Idaho driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants
This page explains how the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) issues driver licenses and non-driver identification cards to lawfully present non-citizens, what documents you bring, and what the credential costs. It is general procedural information, not legal advice.
Quick answer
- Undocumented driver access: No. ITD states that individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States are not eligible for an Idaho driver license or ID card. There is no AB60-style program here.
- SSN rule: You must provide your SSN at issuance for electronic verification. If you were never assigned one, you present written proof from the Social Security Administration that no number was assigned — and a fresh letter is required at every renewal.
- Non-driver state ID: Yes — Idaho issues an Identification Card to residents of all ages to prove age and identity. Fees start at $10 (under 21) and run $15 for a 4-year card or $25 for an 8-year card at 21 and over. The same lawful-presence rule applies.
- Limited-term cards: Temporary-status holders get a card marked limited term, valid only through the period of their authorized stay.
- REAL ID: Idaho’s REAL ID credential is the Star Card (the gold-star card needed for domestic flights and secure federal buildings).
- Agency: Idaho Transportation Department — DMV Customer Contact Center (208) 584-4343, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday–Friday.
Who qualifies
ITD issues credentials to U.S. citizens and to lawfully present non-citizens. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must prove lawful presence, and ITD checks that status with USCIS through the SAVE system (and verifies the SSN through SSOLV) before issuing a card. Bring as much documentation as possible to avoid processing delays.
Lawful presence is typically evidenced by one of the following:
- Permanent Resident Card (green card)
- Unexpired Employment Authorization Document, Form I-766 or Form I-688B
- U.S. visa with Temporary I-551 verbiage
- Form I-94 (except for B1, B2, WB, WT, or K1 categories)
- Unexpired foreign passport with a valid, unexpired U.S. visa affixed, accompanied by the approved I-94 documenting your most recent admission (must be accompanied by an unexpired EAD or other acceptable documents)
- I-797 letter from DHS
- Refugee Travel Document, Form I-20, or Form DS-2019
- Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545)
Individuals who are not lawfully present are not eligible — this applies to both the driver license and the non-driver ID card.
The Social Security number rule
ITD’s required-documents guidance states: applicants must provide their Social Security number at issuance for electronic verification. If you do not know your number, contact the Social Security Administration. If you have not been assigned an SSN, you must provide written proof from the SSA that no number was assigned — and a new letter confirming this is required at each subsequent renewal.
For non-citizens specifically:
- Temporary foreign nationals not authorized for employment: ITD will verify your USCIS number.
- Temporary foreign nationals authorized for employment who do not have an SSN: you will be required to obtain and present one.
Documents you bring
ITD requires proof of four things: (1) U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, (2) identity, (3) Idaho residency, and (4) your name if it has changed. Photocopies and laminated documents are not accepted — bring originals.
| Proof of | Examples accepted by ITD |
|---|---|
| Lawful presence | Permanent Resident Card; unexpired EAD (I-766/I-688B); U.S. visa with Temporary I-551 verbiage; I-94 (except B1/B2/WB/WT/K1); foreign passport + valid U.S. visa + I-94; I-797 letter from DHS; Refugee Travel Document, I-20, DS-2019; Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship; Consular Report of Birth Abroad |
| Identity | Valid foreign passport (accepted), plus the lawful-presence documents above |
| Idaho residency | Two documents showing your name and principal Idaho address, dated within the last 12 months — e.g., lease or mortgage, utility statement (cell-phone bills are not accepted), bank statement, W-2 or 1099, pay stub, or insurance from an Idaho-based insurer. Two residency documents make you eligible for the Star Card (REAL ID). |
| Name (if changed) | Document supporting the name change |
Consular ID / matrícula consular: A matrícula consular is not on any ITD accepted-document list and is not accepted for an Idaho license or ID. A valid foreign passport, however, is accepted as an identity document.
Fees and credential term
Driver license (operator / Class D):
| Credential | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1-year license (age 17 to 20) | $20.00 |
| 3-year license (age 15 to 21) | $30.00 |
| 4-year license (age 21 and over) | $35.00 |
| 8-year license (age 21 to 62) | $60.00 |
| Knowledge (written) test | $5.00 |
| Skills test | $35.00 |
| Instruction permit | $20.00 |
Non-driver Identification Card:
| Credential | Fee |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | $10.00 |
| Age 18 to 21 | $10.00 |
| 4-year card (age 21 and over) | $15.00 |
| 8-year card (age 21 and over) | $25.00 |
Idaho also offers a free 4-year ID for voting and a free initial 4-year ID for people experiencing homelessness, but these require proof of U.S. citizenship or other specific eligibility.
Term for temporary-status holders: if you have temporary lawful status, your card will read “limited term” and be valid only for the period of your lawful stay in the United States. ITD notes that a foreign national with temporary lawful status may have to re-establish lawful status at each renewal. Citizens and permanent residents receive standard 4-year or 8-year terms.
How and where to apply
- Apply in person at a county DMV / driver’s-license office. Use ITD’s online DMV Office Locations directory to find one near you. First-time issuance and limited-term (non-citizen) credentials generally must be done in person, because lawful status has to be established — online renewal is not available in those cases.
- Bring originals of your lawful-presence, identity, and two Idaho-residency documents (no photocopies, no laminated documents).
- New Idaho residents must apply within 30 days of beginning to reside in the state.
- First-time driver-license applicants complete the knowledge test, skills test, and vision screening.
- Questions? The DMV Customer Contact Center is (208) 584-4343, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday–Friday. Mailing address: PO Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707-1129.
If you do not have lawful status
Idaho does not license undocumented residents, so a license or state ID is not an option without lawful presence. Some alternatives that do not require an Idaho credential:
- Use your foreign passport as a primary identity document for banking and other everyday verification.
- Open an ITIN-friendly bank account — many institutions open accounts without an SSN. See ITIN-friendly banks and what an ITIN is.
- Get a matrícula consular from your home-country consulate for consular identification (note: it is not accepted by the Idaho DMV, but it is useful for some banks and services). See consulates in Idaho.
- Short-term visitors can drive on a valid foreign license, often paired with an International Driving Permit (IDP) obtained in your home country before you travel.
Related procedures
- DMV state ID directory — all states
- IRS offices in Idaho
- ITIN-friendly banks
- Consulates in Idaho — matrícula consular
- What is an ITIN?
- Find an immigration attorney
- Idaho state tax guide
Last verified: 2026-06-30. Sources: ITD required documents, Star Card acceptable documents, driver licenses & ID cards, and identification cards.
General procedural information. DMV policies, fees, and document requirements change frequently — verify with the Idaho Transportation Department before visiting. Not legal or immigration advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.