Idaho DMV removes convenience fees for online license reinstatement payments

BOISE– The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has removed the convenience fee for online driver’s license reinstatement payments.

Now customers with a suspended license will be able to pay for a license reinstatement online at www.DMV.idaho.gov without paying extra convenience fees. These savings are passed along to DMV customers. Drivers with a suspended license will still need to satisfy all other conditions and wait the appropriate amount of time to get their driving privileges back.

“This is great news for drivers in Idaho who have had their license suspended,” explained DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan. “The removal of the convenience fee for online driver’s license reinstatement payments makes getting your license back more affordable.”

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. Customers searching the web should be wary of imitation and scam websites claiming to offer DMV services. The safest option is always to type DMV.idaho.gov directly into your browser bar. Skip the Trip, save time, and go online to DMV.idaho.gov.

100 Deadliest Days on Idaho roads claim 92 lives

BOISE—At least 92* people were killed in crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho roads, according to preliminary data from the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS). Vehicle crashes caused the majority of fatalities, followed by motorcycle crashes, and crashes involving pedestrians.

The 100 Deadliest Days are the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when Idaho sees a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes. During this time more people are out of school or work, on vacations, and celebrating. This increase in traffic can lead to more distracted, aggressive, and impaired driving, making the roads more dangerous.

“Thinking about the gravity of the loss is heartbreaking. Ninety-two people are gone too soon, and families and communities across Idaho are mourning their loved ones,” Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton said. “It’s a solemn reminder of the importance of buckling up, putting down the distractions, and driving sober.”

OHS has compiled a preliminary list* of contributing factors to these fatalities. Please note that the numbers in this list add up to more than 92 because most crashes have more than one contributing factor. For example, a fatal crash could involve both impaired driving and no seat belt or inattention, speeding, and failing to yield, etc.

No seat belt – 34
Fail to maintain lane – 20
Speed – 11
Alcohol-impaired – 10
Fail to yield – 10
Inattention – 9
Overcorrected – 5
Drove left of center line – 5
Improper overtaking – 4
Wrong side or wrong way – 4
Drug-impaired – 3
Asleep, drowsy, or fatigued – 2
Fail to obey a stop sign – 2
Distracted in or on the vehicle (GPS, cell phone, etc.) – 2
Improper lane change – 2
Tire Defect – 1

Overall, 2023 has been deadlier than 2022. So far this year 168* people have died on Idaho roads, compared to 137 at this time last year. Ninety-two people died during the 100 Deadliest Days this year, compared to 81 last year.

Here is a preliminary breakdown* of fatalities during the 100 Deadliest Days by county:

8 Fatalities

Ada
Bonneville
Idaho
Kootenai

7 Fatalities

Jerome

6 Fatalities

Canyon

4 Fatalities

Bannock
Bonner
Clearwater
Teton
Twin Falls

3 Fatalities

Payette
Valley

2 Fatalities

Boise
Cassia
Jefferson
Minidoka
Nez Perce

1 Fatality

Bear Lake
Benewah
Bingham
Blaine
Boundary
Elmore
Franklin
Latah
Lemhi
Lincoln
Owyhee

No Fatalities

Adams
Butte
Camas
Caribou
Clark
Custer
Fremont
Gem
Gooding
Lewis
Madison
Oneida
Power
Shoshone
Washington

*All 2023 data is preliminary

Idaho urges sober rides for safe Labor Day as ‘100 Deadliest Days’ conclude

BOISE—As Idaho approaches the end of the 100 Deadliest Days, drivers should remember to include a sober ride home in their Labor Day plans. The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) has partnered with Idaho State Police (ISP) and more than 50 other law enforcement agencies for enhanced DUI patrols this coming holiday weekend. Expect to see more officers on the roads to stop impaired drivers before they cause harm.

“As law enforcement professionals, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. The act of impaired driving not only defies the principles we uphold but also endangers the lives we’ve sworn to protect,” said Colonel Kedrick Wills of the Idaho State Police. “This Labor Day weekend, let us all unite in our commitment to safety by making responsible choices. Through intensified patrol and advanced expertise, we are committed to creating an environment free from the dangers of impaired driving.”

According to data gathered by OHS, 110 people were killed as a result of impaired driving crashes last year. That represents more than half of all fatalities in 2022.

Labor Day marks the end of the 100 Deadliest Days, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when Idaho sees a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes. This year to date 164 people have been killed in crashes on Idaho roads, 89 of those fatalities happened during the 100 Deadliest Days.

