Reclaiming your driving privileges in Idaho is a purely administrative process, but it requires precise timing and financial compliance. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has fully digitized the reinstatement portal, requiring drivers to settle high-risk fees and insurance filings before the state clears their record for a new Idaho Star Card.
Because Idaho is a member of the Driver License Compact, your suspension status is shared nationally. You cannot bypass an Idaho suspension by moving to another state; you must clear your ITD record first.
Determining Your Reinstatement Eligibility and Wait Times
You cannot apply for reinstatement until your mandatory suspension period has expired. The duration of this “wait time” is determined by the severity of your violation or the number of points accumulated.
Before paying any fees, you should check your Idaho driving record to confirm your “Eligibility Date.” This date represents the earliest moment the ITD system will allow a status change from “Suspended” to “Active.”
Common Suspension Categories: Points, DUI, and Failure to Pay
- Point-Based Suspensions: If you hit 12–17 points in 12 months, you face a 30-day suspension. Points stay on your record for three years, and you must serve the full term before paying the reinstatement fee.
- Administrative License Suspension (ALS): Common for failed breathalyzer tests. These are often 90 days for a first offense.
- Failure to Pay/Appear: Your license remains suspended indefinitely until you provide a “Notice of Compliance” from the court.
Idaho Reinstatement Fee Schedule: What You’ll Pay
As of 2026, fees are tiered based on the nature of the suspension. Note that if you have multiple suspensions, you are generally required to pay the highest single fee among them, though some Title 18 offenses (criminal) require separate payments for each count.
| Violation Type | 2026 Reinstatement Fee |
| Administrative / Failure to Pay (Infractions) | $25.00 |
| Excessive Points / Habitual Violator | $60.00 |
| No Insurance / Leaving the Scene | $85.00 |
| MIP (Minor in Possession) / Drug Use | $245.00 |
| DUI (Standard or Out-of-State) | $285.00 |
Note: All online payments are subject to a 3% service fee in 2026.
Mandatory Compliance Steps for License Restoration in Idaho
Paying the fee is only the final step. To satisfy the state’s 2026 safety standards, most high-risk drivers must provide the following:
Filing the SR-22: Certificate of Financial Responsibility Requirements
If your suspension was for a DUI, reckless driving, or a lapse in insurance, the ITD requires an SR-22 filing.
- Duration: Typically required for three years.
- Lapse Warning: If your insurance company notifies the DMV that your SR-22 has been canceled, your license will be suspended again immediately.
- Procedure: Your insurance provider must send this form electronically to the ITD. You cannot submit a paper copy yourself.
Clearing Court Holds and Retesting Requirements
If your suspension was for a “Failure to Pay Fine” or “Failure to Appear,” the DMV cannot help you until the court releases the hold. You must obtain a Notice of Compliance from the specific court clerk and ensure they have transmitted the clearance to the ITD.
Testing Requirements
If your license has been suspended or expired for more than one year, you are required to retake the vision, knowledge, and road skills tests. You will need to schedule an Idaho DMV appointment to complete these in person.
How to Pay and Finalize Your Idaho License Reinstatement
Once your eligibility date has passed and your SR-22 is on file, follow these steps:
- Online (Recommended): Visit the Idaho DMV Online Reinstatement Portal. Enter your license number and DOB to verify your total balance.
- Mail: Send a check or money order to Driver Services, PO Box 34, Boise, ID 83707. Include your full name and license number.
- Phone: You can pay by card by calling (208) 584-4343, though wait times in 2026 can be significant.
Important: If your vehicle’s registration expired during your suspension, do not drive it to the DMV. You may need to obtain an Idaho temporary registration to move the vehicle legally for testing or inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Restricted driving permits are available for some suspensions, but never for a first-time ALS (Administrative License Suspension) within the first 30 days. You must apply through the ITD and demonstrate a genuine hardship for work, medical, or educational needs.
No. Paying the reinstatement fee only makes your status “Active.” If your physical card was confiscated or expired, you must apply for a duplicate or renewal separately at a county office.
If you are over age 65 and reinstating a license, 2026 regulations require a vision screening by an Idaho-licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist dated within the last 6 months.
Conclusion:
Reinstatement of an Idaho driving license is a sequence of time-serving, SR-22 filing, and fee payment. By settling your balance online and verifying that your SR-22 is “posted” to the ITD system, you can avoid unnecessary trips to the DMV. Your next logical step is to log into the ITD portal to verify if your SR-22 has been successfully received by the state.
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