Star Card services at Chinden campus

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.

Help us help others: renew online if you can

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.

Work Zone Safety Awareness Week

Picture of US-95 with a bright orange graphic sign that reads "Road Work Ahead."

BOISE–As construction season ramps up across the state, the Idaho Transportation Department is joining transportation agencies nationwide in recognizing Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, April 21–25. This annual effort is a timely reminder to Idahoans that driving safely in work zones protects everyone on the road, including the crews working alongside fast-moving traffic.

“Driving cautiously in work zones helps families,” said Dan McElhinney, ITD Chief Deputy and Chief Operations Officer. “Travelers, workers, and their loved ones all benefit when drivers reduce crash risks by driving slower and staying alert for traffic cones and guiding signage. Our employees are working hard to improve roadways and quality of life for Idahoans. Driving safely near road work is one of the best ways to support that effort.”

Work zones are active job sites where ITD crews, contractors, utility workers, law enforcement, and tow truck operators are performing critical maintenance and construction—often in unpredictable conditions. These areas are marked by signs, barriers, cones, and sometimes narrowed lanes or uneven surfaces. Rear-end crashes are the most common type of work zone collision, typically caused by distracted or impatient driving.

From 2019 to 2023, Idaho saw more than 3,400 work zone crashes, with 30 fatalities, all of whom were vehicle occupants. This stark reality is often overlooked: drivers and passengers are most at risk in work zone crashes, not just road workers.

To stay safe in work zones, ITD urges drivers to check Idaho 511 before traveling, slow down, stay alert, avoid distractions, and maintain safe following distances, especially around large vehicles. Always watch for workers and flaggers, buckle up, and follow Idaho’s Move Over Law when passing emergency or response vehicles with flashing lights.

Respect the zone so we ALL get home.

For updates and more information, visit Idaho 511 or itd.idaho.gov.

April 21–25 is Work Zone Safety Awareness Week

Drone shot of the Heyburn Interchange on I-84 before construction

As construction season ramps up across the state, the Idaho Transportation Department is joining transportation agencies nationwide in recognizing Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, April 21–25. This annual effort is a timely reminder to Idahoans that driving safely in work zones protects everyone on the road, including the crews working alongside fast-moving traffic.

In the Magic and Wood River Valleys there are several construction zones ongoing or planned. Drivers should be aware of the following areas:

Burley/Heyburn Interchanges

South Jerome Interchange

SH-75 Elkhorn

Respect the zone so we ALL get home.

For updates and more information, visit Idaho 511 or itd.idaho.gov.

US-95 paving north of Riggins underway

Roadside milling and paving operations are underway on U.S. Highway 95 between Riggins and Race Creek Bridge. The paving is the final touch up work as part of the rockfall stabilization project last fall.

Travelers can expect flaggers and intermittent delays of up to 15 minutes between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. During working hours the highway will be reduced to a single lane with alternating directions of travel. Slower speeds are encouraged for safety. Extra vigilance is advised as space may be limited in this river corridor. Construction is anticipated to complete this Friday.

The cost for the project is about $1.6 million.

Live traffic impacts across the region can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.

ITD recognizes J.R. Simplot Company as Adopt-A-Highway group of the year for Southeast Idaho

The Idaho Transportation Department awarded the Adopt-A-Highway Group of the Year Award for Southeast Idaho to J. R. Simplot Company and employees on Friday morning during the board meeting held in Pocatello.

The Simplot team has adopted a section of U.S. Highway 30 from milepost 330 to 332 since 2005. On average, 37 Simplot employees work together twice a year to pick up more than 1,600 pounds of litter. Items they’ve cleaned up have included car hoods, magazines, clothing, and a full box of “creepy-faced” baby dolls. Environmental Specialist Jeanene Lowry and Environmental Manager Jesse King were there to receive the award.

“We would like to thank the ITD, and all program administrators, which have made this program possible,” said Lowry. “The Adopt-A-Highway Program has enriched the Don Plant. The laughter and camaraderie that we have developed while picking up trash has had a lasting and invaluable impact on our employees. We have found the highway cleanup program to be a natural team-building activity that has positively impacted every aspect of production. It has given our Waste Minimization Team additional purpose and focus, especially in support of our ‘think outside the plant’ stewardship and sustainability goals.”

Idaho’s roadsides are indebted to Idaho’s Centennial Celebration in 1990 and the “Idaho is Too Great to Litter” campaign to help keep them clean. The Adopt-A-Highway program is a continuation of that campaign.

Volunteer groups “adopt” a specific stretch of highway – usually two miles long – and take responsibility for keeping it clean through regular litter patrols throughout the year.

