowing how to get an ID card that is REAL ID-compliant is important, because you will need one in order to board domestic flights or enter other areas secured by the federal government.

Take note that a passport will still be required if you are boarding international flights. A passport may be used in lieu of a REAL ID, but a REAL ID may not be used in lieu of a passport.

To apply for REAL ID card credentials, you need to bring four documents to the DMV. The documents required for REAL ID in Idaho are:

  • One proof of identification.
  • One proof of Social Security Number.
  • Two proofs of residency.

Your documents should not be photocopied, faxed or laminated. Consult the list in the section above, titled, “What do you need to get an ID in Idaho?” to see what types of documents are accepted.

The documents required for getting a REAL ID identity card in Idaho are similar to the requirements for getting a regular ID. The biggest differences are:

  • You cannot use a state ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant in order to prove your identity.
  • You need two proof of residency, instead of one.

You can get a new ID once you are a resident of Idaho. If this is the first ID you are getting in Idaho, you can simply apply for a REAL ID. If, on the other hand, you already have an Idaho ID, you can get a replacement DMV identification card for $25. Alternatively, you are allowed to renew up to 25 months before the card’s expiration date. If your card expires no more than 25 months after the REAL ID program starts on October 1, 2020, this is the most affordable option.

How to Renew or Replace a State ID in Idaho

If you lost ID card credentials and you are currently located in Idaho, you can go to the sheriff’s office and get a replacement ID card. Make sure you know what forms of payment the sheriff’s office accepts. You will not need to bring the documents listed above to get your duplicate ID, as they will already be on file.

If you are out of state and have lost your ID, you will need to fill out the Internet Application for Replacement Idaho Driver’s License or Identification Card. This application can be faxed to: 208-334-8586. You can also mail it to the below address:

Idaho Transportation Department Driver’s License

P.O. Box 7129

Boise, ID 83707-1129

If you get a replacement DMV identification card online, you can pay using a credit card, debit card, check or money order. The replacement cost is the same as the cost of getting your initial ID.

You can renew your ID no more than 25 months before it is set to expire. The state will send you a renewal notice, which you can either send back or bring to a sheriff’s office. The Idaho ID renewal fee will be listed on your notice.

DMV ID Costs in Idaho

How much does an ID cost in Idaho? The Idaho DMV ID cost is the same, no matter your age, location, ID type or level of income. This means that a child identification credential costs the same amount as the one for adults, and that REAL IDs do not come with any extra fees. The current price for the Idaho identification card is $10.

Last updated on Wednesday, March 4 2020.