How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Idaho

Moving within Idaho means updating your address with the state so your driver’s license, ID card, and vehicle records stay current. This guide walks through how an Idaho DMV change of address works, what you’ll need, and what to do if something goes wrong.

State Verification: Who Handles Address Changes in Idaho?

In Idaho, DMV services are overseen by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), primarily through its Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

However, not everything is handled in one place:

  • Driver’s licenses and ID cards:
    In Idaho, this is typically handled by the county sheriff’s driver’s license office.
  • Vehicle registration and titles:
    Depending on your county in Idaho, these are usually handled by the county assessor’s motor vehicle or DMV office.

What that means for you:

  • If you need to update the address on your driver’s license or ID, you’ll likely work with a driver’s license office (often run by the sheriff’s office).
  • If you need to update the address on your vehicle registration or title, you may need a separate visit or contact with your county assessor’s motor vehicle office.

Many drivers in Idaho find that it’s easiest to check their county website or the statewide DMV site first to see which office handles which service locally. If you show up at the wrong office, staff can often redirect you, but you might lose your place in line or need a different location altogether.

Why Updating Your Address Matters in Idaho

Keeping your address current with the Idaho DMV and your county office is about more than just having the correct info on your card.

In Idaho, this update typically affects:

  • Driver’s license or ID card
    • Your physical or mailing address on file with the state is used for:
      • Replacement or renewal notices
      • Certain suspension or revocation notices
      • Other official correspondence
  • Vehicle registration
    • Your registration record is tied to:
      • Vehicle tax and fee assessments
      • Registration renewal notices
      • Proof of residency for some local issues
  • Vehicle title
    • The title lists the legal owner’s address.
    • If you sell the car, move a loan, or need to prove ownership, outdated information can slow things down.

If your address is not correct:

  • Important notices may go to your old address, including possible legal or administrative mail.
  • You might not receive renewal reminders for your Idaho driver’s license, ID, or registration.
  • In some situations, law enforcement or insurance companies might see mismatched information between your license and registration.

In Idaho, this is typically handled as an administrative update rather than a major legal process, but keeping your records aligned with your actual residence can help avoid extra trips, delays, or questions.

What You’ll Need for an Idaho DMV Change of Address

Requirements can vary slightly by county in Idaho and by whether you go online, in person, or by mail. Generally, plan to have:

  • Your current Idaho driver’s license or ID card
    • Number and expiration date, if you’re updating online.
  • Vehicle information (if updating registration/title)
    • License plate number
    • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
    • Current registration or title details
  • Your new address (physical and, if different, mailing)
    • Physical address: Where you actually live in Idaho.
    • Mailing address: If your mail goes to a P.O. box or rural route, be ready to list both physical and mailing addresses as needed.
  • Proof of new Idaho address, when required
    • Depending on your county in Idaho and what you are changing, you may be asked for one or more documents, such as:
      • Utility bill
      • Lease or rental agreement
      • Mortgage or property tax statement
      • Pay stub or bank statement
    • The document generally needs to:
      • Show your name
      • Show your new Idaho address
      • Be recent (often within a few months)
  • Personal information
    • Full legal name
    • Date of birth
    • Last four digits of your Social Security number, if requested

If there is an Idaho DMV change of address form (printed or online), you’ll fill it with this same information.

Why Address Change Requests Get Rejected

In Idaho, address updates sometimes get delayed or rejected when:

  • The name or address on your document doesn’t match what you submit.
  • The document is too old, illegible, or missing pages.
  • You used a P.O. box as a physical address where a street address is required.
  • You submitted the request to the wrong office or division (for example, trying to change registration at a driver’s license-only office).
  • Your Idaho license or registration is expired or suspended, and the system won’t let you process a standard update.

If you’re unsure, calling your local county DMV or driver’s license office before you go in can help you avoid a wasted trip.

Step-by-Step Options: How to Change Your Address in Idaho

In Idaho, some address changes may be done online, while others still require an in-person visit or mail-in request, depending on the type of record and your eligibility.

Because Idaho’s DMV services are partly county-based, options can differ slightly by county. Always confirm with your local office or the official Idaho DMV website.

Do License and Registration Update Together?

In Idaho, driver’s license/ID and vehicle registration are not always updated in one step. You may need to:

  • Update your driver’s license/ID address, and
  • Separately update your vehicle registration and/or title.

