ITD DMV employees work from home to continue helping Idaho drivers

Beth Thompson

UPDATE: Star Card deadline is now May 7, 2025

U.S. Department of Homeland Security notice for REAL ID


Originally published 4/29/2020
 
Idaho Transportation Department Division of Motor Vehicles employees continue to work hard from home to help Idaho drivers.

During this COVID-19 emergency, DMV Customer Contact Center employees are dedicated to keep assisting Idahoans with their DMV concerns while maintaining safe social distancing protocols. More than 160 people are working from home, answering phone calls related to all aspects of DMV operations. That includes driver’s licenses, vehicle registration and titles, motor carrier registration and permits, and vehicle dealer support. These DMV employees are taking more than 1,000 calls a day from the public, and more than 800 a day from county DMV offices across the state.

“We are living in a time of unprecedented uncertainty. It’s crucial that when the public, counties, or law enforcement of Idaho needs us with questions or assistance we are there on the other end of the call,” said Beth Thompson, Driver Records Program Supervisor. “Behind the scenes, ITD DMV is doing almost the entirety of the work from home. Whether it be a simple change of address or a complex issue regarding a driver’s license and suspension.”

They’re also helping process license and registration renewals by mail, over the phone, and online. As Idaho prepares to reopen for business, county DMV offices are adjusting hours of operation and services. ITD encourages drivers to use the online customer portal at itd.idaho.gov/driveidaho to reduce crowds and keep wait times down.

More Idahoans than ever are now using the DMV’s expanded online services. Online vehicle registrations grew from 16,000 in February to 31,000 in March, and are expected to reach over 40,000 in April. Online driver’s license and ID renewals increased from 900 in February to 2,400 in March, with 7,000 estimated in April.

Online DMV services at itd.idaho.gov/driveidaho include:

  • Driver’s license renewal (not for first-time Star Card)
  • Acquiring a replacement driver’s license or identification card
  • Paying driver’s license reinstatement fees
  • Purchasing a driving record
  • Vehicle registration renewal
  • Ordering personalized license plates
  • Checking status of vehicle plates and titles
  • Commercial vehicle oversize/overweight permits
  • Commercial vehicle registrations

The DMV has issued a 90-day extension on some credentials expiring between March 1 and May 31, 2020. This includes driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations that can be renewed online. Those expiring between March 1 and May 31 now have until June 30, 2020 to renew.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has also extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline one year, to October 1, 2021. This gives Idahoans an additional year to get the Star Card, Idaho’s REAL ID.

DMV office hours and services are determined by county sheriffs and assessors and vary statewide. Please contact your county office before you make the trip, and remember you can always call ITD’s DMV Customer Contact Center at 208.334.8000. Employees will be happy to help you even as they work from home.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my Driver Records team for weathering this storm like champions. They have handled it with integrity and grace and continue to give the very best customer service,” Thompson said.

For more information and resources visit itd.idaho.gov/driveidaho.

“Lunches for Truckers” supports truck drivers at East Boise Port of Entry

Idaho Trucking Association provides lunches to Truckers

Generosity is pouring in across Idaho during the COVID-19 emergency. Friday, April 3, the Idaho Trucking Association (ITA) showed support to thousands of truck drivers traveling through the Idaho Transportation Department’s East Boise Port of Entry.

Idaho Trucking Association provides lunches to Truckers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ITA’s “Lunches for Truckers” project provided a free boxed meal to the hard working drivers who are keeping resources moving. Governor Brad Little and other volunteers handed out 2,000 lunches to appreciative truck drivers.

“With all the other challenges we’re having as we get through this coronavirus issue, it’s really important that commerce is maintained. Everybody knows about the shortages that exist in the grocery store. Who they need to appreciate are the men and women who are driving these trucks and right now are part of that critical infrastructure people need to survive,” Governor Little said.Idaho Trucking Association provides lunches to Truckers

As trucks rolled through the East Boise Port of Entry, drivers honked, waved, and smiled out the window, grateful for the recognition.