Sadly 2023 has been deadlier than 2022 so far. This time last year there were 133 fatalities on Idaho roads, versus 164 this year.

“It’s a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving, aggressive driving, and distracted driving,” explained Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “We can help to keep ourselves and others safe by driving engaged, putting down the distractions, driving sober, and always wearing our seatbelts.”

Idaho DMV adds new features to online customer portal

BOISE- The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has added new features to the online customer portal at DMV.idaho.gov. To enhance security and customer convenience the DMV has implemented a Single Sign On (SSO) system, as well as a document center.

The SSO system asks customers to link an email address and create a password to access the DMV Online portal. Customers who use online accounts for banking, utilities, and shopping will be familiar with SSO systems. Once the account is linked, customers will only need their email and password to log on. The change makes information more secure and makes it faster and easier to access DMV online services.

The document center makes it easy for customers to access all of their documents from the DMV. Customers can view and download copies of reminders, receipts, letters, and more.

“The DMV is regularly adding new features to our online portal,” said DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan. “We are all about elevating the customer experience by making more tools and transactions available at customers’ fingertips.”

“Do the math. Save a life.” New math program teaches safe driving and data science

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Idaho Department of Education, Idaho STEM Action Center, and Horizon Credit Union have teamed up on new math resources for Algebra 1 students. A coalition of math educators from across Idaho developed a series of lessons, called “Do the math. Save a life,” that use Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) crash data to teach Algebra and data analysis skills.

“So much data is thrown out in the world these days, and it’s important to empower students to be critical consumers of data. Being able to understand and interpret data and statistics is an essential skill for modern society,” explained Josie Derrick, Lead Math Innovator at One Stone and part of the team that created the lessons. “By providing students with opportunities to use math as a tool to think critically and engage in discussions where there may not be a “right” answer, we build skills for students to become more engaged citizens in the future.”

OHS collects data on all crashes that happen on Idaho roads and displays it on publicly available dashboards. The new math program uses that data to provide examples of math in real life and teaches students lessons like scatter plots, frequency tables, and analyzing claims.

“We are all more curious about what’s happening in our own communities,” said Erin Corwine, part of the team that created the lessons and K-8 Mathematics Instructional Specialist at the Developing Mathematical Thinking Institute, Idaho. “Because the dataset is specific to Idaho, students can interact with data points unique to their counties, and in some cases, even specific intersections, so there’s relevance in the learning.”

OHS data shows Idaho teens are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a crash than other age groups.

“Not only are these lessons teaching them math, but they are also teaching teens about the dangers of distracted, aggressive, and impaired driving,” said Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “We want them to understand the risks to they can make safe choices once they start learning how to drive.”

Horizon Credit Union provided financial support for the creation of the math lessons.

The “Do the math. Save a life” program will be presented to math teachers from around the state at the Imagine the Places You’ll Go STEM Conference on August 3 and 4 in Boise. Part of the conference will include a field trip to see the mathematics that ITD employees use in their jobs. Boise Police will conduct an actual car crash demonstration and will be available to discuss the science behind crash investigations. Members of the media are welcome to observe the field trip on August 4 from 1-3:30 pm at the ITD Annex, 3293 W Jordan St, Boise, ID 83703.

Educators who want to review and use the new lessons can download materials from https://shift-idaho.org/do-the-math/.

Idaho’s commercial drivers can renew their licenses online starting July 1

BOISE—The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is expanding online services for Idaho’s commercial drivers. Beginning July 1, Idahoans will be able to renew a commercial driver’s license (CDL) online, an option already available for many non-CDL drivers.

“Idaho’s commercial drivers could be anywhere in the country when it is time to renew their license, so expanding online services to them just makes sense,” said DMV administrator Lisa McClellan. “Now they can renew from their phone and get back on the road.”

Starting July 1, CDL customers will be able to renew their licenses, if eligible, at DMV.idaho.gov. At this time, hazmat endorsements will not be available for online renewal due to testing requirements. The DMV is exploring hazmat testing solutions for the future.

Did you know that customers, including commercial drivers, have the option to receive DMV renewal notices through text or email? This is a convenient alternative to traditional mail delivery, especially for those who frequently travel or prefer digital communication. Customers can opt-in at DMV.idaho.gov.

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. Skip the Trip, save time, and go online to DMV.idaho.gov.

