Category: DMV

As the demand for Real ID credentials (also known as the Star Card) continues to grow in Canyon County, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and the Canyon County Motor Vehicle (MV) office are working closely to meet community needs and alleviate the strain on neighboring counties.

To address this increasing need, ITD will provide ongoing on-site DMV support for driver’s license issuance, while the Canyon County MV office will add providing Real ID credentials to their existing services. This partnership is designed to expand access and ensure customers receive timely, high-quality service; this same approach has been successful in Ada County offices. Similar to Ada County MV offices, Canyon County MV will continue to provide Motor Vehicle services as their primary focus.

“This is a great example of local and state partners stepping up to serve Idahoans,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV Administrator. “We’re proud of the outstanding work already underway in Canyon County and excited to build on that success.”

For more information about Real ID requirements and how to prepare, visit itd.idaho.gov/starcard.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is warning the public about a scam text message being received by many Idahoans falsely demanding payment for an outstanding traffic ticket to avoid facing penalties.

The text message lists specific actions that will be taken if payment is not received immediately and includes a link to make payments. These messages are fraudulent and do not come from the ITD Division of Motor Vehicles.

ITD does not send texts related to unpaid traffic tickets or fines, will not demand immediate payment, will not provide links to unfamiliar websites and will not use threats of legal action or license suspension.

To protect yourself from being scammed, do not click on any unfamiliar links, provide personal or payment information, and be sure to report the message to the Federal Trade Commission and delete it.

To verify the status of your driver’s license or check for legitimate traffic violations, visit www.dmv.idaho.gov.

Stay alert. Stay informed. Don’t get caught in a scam.

BOISE — The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles is encouraging all eligible Treasure Valley residents to renew their driver’s licenses online at dmv.idaho.gov.

DMV offices across the region are experiencing higher-than-normal in-person traffic. Renewing online helps reduce wait times, ensures faster service for those who must visit in person, and supports hardworking DMV staff.

Who can renew online?Most Idahoans can renew online if they are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, their license hasn’t been expired for more than 24 months, they are between the ages of 18 and 66, and there have been no recent changes to their vision or ability to operate a vehicle safely. Additional restrictions may apply.

Existing Star Card holders may be eligible to renew their credential online. First time Star Card applications must be processed in person at a local driver’s license office.

Skip the Trip and save time. Renew today at dmv.idaho.gov.

OROFINO — The Clearwater County Motor Vehicle Office is now offering Star Card issuance on a walk-in basis. Customers can visit the office at 2200 Michigan Ave in Orofino to upgrade to a Star Card without an appointment.

Walk-in service is available:

Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The office is closed Friday through Sunday and on all holidays.

Customers must bring the required documents to receive a Star Card. If all necessary documents are not presented, the Star Card cannot be issued. A complete checklist of acceptable documents is available at itd.idaho.gov/starcard, and it is strongly recommended to review the list before arriving.

As of May 7, 2025, a Star Card or another federally approved ID is required to fly domestically or enter certain federal facilities. If you already have a Star Card and need to renew it, you can Skip the Trip and renew online at dmv.idaho.gov.

This local service offers a quick and convenient option for Clearwater County residents to upgrade their ID and stay compliant with federal travel requirements.

Boise — The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is alerting Idaho residents about a scam text message circulating statewide that falsely claims individuals can pay online to obtain or expedite a REAL ID (Star Card). These messages are fraudulent and are not affiliated with ITD or any official DMV services.

“Scammers are targeting Idahoans with messages that look official but are completely fake,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV Administrator. “Your REAL ID can only be obtained in person through an authorized DMV office, not by clicking a link in a text message.”

REAL IDs cannot be purchased or expedited online. You must visit a DMV office in-person to apply for a REAL ID. Most county DMV offices require appointments. A walk-in option is available at 9115 W. Chinden Blvd, Suite 103, Garden City, Idaho.

If you receive one of these messages, do not click any links, do not provide personal or payment information, report the message to your mobile carrier and delete it.

For accurate and secure information about REAL ID and DMV services in Idaho, always visit dmv.idaho.gov.

Boise — The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is warning residents about a scam text message circulating in the state that falsely claims recipients owe money for unpaid traffic violations.

