What the Blaine County DMV handles and where to find it
Blaine County does not have its own DMV office. Instead, the Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD) handles all driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and related services through its regional office in Hailey, which serves Blaine County residents. This is the office you contact for renewals, address changes, title transfers, and new registrations.
The Hailey office is located at 415 Main Street, Hailey, ID 83333. You can reach them by phone at (208) 788-7110 during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Because this is a single regional office serving the entire county, wait times can vary depending on the season and time of day.
If you live in a remote part of Blaine County and cannot easily reach Hailey, you may be able to handle some transactions online through the ITD website or by mail, though not all services are available through these methods. The office staff can tell you over the phone which transactions you can complete remotely.
Key Takeaways
- The Hailey ITD office at 415 Main Street is the only full-service location for Blaine County driver's licenses and vehicle registration.
- You can renew your driver's license online through the ITD website if you meet certain requirements, which saves a trip to Hailey.
- Vehicle registration renewals can be completed by mail or online, but title transfers and new registrations typically require an in-person visit.
- The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closes on state holidays, so plan accordingly during peak seasons.
- Bring your current ID and any documents related to your transaction, as the office cannot process incomplete applications.
Driver's license renewals and replacements in Blaine County
Idaho allows you to renew your driver's license online if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes that require verification. To renew online, visit the ITD website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. The fee is paid by credit or debit card. Your renewed license will be mailed to your current address within 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot renew online—because your license is expired, you need to update your address, or you prefer to renew in person—you must visit the Hailey office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and any documents required for an address change. The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, you must go to the Hailey office in person. Bring your current ID if you have one, or bring two forms of identification that show your name and date of birth. The replacement fee is separate from a renewal fee.
Vehicle registration and title transfers through the Hailey office
Vehicle registration renewals can be completed online, by mail, or in person at the Hailey office. Online renewal is the fastest option if your vehicle information has not changed. You will need your registration renewal notice, which is mailed to you before your registration expires. Pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and your new registration will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Idaho or transferring a title from another state, you must visit the Hailey office in person. Bring the vehicle's title or bill of sale, proof of ownership, proof of your current address, and proof of insurance. The office will also conduct a vehicle identification number (VIN) verification to confirm the vehicle matches the paperwork. This process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Title transfers between Idaho residents can sometimes be completed by mail if both parties sign the title and submit it with the required fee. Call the Hailey office to confirm whether your specific transfer can be done by mail or requires an in-person visit.
Address changes and how to report them
If you move within Blaine County or to another part of Idaho, you must update your address with ITD. You can change your driver's license address online through the ITD website if you have a valid license and no other changes are needed. The change takes effect when ready, though your physical license will still show your old address until you renew it.
Vehicle registration address changes must also be reported to ITD. You can update this online, by mail, or in person at the Hailey office. If you move out of state, you will need to transfer your registration and license to your new state's DMV, and you should do this as soon as possible to avoid penalties.
If you change your address but do not update it with ITD, you may miss renewal notices, and your license or registration could be suspended if you fail to renew on time. The office recommends updating your address within 30 days of moving.
What documents you need for common transactions
| Transaction | Documents Needed | Where to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Renew driver's license (online) | Current license number, date of birth | ITD website |
| Renew driver's license (in person) | Current license, proof of address | Hailey office |
| Replace lost or stolen license | Two forms of ID with name and DOB | Hailey office |
| Renew vehicle registration (online) | Registration renewal notice | ITD website |
| Register new vehicle or transfer title | Title or bill of sale, proof of ownership, proof of address, proof of insurance | Hailey office |
| Change address on license or registration | Current license or registration, proof of new address | Online, by mail, or Hailey office |
Fees and payment methods at the Hailey office
Driver's license renewal fees in Idaho are based on the length of the license. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Replacement licenses have a separate fee. Vehicle registration fees depend on the vehicle's weight and age. The Hailey office accepts cash, check, and credit or debit card for in-person transactions. Online and mail payments must be made by credit or debit card.
If you are unsure of the exact fee for your transaction, call the Hailey office at (208) 788-7110 before you visit. This prevents you from making a trip only to find you do not have enough cash or the correct payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my driver's license by mail in Blaine County?
Idaho does not offer mail renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew online if your license is current and you have no address changes, or you can renew in person at the Hailey office. Mail renewal is not an option.
How long does it take to get a new license or registration after I visit the Hailey office?
If you renew or register in person, your new license or registration is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper document at the office that you can use until the permanent one arrives.
What if I need to register a vehicle but I do not have the title yet?
You cannot register a vehicle without proof of ownership, which is the title or bill of sale. If your title is in the mail or held by a lender, contact the Hailey office to ask about holding your registration until the title arrives. Do not drive an unregistered vehicle.
Is there a way to avoid going to the Hailey office if I live far away?
Many transactions can be completed online or by mail, including license renewals, registration renewals, and address changes. Call (208) 788-7110 to confirm whether your specific transaction can be done remotely before making the drive to Hailey.
What happens if my license or registration expires while I am waiting for a renewal?
If you renew before the expiration date, you are covered even if the new license or registration has not arrived yet. If your license or registration expires before you renew, you may face penalties or fines. Renew at least two weeks before your expiration date to allow time for mail delivery.