Navigating the “DMV” in Idaho can be confusing, because there isn’t one. The secret you need to know is that all services are handled at the county level and split between two different offices.
- For your LICENSE (Driver’s License, REAL ID, Permit): You must visit your local County Sheriff’s Office.
- For your CAR (Plates, Title, Registration): You must visit your local County Assessor’s Office.
This guide will show you how to find the right office and get the right appointment (if you even need one), starting with the most common question.
Does My County in Idaho Even Require an Appointment?
This is the most important question. There is NO state-wide appointment system. Each of Idaho’s 44 counties sets its own policy.
- High-Population Counties (like Ada County/Boise): These offices are often by appointment only for all driver’s license services. They use their own booking portals.
- Most Other Counties (Rural/Suburban): Most Sheriff’s and Assessor’s offices in Idaho are walk-in only. An appointment is not required or even offered.
Your first step is to check your local county’s website. You can find a full list of all 44 county offices on the Official ITD County Offices Page.
Driver’s License, REAL ID & Test Appointments (Sheriff’s Office)
This process is for your person.
- If you live in Ada County: You must use their specific portal: [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://dmvscheduling.adacounty.id.gov/]
- For a Permit/Written Test: Select “Driver License” > “Testing first time license and permit.”
- For a Road Test: Select “Driver License” > “Testing first time license and permit.”
- For a Renewal/Duplicate: Select “Driver License” > “Renewals, duplicates, and Id cards.”
- If you live in ANY OTHER county: You must check your local County Sheriff’s website. Do not use the Ada County link. You will likely be a walk-in.
Vehicle Registration & Plates Appointments (Assessor’s Office)
This process is for your car. You CANNOT use a Driver’s License appointment for this.
- Find Your Office: Go to the ITD County Offices Page and click on the “Vehicle Registration” link for your county.
- Check Their Process: This will take you to your County Assessor’s motor vehicle page. They will list their hours and tell you if they are walk-in or if they use their own appointment system.
- Gather Your Documents: For a new registration, you will need your signed title, proof of Idaho insurance, and funds to pay the sales tax and fees. If you just purchased a vehicle in a private sale and need to drive it legally before you can get to the Assessor’s office, you will need to get an Idaho temporary registration first.
How to Skip the Trip: Idaho Online Services
The best appointment is no appointment. You can do many common tasks online from anywhere in the state.
- Vehicle Registration Renewal: You can renew your car’s plates online here: [https://itd.idaho.gov/itddmv/] (click “Renew Your Registration”).
- Driver’s License Renewal: If you are 21-69 and your last renewal was in-person, you can renew your license online here: [https://itd.idaho.gov/itddmv/] (click “Renew Your Driver’s License”).
New to Idaho? Your 2-Step Checklist To Save Time
If you just moved to Idaho, you must visit BOTH county offices. Follow these steps in this order.
- First, Go to the County Assessor’s Office.
- Goal: To transfer your vehicle title and get Idaho license plates.
- What to Bring: Your out-of-state title (and lienholder info, if any), your car (for a VIN inspection), and proof of Idaho insurance.
- Result: You will get your new Idaho plates.
- Second, Go to the County Sheriff’s Office.
- Goal: To surrender your old license and get your new Idaho REAL ID license.
- What to Bring: Your out-of-state license, your new Idaho registration (from Step 1), and your REAL ID documents (see below).
- Good News: When you surrender a valid out-of-state license, the written test and road test are waived.
Required Documents for Your License Visit (REAL ID)
When you visit the Sheriff’s Office for any new license, permit, or to get your first Idaho Star Card (REAL ID), you must bring the following official documents. This is the federal-compliant ID you will need to fly domestically.
- One (1) Proof of Identity:
- U.S. Passport or U.S. Birth Certificate
- Permanent Resident Card
- One (1) Proof of Social Security Number:
- Social Security Card
- W-2 or 1099 form (must show full SSN)
- Two (2) Proofs of Idaho Residency:
- You must bring TWO recent documents from different sources with your name and ID address.
- Examples: Utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or your new vehicle registration.
- Proof of Name Change (if applicable):
- Certified Marriage Certificate or court order.
No. The appointment systems described are for new licenses, renewals, and tests. If your license is currently suspended, you must follow a different process to clear your suspension first. You can learn all the steps in our complete guide to reinstating a suspended license in Idaho.
No. As long as you surrender a valid, unexpired out-of-state driver’s license, the written test and the road test are both waived. You will only need to take a simple vision test.
Yes, in most cases. If you are between 21-69 and your last renewal was in-person, you are likely eligible to renew your license online on the official ITD website.
Conclusion
To get your Idaho “DMV” services, remember the two-office rule: Sheriff for your license, Assessor for your plates. Your first step is to check your specific county’s website to see if they require an appointment or accept walk-ins. If you live in Ada County, you must use their online scheduler for all driver’s license services. For everyone else, check your local county’s website first, and save time by using the state’s online renewal services if you are eligible.
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