Dude, where’s my car? ITD’s online portal has the answer

Yellow tow truck with white SUV being towed away.

BOISE – Idahoans now have a faster, easier way to find out where their vehicle is if it was abandoned and towed, or towed at the direction of law enforcement. Customers who set up a DMV Online Portal account and opt in to e-notifications will get an email or text about their vehicle. Customers who have not set up e-notifications will get a letter in the mail.

This notification system was made possible through a new law that went into effect on January 1. Since going live on New Year’s, more than 45 vehicles have already been entered. Towers also have to post a rate sheet online, so customers are aware of towing and storage costs.

“The Abandoned Vehicle, or AV Portal streamlines the process for reporting and notifying stakeholders who have interest in the vehicle. This includes owners and lenders. It reduces paperwork for towers, and provides transparency in fees charged to help Idahoans locate and retrieve their vehicles,” said Brian Goeke, Vehicle Services Manager.

This new process is specifically for vehicles considered abandoned, or vehicles towed at the direction of law enforcement. It does not apply all towed vehicles in all circumstances. Notifications are processed within 24 business hours by the department. Towers charge for the towing of the vehicle and storage is by the day. The faster customers have notification, the more control customers have over the costs. E-notification is the fastest.

ITD encourages customers to enroll and take advantage of near real-time updates via the DMV portal at dmv.idaho.gov. Click on the blue button to go to the portal and sign up for e-notifications.

Visit our website for more information.

TSA to impose $45 fee for non-REAL ID travelers

A woman at the Boise airports hands her Star Card to a TSA agent.

BOISE – Starting Feb. 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration will impose a $45 fee on passengers traveling without a REAL ID-compliant identification card, such as Idaho’s Star Card, or another acceptable document. The fee applies to both international and domestic travel.

TSA officials emphasized that payment does not guarantee verification. Travelers whose identities cannot be confirmed may be denied entry at the security checkpoint. If approved, the verification is valid for a 10-day travel period. The fee can be paid online before arriving at the airport or at the airport before entering the security line, though officials warn the process may take up to 30 minutes.

Passengers presenting a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant, and who do not have another acceptable alternative such as a passport, should expect delays, additional screening, and the possibility of being turned away.

“Our goal is to help customers travel efficiently and securely,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV Administrator. “Planning ahead and bringing the right documents ensures a smoother trip and avoids unnecessary fees or delays.”

Idaho residents are strongly encouraged to obtain a Star Card well in advance of their travel plans. Customers must bring the required documents in order to receive a Star Card. If all necessary documents are not presented, the card cannot be issued. A complete checklist is available at itd.idaho.gov/starcard, and residents are urged to review it before visiting the DMV.

Many Idaho DMV offices operate by appointment only. Residents should check with their local county driver’s license office before visiting. It is important to note that many Motor Vehicle offices offer REAL ID services in addition to the Driver’s License offices to help Idahoans obtain their REAL ID. The Ada County Motor Vehicle office on Chinden Blvd, Canyon County Motor Vehicle Office, and Clearwater Motor Vehicle have the ability to issue renewals and REAL ID upgrades. There is no additional fee for adding the STAR to your renewal or replacement to make it REAL ID compliant. Renewal/duplicate fees apply. Once issued, physical cards may take up to two weeks to arrive by mail, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Other acceptable forms of identification can be found on TSA’s website at tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

Targeting Hotshots from Boston to Seattle

From October 20-24, a group of POE inspectors from District 1’s Huetter Port of Entry collaborated on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s nationwide Interstate 90 Corridor Hotshot effort. A hotshot refers to a specific vehicle towing configuration. The purpose was threefold — to ensure safety of the driving public, educate drivers in the proper way to configure and secure hotshot loads, and enforce proper documentation of registrations and permits.

An improperly configured hotshot load can create rollovers, jackknifing, and loss of control due to shifting weight and uneven distribution. Other risks include brake failure and longer stopping distances from overloading, and cargo coming loose to create a hazard for other drivers. If the load isn’t secured or configured properly, it also could cause trailer sway.

