$5 online license renewal discount, 8-year CDL, and more coming to the DMV on July 1

Several changes are coming to the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on July 1 as new legislation takes effect. These changes will improve customer service and offer more options to Idahoans.

Driver’s License and ID Cards

Customers who are eligible to renew their driver’s license online will get a $5 discount for completing the transaction online.
The requirements for getting a free identification card (ID) for voting have been reduced. Legislation has removed the rule that applicants must not have had a valid driver’s license for 6 months before applying for the free ID.

Commercial Drivers and Vehicles

Commercial drivers will now be able to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for eight years. The previous limit for CDLs was four years. CDLs will also be checked against the National Drug and Alcohol Clearing House.
DMV will now issue two-year weighted registrations for commercial and non-commercial vehicles up to 60,000 lbs. The previous limit was one year.

License Plates

Idaho will offer a Space Force Plate to eligible customers.
All Purple Heart recipients will be able to get a Purple Heart plate for free. Previously the fee exemption only applied to disabled Purple Heart recipients.
Legislation also created a Gadsden Flag “Don’t Tread on Me” plate. Plate sales will help fund educational grants for firearms safety training. While the legislation goes into effect on July 1, per the timeline included in the law, plates will be made available by January 1, 2025.

Driver’s Education

Parents in rural school districts or districts without driver’s education programs will be able to teach the on-the-road portion of driver’s ed. Parents must keep a log of drive time and skills learned. Students will complete the classroom driver’s ed course through the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA). More information is available from the Idaho Department of Education.

Other

The definition of “resident” to get a vehicle registration, title, license, or identification card has been changed from 90 days to 30 days. This does not change the definition of resident for voting purposes.
If an owner wants to sell a vehicle that has no active registration, they can get up to two 30-day temporary registrations for the purpose of selling the vehicle.

Idaho DMV issuing paper tests due to intermittent knowledge test outages

BOISE— The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is experiencing intermittent outages with driver’s knowledge testing stations. Idaho is one of several states impacted by an issue with the driver’s testing stations provided by a vendor.
In a statement provided to the DMV, the vendor’s representatives said, “We are taking immediate action to make architectural changes to alleviate the interruptions in service.”
Idaho uses touch-screen computer stations to give new drivers and new residents the written portion of the Idaho driver’s test, also called the knowledge test.
On May 29, 2024, the DMV created paper tests for when the testing stations go down so customers can keep their appointments and get their credentials. It is up to each driver’s license office to implement the paper tests.
“While paper tests may be old school, they are reliable. We’ll do whatever we can to provide continuity of service for our customers,” explained DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan.
In light of the intermittent outage, the DMV is also exploring options for online testing in the future.

Idaho DMV offers online tracking for license plates

Idahoans who order new license plates can now track their plate through the shipping process. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has added plate tracking to the DMV’s online portal.

“Customers are used to tracking their online orders, so it was natural to add that feature to our online portal,” explained DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan. “This was also a case where we could provide better service and save money.”

In addition to package tracking, the DMV’s new plate mailing system saves taxpayer dollars on postage. Previously equal amounts of postage were applied to all packages regardless of distance to save on labor. The new automated system applies the correct amount of postage based on destination and has address validation, which prevents mailing plates to incorrect or non-existent addresses. The DMV anticipates saving $100,000 a year on postage.

To track a plate, customers must sign in or create their DMV online account at www.dmv.idaho.gov. Navigate to the “Garage” and select the vehicle the plate was ordered for. There will be an option to “Track plate order” in the vehicle services menu.

After clicking that button, the customer will see the date that the order was mailed, a tracking number, and a link to track the package through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). If the plate has not been mailed yet there will not be tracking information available.

License plates typically take 4-6 weeks to manufacture and ship.

The DMV’s website, www.dmv.idaho.gov, is a one-stop-shop for everything DMV. Over a dozen transactions can be completed online, from a change of address to registration renewals. Text and email notifications are also available. Customers searching the web should be wary of imitation and scam websites claiming to offer DMV services. The safest option is always to type www.dmv.idaho.gov directly into your browser bar. Skip the Trip, save time, and go online to dmv.idaho.gov.