Check whether your online service or form clearly covers both; if not, assume you must handle them separately.

Online Address Change (If Eligible)

In many parts of Idaho, certain address changes can be made through Idaho DMV online services, especially for:

  • Driver’s license/ID address on record (even if the card itself isn’t reprinted immediately).
  • Sometimes vehicle registration mailing address, depending on the system options available.

To find the correct portal:

  • Go to the official Idaho Transportation Department website (look for “Idaho Transportation Department DMV” in a search engine).
  • Look for a section labeled something like “Online Services” or “Driver’s License & ID” or “Vehicle Services”.
  • Search within that site for “change of address” or “address update”.

Once you’re in the correct online tool, the process usually looks like this:

  1. Access the online system
    • Select the option for address change or update contact information.
  2. Verify your identity
    • Enter your:
      • Idaho driver’s license or ID number
      • Date of birth
      • Possibly the last four digits of your SSN or other requested info
  3. Enter your new address
    • Provide:
      • New physical residence address in Idaho
      • New mailing address, if different (this is where renewal notices are sent)
  4. Confirm which records to update
    • Some Idaho online tools will let you update both your license/ID and registration mailing address.
    • Others may be limited to driver’s license/ID records only.
  5. Review and submit
    • Double-check spelling, apartment numbers, and ZIP code.
    • Submit your request.
    • Save or print any confirmation page or email.

In Idaho, this is typically handled almost instantly on the backend, but any new physical card or registration document may still come by mail later, if applicable.

If the system does not allow you to update your address—for example, if your license is too close to expiring—you may be instructed to visit a driver’s license office in person.

In-Person Address Change in Idaho

Many residents in Idaho still update their address in person, especially if:

  • You need a new physical driver’s license or ID card showing the new address.
  • You are making other changes at the same time (for example, upgrading a license class, Real ID update, or name change).
  • You have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
  • You are a new resident to Idaho getting your first Idaho documents.

In Idaho, this is typically handled by county driver’s license offices for licenses/IDs and county assessor motor vehicle offices for registrations and titles.

How to Update Your Driver’s License/ID Address In Person

  1. Find the right office
    • Search online for your Idaho county driver’s license office.
    • Confirm:
      • Hours
      • Whether you need an appointment
      • Whether they offer address updates and card reprints
  2. Gather your documents
    • Current Idaho driver’s license or ID card.
    • Proof of new Idaho address, if required by that office.
    • Any additional documents if you are also doing a renewal, Real ID, or name change.
  3. Visit the office
    • Let staff know you need an address change and, if wanted, a new license/ID card.
    • Complete any address change form provided at the counter, if used.
  4. Confirm what gets updated
    • Ask whether:
      • Your license record is updated only, or
      • Your card will also be reprinted.
  5. Pay any applicable fee, if a new card or credential is requested.
  6. Receive your receipt or temporary document
    • Some offices may issue a temporary paper license while a new card is mailed.

How to Update Your Vehicle Registration/Title Address In Person

  1. Locate your county motor vehicle or assessor’s office
    • This is often not the same office as the driver’s license office.
  2. Bring
    • Your current registration (and title, if specifically updating the title address).
    • Your license/ID for identification.
    • Your new address details.
  3. Request an address update
    • Staff may update your registration record and, if applicable, issue a new registration or note the new mailing address on file.
  4. Ask whether the title address is also updated
    • In some counties in Idaho, title records update automatically with your registration address; in others you may need a specific request.

Mail-In Address Change in Idaho (If Available)

Some counties in Idaho may allow you to update address information by mail, particularly for:

  • Vehicle registration records, and sometimes
  • Driver’s license mailing address only (not for a new card).

Because Idaho uses county-level offices, whether you can use mail and which form you must use can vary.

To use mail safely:

  1. Check your county DMV/assessor website
    • Look for “address change,” “address update,” or “DMV change of address Idaho”.
    • Confirm:
      • Which records can be updated by mail
      • Which form, if any, is required
      • Where to mail it
  2. Complete any Idaho DMV change of address form
    • Use black or blue ink.
    • Write clearly and fully (no abbreviations that could confuse addresses).
  3. Include copies (not originals) of any requested documents
    • For example, a copy of your current registration or proof of address.
  4. Mail it to the exact address listed
    • Use the official county or state address given on the form or website.
    • Consider using trackable mail if you’re concerned about proof of delivery.
  5. Allow time for processing
    • Then verify later via online services or a quick call to see if the update went through.