FMCSA coordinated with multiple state Commercial Vehicle Safety teams and Port of Entry agencies to concentrate a week’s worth of inspections on hotshot-configured loads. Specifically, the training focused on the 3,100-mile stretch of highway from Boston to Seattle, which passes through 13 states.

Pictured at right: As day broke on the morning of the October 24, District 1 POE personnel were hard at work inspecting vehicles, educating drivers, and ensuring loads were properly configured and legal.

The large two-tiered auto transporters you typically see on the road are designed specifically for hauling many vehicles at one time. Many smaller independent and commercial carriers use a “hotshot” to haul their cargo to their destination if they don’t have access to an auto transporter.

Hotshots are governed by trailer length only and not their overall length like auto transporters. If the vehicle configuration is not legal, like a trailer exceeding 53 feet on the national highway network, then an extra length permit is required to operate. That’s where our POE inspectors come into the picture.

Phillip Youngman’s team of skilled inspectors supported the event using the Huetter POE as their base of operations. Partnering with the Idaho State Police (ISP) and its specialized Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance officers, Phil and his team focused their attention on hotshot configured vehicles weighing between 10,000 – 26,000 lbs. Typically, these loads are smaller than those required to enter our ports.

This was the second Hotshot-focused operation with ISP this year. The previous interagency collaboration was held June 10-11. Between ITD and ISP, over 100 hotshot configured loads were inspected and all deficiencies corrected on site.

“The partnership and cooperation benefits us all, and the work accomplished aligns precisely with ITD’s mission of promoting safety, mobility, and economic opportunity,” said Port of Entry Program Manager Frank DeCarvalho. “It was a job well done!”

UPDATE: Idaho Transportation Department experiencing statewide outage

UPDATE (9/3/25)– The statewide network issues impacting the Idaho Transportation Department and other state agencies have been resolved. Online services and DMV transactions are now fully operational.

A big thank-you to the Idaho Office of Information Technology Services for their hard work in quickly identifying and resolving the issue. We also appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding during the outage.

For future updates and information, visit itd.idaho.gov or follow ITD on social media.

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BOISE (9/2/25) – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is one of several state agencies currently experiencing a statewide network slowdown. This issue is impacting online services and certain transactions across multiple government platforms.

At this time, ITD customers may be unable to:

Access ITD’s online services, including registration renewals and business account management
Complete driver’s license, title, or vehicle registration transactions at county DMV offices

“We understand this outage may be frustrating for our customers and partners,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV Administrator. “We appreciate your patience as the Idaho Office of Information Technology Services works to restore full system functionality.”

Updates will be shared as more information becomes available. Customers can visit itd.idaho.gov or follow ITD on social media for the latest announcements.

Star Card available without appointment at select DMV locations

BOISE – The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles reminds residents that Star Card issuance (also known as REAL ID) is available without an appointment at the following motor vehicles offices:

Motor Vehicles Ada County – 9115 Suite 103 W. Chinden Blvd., Boise, ID
Motor Vehicles Canyon County – 6107 Graye Ln., Caldwell, ID
Motor Vehicles Clearwater County – 2200 Michigan Ave., Orofino, ID

Customers are encouraged to review the required documents before visiting. More information is available at dmv.idaho.gov

ITD and Canyon County motor vehicles office respond to growing demand for Real ID

A person is standing next to a window with their Star Card in hand. The camera is zoomed in on the hand holding the card.

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.

ITD warns of text scam threatening unpaid traffic ticket enforcement penalties

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.

DMV urges Treasure Valley residents to renew driver’s licenses online

Brunette woman in a yellow top with sunglasses on her head driving a convertible. "DMV News" is in a box with more text indicating to "Skip the Trip".

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.

Idaho DMV is making it easier for residents in Clearwater County to obtain a Star Card

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.

ITD warns public about scam texts offering fake REAL ID services

Two men standing together. One is holding a phone and pointing to the screen.

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.