“We just want the trucking industry to know they’re really important in Idaho and we appreciate them,” said Governor Little, shown above in cowboy hat.

Idaho DMV encourages use of expanded online services


UPDATE: Star Card deadline is now May 7, 2025

U.S. Department of Homeland Security notice for REAL ID


Originally published 4/1/2020
 
The Idaho Transportation Department’s Division of Motor Vehicles encourages residents to complete DMV services online, as COVID-19 leads to limited in-person service at most county driver’s license and registration offices across the state. The customer service portal at itd.idaho.gov/driveidaho now offers expanded online services including driver’s license and registration renewals, and motor carrier services like commercial vehicle permits and registrations; traditionally services that would require a visit to a DMV office.

“In an effort to assist citizens who need to take care of their immediate DMV needs, such as commercial driver’s license renewals, the itd.idaho.gov/driveidaho website is a great resource to complete many transactions,” said DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez.

The DMV has instituted a 90-day extension on some credentials expiring between March 1 and May 31, 2020, in order to help drivers through this COVID-19 pandemic. This includes driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations that can be renewed online. Those expiring between March 1 and May 31, 2020 now have until June 30, 2020 to renew. The DMV urges Idahoans to utilize the online customer service portal now, in order to prevent long wait times when DMV offices eventually reopen.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has also extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline one year, to October 1, 2021. This gives Idahoans an additional year to get the Star Card, Idaho’s REAL ID.

DMV office hours and services are determined by county sheriffs and assessors, and vary statewide. For more information, please contact your county office, log onto itd.idaho.gov/driveidaho, or call the Idaho DMV at 208.334.8000.

ITD issues 90-day extension on expiring credentials, encourages use of online services

To reduce large gatherings of people, the Idaho Transportation Department’s Division of Motor Vehicle is instituting a 90-day extension on some credentials. The public is also encouraged to use the DMV’s online services rather than go to the county sheriffs’ and assessors’ offices for essential services.

The 90-day extension applies to driver’s licenses and non-commercial registration. If one of these credentials expires between March 1st and May 31st of 2020, you will have until June 30th 2020 to renew.  Many of these can be renewed online.

“As each county office decides the best way to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic, ITD is committed to providing remote services online, by mail, or over the phone,” said ITD’s Division of Motor Vehicle Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “Much of the business the public needs to do with the DMV can be done through one of those methods. This balances the need to preserve public safety with the need for essential government services to keep people and products moving.”

County offices are managed by both the county sheriff’s office and county assessor’s office. In total, there are 88 county DMV jurisdictions. Each jurisdiction has the authority to close its offices or change the way to conduct business.

Some county DMV offices have already closed and others are considering it. ITD encourages the public to call their county office before leaving to see the current status. Contact information for each office can be found at itd.idaho.gov/itddmv.

The following services are available online, through mail, or over the phone.

  • Driver’s license renewal (not for first-time Star Card)
  • Acquiring a replacement driver’s license or identification card
  • Paying driver’s license reinstatement fees
  • Purchasing a driving record
  • Vehicle registration renewal
  • Ordering personalized license plates
  • Checking status of vehicle plates and titles
  • Commercial vehicle oversize/overweight permits
  • Commercial vehicle registrations

Please note, the Oct. 1, 2020 deadline to use a Star Card (Idaho’s REAL ID) or other federally-approved identification for federal security at airports, military bases, or federal courts is outside the control of the State of Idaho. ITD and the Governor’s Office is in communication with our Congressional Delegation, the Department of Homeland Security, and the White House regarding this matter in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With federal deadline approaching, DMV encourages residents to get their Star Card

Star Card

UPDATE: Star Card deadline is now May 7, 2025

U.S. Department of Homeland Security notice for REAL ID


Originally published 2/6/2020
 
Eight months ahead of the federally mandated deadline, the DMV continues to raise awareness about the importance of getting a Star Card—Idaho’s Real ID. Without a Star Card, passport, or other compliant identification, citizens won’t be able board a plane or enter a federal facility after Oct. 1, 2020.