If you don’t see a clear mail-in option for your county in Idaho, assume you may need to use online or in-person methods instead.

After You Submit Your Address Change

Once you’ve requested an Idaho DMV change of address—online, in person, or by mail—several things typically happen:

  • Your DMV record is updated
    • The system should now show your new Idaho address for the records you updated (license/ID, registration, and/or title).
  • A new card or document may be issued
    • If you requested or were required to get a new driver’s license/ID card, it may be:
      • Printed on-site, or
      • Mailed to your updated address.
    • If your registration is reissued, you may receive:
      • A new registration document
      • Possibly a new address label, depending on office practices
  • Mail will begin going to your new address
    • Future notices, such as renewal reminders, will use your updated address, assuming all related records were updated.

In Idaho, many residents choose to double-check their updated address by using:

  • The online renewal or record lookup tools on the official Idaho DMV website, or
  • A quick phone call to the county office that processed the change.

If a new card or document doesn’t arrive after a reasonable period, it’s wise to contact the office to confirm your mailing address and the status of your request.

Special Situations for Idaho Drivers

Some address changes in Idaho involve additional steps or special rules.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Holders

For CDL holders in Idaho:

  • You usually must handle address changes in person at a driver’s license office that can process CDLs.
  • Federal and state regulations often require that your CDL address reflect your true residence.
  • Bring:
    • Your current CDL
    • Proof of your new Idaho address, if requested

Depending on your type of CDL and endorsements, you may have to complete additional paperwork. Check in advance with the Idaho DMV or your county CDL office.

Active-Duty Military and Families

If you are stationed in Idaho or are an Idaho resident serving out of state:

  • In Idaho, this is typically handled with some flexibility for military personnel, such as allowing certain updates by mail or online.
  • If you are temporarily out of state, verify:
    • Whether you can update only your mailing address for DMV notices.
    • Whether a new physical card is required or can be deferred.

Because military situations differ, it’s best to contact the Idaho DMV or your home county directly and ask how to handle an address change while deployed or living temporarily elsewhere.

College Students in Idaho

If you are an out-of-state student attending school in Idaho:

  • You may still maintain an out-of-state driver’s license, depending on your situation, but if you obtain an Idaho license or register your car in Idaho, your Idaho DMV address should match where you actually live or receive mail.
  • Depending on your county in Idaho, dorm addresses may be accepted, but some students use a local mailing address plus a separate physical address on file.

If you’re an Idaho resident attending school in another state, you may be able to update your mailing address to ensure you receive renewal notices and other mail where you live during the school year.

New Residents Moving to Idaho

If you’ve just moved to Idaho from another state:

  • An address change with the Idaho DMV is part of getting your:
    • First Idaho driver’s license or ID, and
    • First Idaho vehicle registration and title.
  • You’ll typically need to:
    • Bring proof of Idaho residency.
    • Surrender your out-of-state license when you apply for an Idaho license.
    • Register your vehicle in Idaho within the timeframe required by law (check the official Idaho site or contact your county).

In this scenario, you won’t “change” your address with Idaho so much as establish a new Idaho record from scratch.

P.O. Boxes and Rural Routes

In many rural areas of Idaho, residents rely on P.O. boxes or rural route mail delivery.

  • The Idaho DMV and county offices typically need your physical residence address (where you actually live) even if your mail goes to a P.O. box.
  • When completing your address change:
    • List your physical address in the proper field.
    • Use your P.O. box or rural route in the mailing address field if provided.

This helps ensure both legal and mailing records stay accurate for Idaho residents who can’t receive mail at their street address.

Changing Your Name and Address Together

If you’ve both:

  • Changed your name (for example through marriage, divorce, or court order), and
  • Moved to a new address in Idaho,

it is usually more efficient to handle both changes in one in-person visit.

You may need:

  • Legal proof of your name change (e.g., marriage certificate, court order).
  • Proof of your new Idaho address.
  • Your current Idaho license/ID and vehicle documents.

In Idaho, combining these updates at a driver’s license office and, if needed, at a county assessor motor vehicle office can minimize repeat trips.

