Idaho ID renewal is handled by your county sheriff's office, not the DMV
Idaho does not have a separate DMV. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) handles driver's licenses and vehicle registration, but state ID cards are issued and renewed through your county sheriff's office. This matters because the location, hours, and exact documents you need depend on which county you live in, not on a single statewide process.
If you need to renew a state ID card (the non-driver identification card), you will visit your sheriff's office in person. If you need to renew a driver's license instead, that goes through ITD. The two are different documents with different renewal paths.
Key Takeaways
- State ID cards are renewed at your county sheriff's office, while driver's licenses go through the Idaho Transportation Department.
- You must renew in person at your sheriff's office; there is no mail-in or online renewal for state ID cards in Idaho.
- You will need your current ID, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence — the exact documents vary slightly by county.
- Renewal fees are set by each county sheriff's office and typically range from $20 to $30, but call ahead to confirm your county's cost.
- Processing time is usually same-day or within a few days, though some counties may take longer during busy periods.
What documents to bring to your county sheriff's office
Bring your current state ID card or a valid form of identification. If your ID is expired, bring it anyway — it still counts as proof of identity for renewal purposes. You will also need proof of residency, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address dated within the last 60 days.
You must also show proof of citizenship or legal presence. This can be a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card). Some counties accept a Social Security card as supplemental proof but not as the primary document. Call your county sheriff's office before you go — the exact list of acceptable documents varies slightly between counties, and you do not want to make a second trip.
Bring payment in cash or check; not all sheriff's offices accept cards. The fee is set by your county and typically ranges from $20 to $30. Some counties charge extra if you need a replacement card sooner than your regular renewal date.
How to find your county sheriff's office and hours
Search online for "[Your County Name] Sheriff's Office Idaho" or visit the Idaho Sheriffs' Association website, which links to each county's office. Call ahead to confirm their hours — many sheriff's offices are not open on weekends, and some have limited weekday hours. Some counties offer appointments, while others operate on a walk-in basis.
If you live in a rural area far from the sheriff's office, ask whether they have a satellite location or whether any other county office can process renewals. A few counties partner with other agencies to offer ID services in multiple locations, but this varies widely.
Differences between state ID and driver's license renewal
A state ID card is a non-driver identification card issued by your county sheriff's office. It proves your identity and age but does not authorize you to drive. A driver's license is issued by the Idaho Transportation Department and authorizes you to operate a vehicle. If you hold a driver's license and do not need a separate state ID, you do not need to visit the sheriff's office.
Driver's license renewals go through ITD online, by mail, or in person at an ITD office. State ID renewals must happen in person at your sheriff's office. The two documents have different expiration dates and renewal schedules, so check which one you actually hold before you plan your visit.
What happens if your ID is lost or stolen
If your state ID is lost or stolen, you still go to your county sheriff's office, but you may need to file a report or sign a statement saying the card is missing. Some counties require this; others do not. Call your sheriff's office first to ask what they need from you.
The replacement process is the same as renewal — bring proof of residency, proof of citizenship or legal presence, and payment. Processing time is usually the same, though some counties prioritize replacement cards. Ask whether you can get a temporary ID while you wait for the permanent card to be printed.
Renewal timeline and processing time
Most Idaho counties process state ID renewals on the same day or within a few business days. The card is printed on-site or sent to you by mail, depending on your county's system. Call ahead to ask whether your county prints cards in-office or mails them, so you know when to expect your new ID.
If you need your ID urgently, tell the sheriff's office staff when you arrive. Some counties can expedite printing or mail delivery, though this may cost extra. Do not assume expedited service is available — ask first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my state ID by mail or online?
No. Idaho state ID cards must be renewed in person at your county sheriff's office. There is no mail-in or online renewal option. You must visit the office with your documents and payment.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
Call your county sheriff's office and ask what alternative documents they accept as proof of citizenship or legal presence. Some counties accept naturalization papers, permanent resident cards, or tribal identification. Do not assume your documents will work — confirm before you go.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
This varies by county. Some sheriff's offices take walk-ins only, while others require appointments. Call your county office to ask. If appointments are required and you show up without one, you may be turned away or have to wait a long time.
How much does it cost to renew a state ID in Idaho?
The fee is set by your county sheriff's office and typically ranges from $20 to $30. Call your county office to confirm the exact cost before you go. Some counties charge extra for expedited service or replacement cards.
What if my address has changed since my last ID?
Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or government mail dated within 60 days). The sheriff's office will update your address during renewal. You do not need to change your address separately.