Currently, 268,241 of 1.25 million licensed drivers have a Star Card. That figure is significantly higher than it was in Feb. 2019, when just 70,000 residents had the Star Card.

“Now more than ever, Idahoans need to plan ahead, and not wait to get their Star Card,” said DMV Division Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “Preparing now will save you headaches later when you may have an important planned or unplanned trip, and you get turned away from boarding a plane because you don’t have a compliant ID.

The increased awareness of the Star Card is attributed to a collaborative statewide campaign that began one year ago. During the campaign, ITD representatives traveled across Idaho promoting the Star Card through media appearances and press events with sheriff-office partners.

Additionally, multi-faceted campaign tools include continuous advertising, social media messaging, presentations, partnerships with Idaho State Liquor Division, PERSI (state retirement system), Idaho’s three major universities, and other entities.

You must obtain a Star Card in person by visiting your county driver’s license office with documents that prove your identity, social security and residency. To personalize the list of documents, visit itd.idaho.gov/starcard and click on the “Add the Star” tool. The public is also encouraged to call the DMV at 208.334.8736 if they have questions about the process.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 was enacted by Congress as a result of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”

Idaho drivers must provide proof of insurance to DMV, or have registration suspended, as new law takes effect in 2020

Drive Insured! Be safe, be smart! Insure your vehicle or lose your registration.

Vehicle owners will need to provide proof of insurance for two consecutive months or risk having their registration suspended beginning in 2020.

The law (Idaho Code Section 49-1234) was passed during the 2019 Idaho legislative session and goes into effect in January. It requires the Idaho Transportation Department’s Division of Motor Vehicles to determine monthly whether the owner of a vehicle has insurance. The law applies only to non-commercial vehicles, and excludes trailers and off-highway vehicles.

A notification letter will be sent to affected vehicle owners to alert them of the law change.

Owners without insurance coverage for two consecutive months will receive a warning and be given 30 days to provide proof of insurance or obtain an exemption before their registration is suspended.

To reinstate a suspended registration, owners will need to provide proof of insurance and pay a fee of $75.

Some vehicles are exempt from this mandate. For a full list of frequently asked questions, please visit itd.idaho.gov/driveidaho

Star Card media tour generates coverage and awareness about federal deadline requirements for driver’s licenses and IDs across Idaho


UPDATE: Star Card deadline is now May 7, 2025

U.S. Department of Homeland Security notice for REAL ID


Originally published 10/22/2019
 

Two weeks, seven Idaho counties and countless media interviews later, Star Card awareness was heighted across the state thanks to a joint media campaign with the DMV and sheriff’s offices. The tour was scheduled exactly one year ahead of the nationwide deadline, in which residents will need a Star Card, passport or other compliant-ID to board a plane, or access a federal facility.

As part of a comprehensive campaign, DMV Spokesperson Jennifer Gonzalez joined Sheriffs and driver’s licensing staff during media gatherings in the seven largest counties DMV offices to again highlight the importance of getting a Star Card by Oct. 1, 2020, or get grounded.

For two weeks, multi-media reporters and journalists were able to visit DMV offices in Bonneville, Bingham, Bannock, Twin Falls, Kootenai, Latah and Nez Perce counties, and seek interviews and information in an accessible format. The amount of news coverage this opportunity netted has been nothing short of tremendous. Here is a link to just a handful of the stories that were generated: Local News 8, Coeur D’Alene Press, Post-Register,  KTVB and KREM.