Troubleshooting: If Your Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

Sometimes, an Idaho DMV change of address doesn’t work as expected. Here are common issues and possible next steps.

Online Address Change Rejected or Error

If the online system won’t accept your address change:

  • Check your entries carefully
    • Confirm your license/ID number, date of birth, and any ID info are correct.
    • Make sure your new address is complete (street, apartment, city, ZIP).
  • Look for eligibility messages
    • The system may state:
      • Your license is too close to expiration,
      • You have a suspension, or
      • Your type of license isn’t eligible for online updates.
  • Try a different browser or device
    • Sometimes technical issues can cause failures.

If it still doesn’t work, Idaho residents are usually advised to visit a local DMV or driver’s license office or call the help number listed on the official site for online services.

You Submitted a Change, but Records Still Show Your Old Address

If, after some processing time, your Idaho records are not showing the new address:

  1. Verify which records you updated
    • Did you update:
      • Driver’s license/ID only?
      • Registration only?
      • Both?
  2. Check online or call
    • Use the Idaho DMV online system or contact your county office to ask:
      • Whether they received your request
      • Whether additional documentation is needed
  3. Confirm the office
    • Ensure you sent any mail-in request to the correct county or state address, not a neighboring county or unrelated office.

Many drivers in Idaho find that a quick call to the local office clears up misunderstandings about which record was updated and when.

Your Request Was Rejected

If you receive a notice or are told your Idaho address change was rejected:

  • Ask why
    • Common reasons:
      • Insufficient or unacceptable proof of address
      • Name mismatch between documents
      • Suspended or expired license/registration
  • Gather better documentation
    • Provide clearer, more recent, or additional documents that show your new Idaho address.
  • Return or resubmit as instructed
    • If they direct you to another office (e.g., to a driver’s license office instead of an assessor’s office), follow that guidance.

Depending on your county in Idaho, there may be a specific staff member or help desk that can review complicated cases or special address setups (like multi-unit rural properties).

License Address Updated, but Registration Didn’t (or Vice Versa)

Because driver’s license and vehicle registration systems in Idaho can be somewhat separate:

  • Updating your driver’s license address does not always automatically update your vehicle registration address.
  • The reverse is also true.

If you notice a mismatch:

  1. Identify which record is incorrect
    • Check your license/ID and your registration card.
  2. Update the missing record
    • If your registration is wrong, contact your county assessor’s motor vehicle office.
    • If your driver’s license or ID address is wrong, contact a county driver’s license office.

In Idaho, this is typically handled quickly once you reach the correct office for the specific record.

Moved Out of Idaho (Out-of-State Scenario)

If you’ve moved out of Idaho permanently:

  • You typically will:
    • Obtain a new driver’s license in your new state of residence, and
    • Register and title your vehicle there according to that state’s rules.
  • You might not need to file a formal Idaho DMV change of address if you are surrendering your Idaho credentials and no longer keeping vehicles registered in Idaho.

However, until your Idaho records are updated or closed:

  • Some mail could still be sent to your last Idaho address on file.
  • If you leave a vehicle registered in Idaho while living elsewhere, it becomes especially important to keep the mailing address for that vehicle up to date.

For official guidance, search for the Idaho Transportation Department DMV website and look for information on moving out of state or surrendering Idaho plates/license.

Helpful Official Resources

To safely access official information and online tools:

  • Search for “Idaho Transportation Department DMV online services” to locate the main portal for license and registration services.
  • Search for “Idaho DMV office locations” or your “[Your County] Idaho driver’s license office” to confirm addresses, hours, and services.

One commonly used official site is:

  • Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) main site:
    https://itd.idaho.gov

From there, you can navigate to DMV, Drivers, and Vehicles sections, and search internally for “change of address” or “address update”.

Keeping your address current with the Idaho DMV and your county motor vehicle offices helps ensure you receive all important notices and that your documents match where you actually live. Your next steps are:

  1. Decide which records you need to update: driver’s license/ID, registration, title, or all three.
  2. Check whether you can use online services or if you’ll need an in-person or mail-in update for your situation.
  3. Gather your ID, vehicle information, and proof of Idaho address so your request won’t be delayed.

With the right documents and the correct office, most DMV change of address Idaho updates can be handled in a single short transaction.