New Commercial Driver Record Dashboard Available

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and Tyler Idaho are offering commercial fleets a Driver Record Dashboard (DRD) to help companies manage their driver risks. The DRD service allows motor carriers to build a roster of Idaho drivers to monitor changes and receive an alert if any of their drivers’ statuses change.

Benefits:

Driver roster is checked twice a month (early and mid-month) for changes.
Email notification when a driver’s status changes.
- Status changes include new conviction/suspension, a class change, expired or cancelled DLR.
Nightly monitoring for medical certification issues and expiration dates.
Flags records, driver’s licenses, and CDL expiration dates are for review and download.

Companies can build a roster one driver at a time or through bulk employee uploading. After building the roster you can purchase driver records individually or in bulk. If there is an issue with a driver’s status, the tracking history is saved each month, to create a compliance record. The record will be a full view of a driver’s history and available for review for 24 months.

Auto dealers, bus companies, school districts, state agencies, and food distribution fleets have used DRD for managing multiple driver records and compliance.

What does DRD Cost?

Monthly DRD service $10.00/month
Twice a month monitoring fee per record $0.16
Automatic record pull following a status change $10.00/Driver’s license record (DLR)
Manual driver’s license record pull $10.00/DLR
Tyler Idaho subscription $95/year

For more information on participating in this program call Tyler Idaho at 208-332-0102 or visit https://www.tyleridaho.com/demo/drd/ to view a demo and sign up.

ITD installing sensors at Idaho Ports of Entry to find damaged tires

A tire blowout on a semitruck traveling at highway speeds can be dangerous, even deadly. As part of the Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) ongoing commitment to safety, the agency will begin installing Tire Anomaly and Classification (TAC) Systems at Ports of Entry (POE) around the state.

Ports of Entry inspect commercial vehicles and oversee their safe operation on Idaho roads. TAC systems are installed in the road and screen semitruck tires for anomalies and damage. Port employees can use the TAC data to notify truck drivers of damaged or underinflated tires before they cause a safety problem.

Idaho’s first TAC system was installed at the Declo POE in February 2023. Over 1,100 tire anomalies have been detected since the system went live.

“Installing TAC systems is a proactive approach to safety,” explained ITD Commercial Vehicle Services Manager Craig Roberts. “The driving public is much safer when commercial vehicles with tire issues are stopped to correct blowouts, flats, or missing tires.”

The TAC installation schedule is as follows:

East Boise POE in both directions, week of May 28.
Lewiston POE in both directions, week of July 15.
Sage POE in both directions, tentatively late July or early August depending on other road construction in the area.
Huetter POE in both directions, tentatively August depending on other road construction in the area.
Inkom POE will have a phased installation. Southbound is to be completed in June. Northbound is to be completed next year during work on the Inkom interchange.

The cost for all the new TAC systems combined is $1.2 million. In 2022, the economic cost of crashes involving commercial motor vehicles in Idaho was over $627 million.

Pictured above: Tires caught by the TAC system.

Idahoans have one year to get a Star Card or other REAL ID

A woman at a podium. Three men stand behind her.

The federal REAL ID deadline is May 7, 2025 – exactly one year from today. At that time, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card issued by the state, like an Idaho Star Card, or another acceptable form of identification to board a commercial flight. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is encouraging all Idahoans to plan to get a Star Card or other REAL ID.

“A year seems like a long time, but May 2025 will be here before we know it. Don’t wait until the last minute! We anticipate DMV offices could get very busy as that deadline starts to get closer,” encouraged DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan. “And if you’ve had a Star Card for a while, check the expiration date and make a plan to renew if needed. If your information is the same when you renew the new card will also be a Star Card.”

Currently, approximately 49% of Idahoans with a driver’s license or ID have their Star Card.

“We are encouraged that nearly half of Idahoans have the Star Card, making them REAL ID-compliant a year ahead of the date when TSA will begin enforcing REAL ID requirements for travelers,” said Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Federal Security Director Andy Coose. “Please remember that TSA currently accepts multiple forms of photo identification from travelers as part of our identity verification process in the security checkpoint. Please take a few minutes today to ensure that you have a plan so that you are in compliance with identification requirements starting May 7, 2025, and beyond.”