The message typically includes a link and demands immediate payment to avoid further consequences. These messages are fraudulent. They are not from ITD or any affiliated agency.

“Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and using fear tactics to get people to click on fake links or provide personal information,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV Administrator.

ITD will not send texts related tounpaid traffic tickets or fines, will not demand immediate payment, will not provide links to unfamiliar websites, and will not use threats of legal action or license suspension.

If you receive one of these texts, do not click any links, do not provide any personal or payment information, and be sure to report the message to your mobile carrier and delete it.

The bottom line:

If you didn’t get it from dmv.idaho.gov, don’t trust it.

To verify the status of your driver’s license or check for legitimate traffic violations, visit dmv.idaho.gov.

Stay alert. Stay informed. Don’t get caught in a scam.

 

06.12.25 UPDATE – THE ADDRESS TO OBTAIN A STAR-CARD WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT IS 9115 W. CHINDEN BLVD. #103, GARDEN CITY, ID. THE TEMPORARY SITE LOCATED AT 11331 W. CHINDEN IS NOW CLOSED.

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The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is making it easier for Idaho residents to upgrade to a Star Card, Idaho’s REAL ID.

Starting Thursday, April 24, a temporary Star Card service station will open at 11331 W. Chinden Blvd., Building 8, in Garden City. Walk-in service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., through the building’s front entrance. No appointment is needed. This service is for Star Card upgrades only—new license issuance and standard renewals are not offered at this location.

Customers must bring the required documents to receive a Star Card. If the correct documents are not provided, the Star Card cannot be issued. A full checklist of acceptable documents is available at itd.idaho.gov/starcard, and it is critical to review this list before arriving.

Only debit or credit card payments will be accepted—no cash or checks.

The Star Card is a federally accepted form of ID. Starting May 7, 2025, travelers will need a REAL ID or another federally approved ID to fly domestically or enter certain federal facilities. Those who already have a Star Card and need to renew can do so online at dmv.idaho.gov.

This on-site service provides a convenient way for residents to meet federal requirements ahead of the upcoming deadline.

BOISE – As the May 7, 2025 REAL ID deadline approaches, the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) encourages eligible Idahoans to Skip the Trip and renew their driver’s licenses or ID cards online. Many driver’s license offices operate on an “appointment only” basis, and customers needing a REAL ID must visit an office in-person to complete the process. Online renewals help reduce in-office wait times at locations that allow walk-ins, making it easier and more efficient for those who need a REAL ID (Star Card) to complete their transactions.

There is a $5 discount for online driver license renewal transactions. Save time and save a dime!

Online Renewal Eligibility

You may renew online if:

• You are between 21 and 69* years old. *Expiration date cannot exceed 70th birthday.
• Your most recent renewal was 4 years or less.
• You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• You hold a valid Idaho Class D license or ID card, even if it is expired.
• Your license has not been expired for more than 25 months.
• You are not changing your name or adding/removing endorsements or restrictions.
• You are not upgrading to a Star Card (REAL ID).

Please note: Star Card upgrades require an in-person visit with specific documents. Make an appointment at dmv.idaho.gov under “Driver’s License/ID Cards.”

Skip the Trip and renew online at dmv.idaho.gov to help free up offices for those needing REAL IDs.

Questions? Visit dmv.idaho.gov or call (208) 584-4343.

BOISE – On May 7, the Transportation Security Administration will no longer accept state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID compliant at security checkpoints. All airline passengers 18 years and older, including TSA PreCheck® members, must present REAL ID-compliant identification, also known as the Star Card in Idaho, or another acceptable ID, such as a passport, at TSA security checkpoints.

If you arrive at an airport without a Star Card or another acceptable document, you may be delayed and undergo additional examination. This can cause passengers to miss flights.

In Idaho, many DMV offices operate by appointment only, and availability may be several weeks out. Be sure to check with your local county driver’s license office. Remember, you can visit any county driver’s license office in the state for service. Additionally, it will take up to two weeks for a physical card to be mailed to you.
Please plan accordingly. Go to the DMV Star Card, Idaho’s REAL ID website to complete the checklist or use the helpful tool so that you bring the correct forms of documents you need.

www.itd.idaho.gov/starcard/

Other Acceptable Documents are:
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (e.g., passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.