For a full link to everything you need to know about the Star Card, visit itd.idaho.gov/starcard

Idaho Governor, DMV and transportation officials continue to raise awareness about Star Card, Idaho’s Real ID deadline

DMV News: Driver's License

UPDATE: Star Card deadline is now May 7, 2025

U.S. Department of Homeland Security notice for REAL ID


Originally published 10/1/2019
 

One year ahead of the federally-mandated deadline, the DMV continues to raise awareness of the importance of obtaining a Star Card, Idaho’s Real ID. Without a star on a driver’s license after October 1, 2020, citizens won’t be able to board a plane or enter a federal facility.

The Department of Homeland Security will require a Star Card, or other approved credential such as a passport or military ID, to get through security at airports, federal buildings and military bases.

Currently 185,106 of 1.25 million licensed drivers have a Star Card.

“Idahoans must have a passport or the Star Card in order to board a plane after October 1, 2020, and I strongly encourage everyone to get their Star Card with plenty of time ahead of the deadline,” Governor Brad Little said. “The last thing we want is for someone to miss an important trip because they don’t have the necessary identification to board their flight.”

Over the past year, the DMV has highlighted this important deadline as part of its multi-faceted campaign consisting of videos, presentations, advertising and social media. Campaign messages focus on the Star Card being your “license to fly” and getting it now so “you don’t get left behind.”

A new campaign kicks off this fall and is a partnership with Boise State University, Idaho State University and the University of Idaho. It features mascots of all three schools at airport security with a Star Card in hand ahead of the deadline—and encourages Idahoans to plan ahead.

In addition, a two-week media tour kicks off Oct. 1, with DMV representatives traveling to offices statewide and promoting the Star Card through media appearances and informal press events.

The goal remains the same–ensuring all Idahoans are aware that while getting a Star Card isn’t mandatory, without it, you’ll have to provide a passport or other form of ID for travel in and out of Idaho and beyond.

“We are pleased more Idahoans are getting the Star Card, and the DMV wants to keep building on that momentum,” said DMV Division Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “October 1, 2020 will be here before you know it, so planning ahead is crucial.”

For more information about the required documents to obtain a Star Card at county DMV offices, please visit itd.idaho.gov/starcard and click on the “Add the Star” tool.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 was enacted by Congress as a result of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”

ITD launches new online services website for many Division of Motor Vehicles transactions

Idahoans needing to renew their driver’s license, identification card or vehicle license plate can now “skip the line by going online” through a new website, Drive Idaho.

“Our new online services page, Drive Idaho, brings all of the new and existing DMV’s online services into one, easy-to-navigate page,” Division of Motor Vehicles Administrator Alberto Gonzalez said.

“Qualified Idahoans can now skip the line at the county sheriffs’ and assessors’ offices by going online for DMV services.”

Idahoans cannot apply for the Star Card, Idaho’s REAL ID online. To obtain a Star Card, go to itd.idaho.gov/starcard to learn what documents must be taken to the county sheriff’s office.

Here is a complete list of online services:

• Renew their driver’s license or ID
• Purchase a replacement driver’s license or ID
• Check the status of their driving privileges
• Pay reinstatement fees
• Update an address
• Renew a vehicle license plate
• Order personalized license plates
• Check the status of a vehicle license plate or title, and
• Other DMV services

Beginning July 1, two new online services will be added to the website for commercial truck registrations and oversize/overweight trip permits.

“Not only will the online services at the Drive Idaho website be convenient, but it will reduce lines at the county offices for those who choose or are required to go there for DMV services,” Gonzalez said.

Idahoans can access the DMV Drive Idaho online services 24 hours a day, seven days a week including holidays at: itd.idaho.gov/DriveIdaho

“ITD in partnership with Access Idaho was able to extend online services to the public. Our new system for driver’s licenses has been stable for nine months, transactions statewide continue to exceed last year’s totals and wait times for the public at county sheriff’s offices have stabilized.”

Star Card awareness and partnership with Department of Correction highlight recent DMV initiatives


UPDATE: Star Card deadline is now May 7, 2025

U.S. Department of Homeland Security notice for REAL ID


Originally published 3/27/2019

It’s already been a busy few months of 2019 for the DMV and we’re highlighting a couple initiatives you may have been hearing about. The first is a partnership with the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC)—and the second is a renewed push to ensure all Idahoans know what the Star Card is–and how to get one so you don’t get left behind.

