Moving to Idaho, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain what a new resident must do and by when.
• You can say which tests apply to out-of-state and foreign drivers.
• You can describe what the Star Card is for.
• You can plan a renewal or extension.

What you need to know and understand

• New residents must apply for an Idaho license within 30 days, and surrender their out-of-state license.
• Out-of-state and US territory drivers take the knowledge test. A skills test is only needed if the license expired 25 months or more ago.
• College students and active-duty military, and their families, who keep residency elsewhere and hold a valid license from that state, do not need an Idaho license.
• The Star Card is Idaho's REAL ID. Since May 7, 2025, you need it, a valid passport or another federally accepted ID to fly commercially or enter certain federal buildings.
• Adults 21 and over can renew in person up to 25 months early. Renewals last 4 years, or 8 years if you are 21 to 62.
• Vision screening is required at every renewal. Eligible online renewals get a $5 discount.

Transferring a license

1. Gather proof of identity, Social Security number, Idaho residency and lawful presence or citizenship.
2. Visit a county driver's license office within 30 days of moving.
3. Surrender your out-of-state license and pass a vision screening (20/40 in at least one eye).
4. Pass the Class D knowledge test.
5. Take a skills test only if your license has been expired 25 months or more, or if the office has safety concerns.

Drivers from other countries

Foreign drivers must always pass the knowledge test, and most must also take a skills test. Drivers from Germany do not need to surrender their license or take the skills test. According to the handbook, drivers from Korea or Taiwan skip the skills test only if they surrender their foreign license. Other foreign drivers keep their foreign license but may not use it to drive in Idaho once they hold an Idaho license. Check current rules with ITD, as these arrangements can change. A deeper guide to moving to Idaho is available elsewhere on this site.

Star Card, renewals and extensions

To get a Star Card you need proof of identity and lawful presence, any name change documents, your Social Security number and two proofs of Idaho residency. A Star Card is optional, but without it you will need a passport or another federally accepted ID for domestic flights.

Licenses expire on your birthday. If you will be out of state then, you can get an extension of up to 12 months for $10, and one more after that. Active-duty military and their dependents can extend as often as needed. Report an address change within 30 days, online or at a county office. If your license has been expired 25 months or more, you must retake the knowledge and skills tests.

Common mistakes

• Waiting until your old license expires. The 30-day limit starts when you move.
• Bringing only one proof of address for a Star Card. Two are required.
• Letting a license lapse more than two years, which means retesting.
• Forgetting to update your address within 30 days.

Test yourself: Moving to Idaho, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Moving to Idaho
• Idaho GDL Rules and the Supervised Instruction Permit
• Idaho Permit Test