Now entering the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho Roads

This upcoming holiday weekend marks the beginning of a dangerous time for Idaho drivers- the 100 Deadliest Days. The 100 Deadliest Days are the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when Idaho sees a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes. The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) want to caution drivers to be extra vigilant and careful as they head out for summer travel and recreation.

“We want everyone to have an amazing summer making great memories with their family and friends,” said OHS Program Manager Josephine Middleton, “So we are asking everyone to put down the distractions, drive the speed limit, wear a seatbelt and plan a sober ride home if you are drinking, so we can all make it home safely.”

A variety of factors converge to make this a dangerous time on Idaho roads. During the summer more people are out of school or work, taking vacations, recreating, and celebrating. These social factors lead to higher instances of distracted driving, aggressive driving, and impaired driving, making the roads more dangerous for everyone, even safe drivers who are doing everything right. We drive safe vehicles that come with technology and safety equipment as standard, yet the data shows that fatal and serious injury crashes increase during this time of year.

During the 100 Deadliest Days last year, there were 72 fatal crashes, and 80 people died. So far in 2023, 75* people have died in traffic crashes on Idaho roads, and we are on track to meet the fatality numbers for 2021 which was our worst year since 2005. The year-to-date total from the same time last year was 52 fatalities.
*Preliminary data

Idaho’s new driver’s license and ID card are here

BOISE— Idaho has a new driver’s license design. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) launched the new cards today. All new cards, renewals, and replacements will have the new design.

“The new license showcases some of Idaho’s best features,” said DMV administrator Lisa McClellan. “Idaho’s state bird, the mountain bluebird, is featured prominently. Idahoans will also notice the Sawtooth Mountains and the Idaho Statehouse.”

The Idaho DMV is releasing a new card to keep up with evolving technology and prevent counterfeiters. It is standard practice to update license designs and security features periodically. The last time Idaho changed its license was in 2016.

Licenses with the old design will remain valid until the expiration date that is printed on the card. You don’t need to do anything until it is time to renew your license. Then you can renew online, if eligible, at dmv.idaho.gov or at a local DMV. The fee you pay for a license will not change when the new design goes live.

The new design will appear not just on driver’s licenses but on other state-issued cards as well, including identification cards, instruction permits, and concealed weapons cards. For more information, check out the “Frequently Asked Questions” on our website.

DMV.idaho.gov is a one-stop-shop for everything DMV. There are over a dozen transactions that can be completed online, everything from a change of address to registration and driver’s license renewals. Skip the Trip, save time, and go online to DMV.idaho.gov.

Idaho DMV removes convenience fees for online driver’s license renewals

BOISE—Idaho driver’s licenses and ID cards are now available at a reduced cost online. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) removed convenience fees for online driver’s license transactions and passed the savings on to customers.

“Nobody likes extra fees. At the DMV, we want to elevate our customer’s experience and make online transactions as quick and painless as possible,” said DMV administrator Lisa McClellan. “We are constantly looking for ways to reduce costs and save customers money.” Last October, the DMV removed convenience and county administrative fees for online vehicle registration renewals.

To see if you are eligible to renew your license online, visit DMV.idaho.gov. The DMV offers over a dozen online services, from a change of address to renewing a license or registration. So far in 2023, DMV customers have completed more than 263,000 transactions online. Online services are safe, secure, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. Skip the Trip, save time, and go online to DMV.idaho.gov.

House Bill 9 expands online driver’s license renewal to commercial drivers

BOISE– The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will soon expand online license renewals, thanks to the passage of House Bill 9. Consistent with Governor Little’s Red Tape Reduction Act, the legislation allows people to renew an Idaho Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) online if eligible, an option already available for many non-CDL drivers.

“Now all licensed Idahoans can Skip the Trip to the DMV,” said DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan. “Online license renewals are quick and easy, so it just makes sense to extend that convenience to Idaho’s commercial drivers. This is another example of ITD enhancing the quality of life through transportation and supporting mobility and economic opportunity for Idahoans!”

This change will improve customer convenience by assisting the trucking industry in the efficient credentialing of its drivers.

“Folks who work in trucking know time is money, so any time we can save in the license renewal process is valuable to commercial drivers,” said DMV Commercial Vehicle Services Manager Craig Roberts.

The DMV will begin implementing online CDL renewals on July 1, 2023.

DMV.idaho.gov is a one-stop-shop for everything DMV. There are over a dozen transactions that can be completed online, from change of address to registration renewals. Skip the Trip, save time, and go online to DMV.idaho.gov.