What a STAR ID is and who can get one

A STAR ID is an Idaho state identification card that does not require a driver's license. It is issued by the Idaho Department of Transportation and works as a valid form of identification for everyday purposes — banking, voting, boarding domestic flights, and entering federal buildings. You do not need to pass a driving test or prove driving ability to get one.

Idaho residents who are 18 or older can get a STAR ID. You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and you must live in Idaho. The card is also available to people under 18, though the process and requirements differ slightly.

The STAR ID is not the same as a Real ID. A Real ID is a driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards and is required for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025. A STAR ID can be either a standard ID or a Real ID, depending on which documents you bring and which version you request.

Key Takeaways

  • A STAR ID is a state identification card from Idaho that does not require you to have a driver's license or pass a driving test.
  • You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and an Idaho resident to get a standard STAR ID.
  • You can request a Real ID version of the STAR ID if you bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Idaho residency.
  • The Idaho Department of Transportation issues STAR IDs at driver's license offices across the state, and you must visit in person.
  • Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Idaho address — the exact documents depend on which version you want.

Documents you need to bring

The documents required depend on whether you want a standard STAR ID or a Real ID version. Both require proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Idaho address.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or an I-797 approval notice. A passport is the easiest option because it proves identity, citizenship, and date of birth all at once.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub that shows your full Social Security number. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

For proof of Idaho address, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a government-issued document showing your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the most common choice.

If you want a Real ID version, you must bring all of the above plus one additional document proving your identity and residency together — such as a passport, or a combination of documents that the DMV staff will verify. Ask the office which documents they accept before you visit, because the list can vary slightly by location.

Where to go and how to make an appointment

The Idaho Department of Transportation issues STAR IDs at driver's license offices in every county. You must visit in person — you cannot get a STAR ID by mail or online. To find the office nearest you, go to the Idaho DMV website and use their office locator tool, or call 208-334-8736.

Most Idaho DMV offices accept walk-ins, but wait times can be long, especially in mid-morning and early afternoon. Many offices also allow you to make an appointment online through the Idaho DMV website. Making an appointment is not required, but it usually cuts your wait time significantly.

Check the office hours before you go. Some offices close for lunch, and hours vary by location. If you are traveling from out of state or have a complex situation, call ahead to confirm that the office can handle your request that day.

The cost and how long it takes

A standard STAR ID costs $24.50 in Idaho. A Real ID version costs $29.50. These are one-time fees for the card itself. If you need a replacement card later because it is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will pay the replacement fee, which is the same as the original fee.

You will receive your STAR ID on the same day you explore, as long as all your documents are in order and the office is not unusually busy. The card is printed while you wait. If there is a problem with your documents or your process, the office will tell you what is missing and you may need to return with additional paperwork.

Your STAR ID is valid for eight years from the date of issue. When it expires, you will need to renew it in person at a driver's license office.

Real ID versus standard STAR ID

The main difference between a standard STAR ID and a Real ID is which documents you need to bring and what you can use it for. A standard STAR ID works for most everyday identification — banking, voting, entering state buildings. A Real ID is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal facilities after May 7, 2025.

To get a Real ID version, you must bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Idaho residency — the same documents as a standard ID, but the DMV staff will verify them more carefully against federal databases. The process takes the same amount of time and you still receive the card the same day.

If you are not sure which version you need, ask yourself: Do I plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building in the next eight years? If yes, get the Real ID version. The extra $5 is worth avoiding a trip back to the DMV later. If you only need ID for local purposes, a standard STAR ID is sufficient.

What to do if your documents are not in order

If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you can order one before you visit the DMV. A certified birth certificate can be ordered from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare or from the state where you were born — the process takes one to two weeks. A U.S. passport can be ordered through the State Department website, though expedited service can take several weeks.

If you do not have proof of your Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. They can issue a letter confirming your number, which the DMV will accept.

If you do not have proof of your Idaho address, ask a utility company, your landlord, or your mortgage lender for a statement in your name. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease or rental agreement with your current address will work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a STAR ID if I have never had a driver's license?

Yes. A STAR ID does not require any driving history or a driver's license. You only need to prove your identity, Social Security number, and Idaho residency. The process is the same whether you have held a license before or not.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can get a STAR ID if you are a lawful permanent resident. Bring your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or an I-797 approval notice as proof of identity. Other immigration statuses may not be may be able to access — contact the Idaho DMV directly to confirm your status.

Can I renew my STAR ID by mail?

No. You must renew in person at a driver's license office. When your card is about to expire, the DMV will send you a notice. Bring that notice, your expired card, and proof of your current address to any office to renew.

Do I need a STAR ID if I already have a driver's license?

No. A driver's license serves the same purpose as a STAR ID for identification. You would only get a STAR ID if you do not drive or do not want to maintain a driver's license.

What if I lose my STAR ID?

Report it to the Idaho DMV as soon as possible. You can call 208-334-8736 or visit a driver's license office to request a replacement. Bring proof of your identity and Idaho address. The replacement fee is the same as the original card cost.