Idaho law requires that motor vehicle owners must register their vehicle with the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles before taking it on the road. Both new and second-hand vehicles must be registered, regardless of whether they are purchased from a dealer or an individual. In addition, new Idaho residents who have registered their vehicle in another state must register their vehicle in Idaho. The initial vehicle registration must be done in person, and registration renewals must be done annually, either in person, online or by mail.

If you purchase a vehicle in Idaho itself, you have 30 days to register it. You will be fined $20 if you register it after this period. If you have bought a vehicle outside Idaho, you will need to register it within 30 days of bringing it into the State. If you are a new resident of Idaho, you will need to register within 90 days.

INITIAL REGISTRATION

If you are registering a motor vehicle in Idaho for the first time, you must complete the following steps:

1. Complete a vehicle title/registration form.
2. Get your vehicle inspected if you are in Ada County. Vehicle inspections must be performed at an inspection station or by an inspector that has been licensed by the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles. Find out more about vehicle inspections in Idaho. Once the vehicle passes inspection, you will be issued an inspection certification.
3. Visit your County Assessor's office, and bring the completed title/registration form with you, along with the inspection certification. In addition, you will need to provide proof of insurance, and the odometer reading, if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
4. For vehicles that have been registered in another state, you must also bring the original, out-of-state title. If the title is unavailable, bring the registration document, along with proof of sales tax payment.
5. You can also order license plates. A regular license plate will cost you $25; the fees for special ones vary.

REGISTRATION FEES

When registering your vehicle at the county assessor's office, you will be required to pay certain fees, typically as follows:

1. The registration fee, which varies depending on the manufacturer's model year or the vehicle's total weight.
2. Title application fee which is $8.

There may be additional fees when you register, depending on your county. Contact the County Assessor's office for the specific requirements.

RENEWING YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Owners of motor vehicles in Idaho are required to renew their vehicle registration annually, and can do so in person, online or by mail or by phone. See our Registration Renewal section for complete details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If you are a non-resident active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces or a non-resident full-time student attending an Idaho college or university, you are not required to title or register your vehicle.
• The process for registering a motorcycle is generally the same as a car registration; however, there are different procedures for boat registration and custom car registration.
• Auto Insurance is needed to legally operate all vehicles in Idaho.
• See also Renewing Your Vehicle Registration.
• See also Title Transfers and Car Insurance.