“Although other approved documents, like a passport, can be used to board a plane or enter a federal facility after May 7, 2025, the Idaho Star Card is the most convenient, while at the same time providing adequate security for the traveling public. I encourage all Idahoans to apply for their Idaho Star Card soon, before the May 7 deadline approaches next year,” said Idaho Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke.

To get a Star Card, applicants need one document proving their identity, one with their social security number, and two proving Idaho residency. The Idaho DMV has an online tool called “Add the Star” at itd.idaho.gov/starcard. It generates a custom list of documents to bring to a DMV to get a Star Card. Please note that some county DMV locations require appointments.

May 7, 2025, is the date federal officials will begin checking for compliant cards. The Idaho DMV will continue to offer Star Cards and non-Star Card licenses and ID cards after that date. If someone chooses not to get a Star Card, the standard Idaho driver’s license is still a valid document for all lawful driving purposes.

Get your CDL medical certificate through a registered provider

Is your Commercial Driver Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) coming from an FMCSA-registered medical examiner? As of February, medical examiners are required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Using a medical provider who is not on FMCSA’s national registry could lead to a downgrade of your commercial driver’s license (CDL) if it is not fixed within 45 days.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has received a few Medical Examiner’s Certificates from providers that have been removed from the registry. Those drivers who didn’t use a registered provider will need to book new appointments with someone on the registry and submit a new Form MCSA-5876 to ITD.

Save yourself time and hassle by looking up registered providers on FMCSA’s website before booking an appointment: https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/home

Idaho DMV has new phone numbers for customers

Beginning today, April 8, Idahoans will need to dial new phone numbers to reach the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV has new phone service provider which required changing phone numbers. With the new provider, the DMV will be able to offer better customer service and faster calls.

The new numbers are as follows:

The new DMV general customer line is 208-584-4343
The new DMV commercial vehicle customer line is 208-872-3163

The “old” DMV number, 208-334-8000, will still be in service for Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) business not related to DMV. For a period of time, customers who call ITD looking for the DMV will be given the new number.

“We take about 2,000 calls a day at the DMV,” explained DMV administrator Lisa McClellan, “We’ve been working since early February, setting up and testing the new system to ensure a smooth transition for all those customers.”

The DMV’s business hours are 8 am to 5 pm Mountain Time, Monday to Friday. In addition to calling the DMV, customers can complete over a dozen transactions online at any time of day or night at dmv.idaho.gov, or visit a county office to have their questions answered in person. County business hours vary by location.

Advisory: Idaho DMV changing phone numbers on April 8

Beginning on April 8, Idahoans will need to dial new phone numbers to reach the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV is changing to a new phone service provider which requires changing phone numbers. With the new provider, the DMV will be able to offer better customer service and faster calls.

The new numbers, one for the general public and one for commercial vehicle customers, will be announced to the public on Monday, April 8. The “old” DMV number, 208-334-8000, will still be in service for Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) business not related to DMV. For a period of time, customers who call ITD looking for the DMV will be given the new number.

In addition to calling the DMV, customers can complete over a dozen transactions online at www.dmv.idaho.gov, or visit a county office to have their questions answered in person.

ID Motor Carrier Services ends HVUT filings: Carriers must file directly with IRS

A blue semi truck and two cars driving on the interstate.

Starting February 1, 2024, Idaho Motor Carrier Services will no longer accept the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 2290 Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Returns (HVUT) filings for forwarding to the IRS. This includes in-person locations, by mail, by drop box, or e-mail.

Instead, carriers must file directly with the IRS either by mail or online.

If filing by mail, the address is provided on the 2290 instructions. The IRS estimates 6 weeks of processing time, so please plan accordingly.

If filing online, go to the e-file providers section of the www.irs.gov website and select an IRS-approved provider from the list.

Once filing of the 2290 form is complete, the IRS will email a watermarked Schedule 1. This is the proof of HVUT filing. Federal rules require that carriers provide it when applying for vehicle registration that reflects a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more.

Motor Carrier Services cannot accept the receipt-stamped or e-filed Schedule 1 if there are errors, or if it is filed for the wrong tax year. To ensure the right tax year is selected, use the online HVUT filing period tool.

If you have any questions please contact Motor Carrier Services at 208-334-8611