Anyone who drives a motor vehicle on Idaho's public highways needs a valid driver's license. Idaho follows a one driver, one license, one record rule: you hold a single license, from a single place, and your whole driving history follows you.
Youngest age you can be licensed in Idaho
Handbook p. 3 ↗Know the rule
If you are under 17, you must first complete an approved driver's training program and the Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program.
Handbook p. 3 ↗New residents must apply for an Idaho license (and CDL holders must be licensed here) within 30 days of residing in Idaho, even if the old license hasn't expired
Handbook p. 4 ↗You do NOT need an Idaho license if you hold a valid license from another state, claim residency there, and are:
- A student attending a college or university in Idaho
- U.S. military on active duty, or their spouse or dependent
Know the rule
ITD does not issue international driving permits. Contact the American Automobile Association (AAA) for one.
Handbook p. 3 ↗Know the rule
When you apply, you must surrender any driver's license or ID card from another state, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia.
Handbook p. 12 ↗Know the rule
Transferring from another state, territory, or D.C., you must pass the Class D knowledge test, plus the skills test if your license has been expired 25 months or more, even if you were once licensed in Idaho.
Handbook p. 12 ↗Know the rule
If you get a credential in another jurisdiction, your Idaho credential is canceled. Apply again later and you are a new applicant who must reapply and retest.
Handbook p. 12 ↗Know the rule
A foreign driver issued an Idaho Class D license doesn't have to surrender the foreign license, but may not show or use it to drive. Doing so can bring a misdemeanor citation and fine.
Handbook p. 12 ↗Star Card
Idaho's Real ID: a driver's license or ID card with a star showing it meets the federal Real ID security standards set by the REAL ID Act (passed by Congress in 2005).
Handbook p. 13 ↗Know the rule
The Star Card is not mandatory, but starting May 7, 2025 you need it or a valid passport to fly commercially or enter a federal building such as a military base or the Idaho National Laboratory.
Handbook p. 13 ↗Know the rule
You must carry your license while driving. Misusing or mutilating a license, permit, or ID card is a misdemeanor; if it gets worn, broken, or damaged, get a duplicate.
Handbook p. 13 ↗Know the rule
Knowingly giving false information on an application means prosecution for perjury and cancellation of the credential. Your record is checked with ITD and the national Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS), and any suspension anywhere must be cleared first.
Handbook p. 13 ↗Know the rule
Licenses, ID cards, and permits are issued at county sheriff's driver's license offices. For your photo you remove anything covering your face or head (hat, sunglasses), except for medical or religious reasons.
Handbook p. 14 ↗Put it into practice
You move to Boise from Oregon with a valid Oregon license. Within 30 days you apply at the county sheriff's office, surrender the Oregon license, and pass the Class D knowledge test. No skills test is needed because your license hasn't been expired 25 months or more.