Inmates being released from three Idaho correctional facilities are now being issued state identification cards by IDOC employees.

“Identification cards are needed to transition the inmates into society,” IDOC Public Information Officer Jeff Ray said. “Without proper identification, they cannot open bank accounts, cash a check, or fly commercially.”

Previously, released inmates were transported by IDOC to county Sheriff’s offices to receive identification cards where lobbies are often full. The new program is a cooperative effort between IDOC and ITD. Idaho Rep. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, and Interfaith Sanctuary Director Jodi Peterson were proponents of the program.

Dominic Hinton is getting out of prison in July after about 18 months. While incarcerated, he says his ID expired. “I am very nervous to get out but having an ID is another step that’s going to be easier to get a job, easier to get everything else done when I get out there,” Hinton said. Hinton is shown in the photo getting his picture taken by an IDOC employee for a state identification card.

“Having an ID already is really going to help out. I can just go to an employer and say hey, I want to work, here’s an ID right away.”

Many inmate’s driver’s licenses or identification cards expire, are lost or destroyed while in prison. IDOC case managers work with the inmates months before their releases to obtain the proper documents to qualify for an identification card.

“It’s investing in the success of the people leaving prison,” Deputy Chief of Prisons Ross Castleton said. “If you can’t get a job, you fall back onto the things you did before. That is how people return to prison.”

“The amount of work Rep. Wintrow and Jodi Peterson did advocating for this to happen, and the willingness for IDOC to work with ITD, it just means a lot,” DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez said. “It shows you government can work together to make a difference.”

——-

Star CardLet’s switch gears to another huge DMV initiative—empowering Idahoans with the information they need about the Star Card.

A year after Idaho began issuing the Star Card, Idaho’s Real ID, five percent of Idahoans have applied for the card. Without it on a driver’s license, citizens won’t be able to board a plane or enter a federal facility.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security will require a Star Card, or other approved credential such as a passport, to get through security at airports, courthouses, and military bases.

“Unless you have a passport or another compliant identification, you will need to get a Star Card – Idaho’s Real ID to fly on an airplane or visit federal buildings,” Governor Brad Little said. “The last thing I want is for a family or business traveler to miss a vacation or an important work trip because they didn’t get their Star Cards.”

In addition, Governor Little said, “Getting your Star Card soon instead of waiting until the last minute will help minimize long lines at DMV offices.”

To date, 70,000 of 1.25 million licensed drivers in Idaho have a Star Card.

To raise awareness of the deadline, the DMV is launching a new multi-faceted campaign consisting of videos, advertising in Idaho airports, and on social media and travel sites. The campaign message focuses on the Star Card being your “license to fly” and getting it now so “you don’t get left behind.”

The DMV has developed a helpful “Add the Star” online tool the public can use to determine the documents they need to bring to obtain a Star Card. It is also mailing renewal postcards to Idahoans whose driver’s licenses or IDs are going to expire, urging them to consider getting a Star Card. “The need for a Real ID is here. We are asking Idaho citizens to please go to your local county DMV office as soon as possible to help avoid long lines as we get close to Oct. 1, 2020.” said Idaho Transportation Department Director Brian Ness. “Wait times are back to normal at all offices across the state. To make the renewal process for getting a Star Card easy, visit the ITD website first to ensure you come to your DMV office with the right documents to avoid multiple trips.”

The REAL ID Act of 2005 was enacted by Congress as a result of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”

For a full list of compliant credentials, visit itd.idaho.gov/starcard or call 208.334.8736.

Governor Little also teamed up with ITD to share a message about the Star Card through a new public service announcement. You can view it here. Additionally, there will be much more information about Star Card shared throughout 2019 and 2020–to ensure all Idaho citizens are empowered with the information they need before the October 2020 deadline.