ITD estimates that the program saves about $750,000 annually by using volunteer labor – in 35 years that adds up to about $26 million. More than 5.5 million pounds of trash and debris have been removed from Idaho’s roadsides through the program. The savings are redirected to highway construction and needed maintenance to improve Gem State roads and bridges.

There are more than 1,000 active volunteer groups participating in the statewide program. More than half of Idaho’s highways have been adopted. There are still many opportunities for other groups and individuals to get involved. Those interested in helping keep Idaho’s roads clear of litter can apply online at https://itd.idaho.gov/road-mtce/?target=volunteer-activities

Construction begins on SH-75 in Ketchum

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin construction next week to improve safety and capacity on State Highway 75 between Elkhorn Road and River Street. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2026.

Crews will remove trees in select locations the week of April 28. Generally throughout construction, motorists can expect:

The speed limit on SH-75 will be reduced to 25 mph in the construction zone.
Work will occur Monday – Saturday between 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. with the occasional exception on nights and weekends.
One lane will remain open in each direction on SH-75 between Elkhorn Road and River Street.
Closures will occur on local roads, and detours will be in place.
Traffic shifts will occur on SH-75 and local roads.

SH-75 is the primary north-south highway in the Wood River Valley serving the cities of Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley in Blaine County. Improvements include widening SH-75 to 4 lanes between Elkhorn Road and River Street, improving intersections and local roads and making pedestrian access more readily available in the project area. These changes have been developed to accommodate traffic projections for the next 20 years.

The project team will share information about upcoming traffic impacts through email and website updates. For more details and to sign up for construction updates, please visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/idaho75, email info@sh75project.com or call (208) 254-0421.

TSA begins REAL ID full enforcement on May 7, 2025

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.

ITD invites the public to join in “Operation Clean Sweep” along US-95

The Idaho Transportation Department is inviting community members to join a two-day litter cleanup effort along one of North Idaho’s busiest corridors. “Operation Clean Sweep” will take place April 23–24, covering the U.S. Highway 95 corridor from Granite Hill to Interstate 90.

This volunteer-driven event aims to remove accumulated trash and debris from the roadside as snow melts and winter’s impact becomes visible. Litter not only detracts from the natural beauty of the region—it poses risks to wildlife, the environment, and highway maintenance crews.

“Every year our work crews come together to tackle this large-scale cleanup initiative, and we thought it would be a great opportunity to let the public get involved—to work alongside the hardworking men and women of ITD and make a real, visible difference,” said Trent Bridges, one of ITD’s operations supervisors. “It’s frustrating to have to pull our crews off their regular maintenance work to deal with trash dumped by people who just don’t care, but unfortunately, it’s become a routine part of spring. Once the snow melts, the amount of litter we uncover is pretty overwhelming.”

Volunteers aged 16 and older are encouraged to participate and must register online ahead of the event.

Each morning, participants will check in between 7 and 9 a.m. at ITD’s Athol shed (6303 E. Parks Road) to receive safety gear, a brief orientation, and crew assignments. Work crews will be stationed along sections of US-95, and volunteers can stay for as long as they’d like—whether that’s a half hour or the full day. Cleanup will conclude each day by 4 p.m.

ITD will provide safety vests, trash collection bags, and safety instructions. Volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and bring gloves and water.

“Operation Clean Sweep” offers a great opportunity for students or individuals fulfilling community service project or volunteer hour requirements. ITD staff will be available to verify hours on-site.

Participants interested in ongoing involvement are invited to learn more about ITD’s Adopt a Highway program, a statewide initiative focused on long-term litter prevention.

Volunteers aged 16–17 must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. A printable waiver form can be found under the “Agenda” section of the event webpage.

I-90 bridge maintenance begins in the Silver Valley

Map graphic showing the location of the three bridges that will be under construction on I-90 in the Silver Valley

Starting next week work will begin on three Interstate 90 bridges in the Silver Valley as crews work to carry out routine, preventative maintenance on the structures.

I-90 bridges west of Silverton over the South Fork Coeur d’Alene River
I-90 bridges at the Silverton Interchange
Wallace Viaduct

Through the work zones traffic will be reduced to a single lane of two-way traffic, and speed limits will be reduced to 55 miles per hour for safety. The Idaho Transportation Department will utilize crossovers constructed in previous years to shift traffic across the interstate allowing crews the space to work on these bridges.

This project will be carried out in two phases, the first addressing both sets of bridges near Silverton, and the second will focus on the viaduct in Wallace. Work on these projects is expected to be complete by late fall.

Information about intermittent ramp closures associated with the project will be posted locally, and in advance, on digital messaging signs along I-90. Up to date information will also be available to drivers through the Idaho 511 system.

Routine and preventative maintenance is essential to keeping roads safe, reliable, and cost-effective in the long run. Bridges are critical links in the transportation network, and like any structure, they experience wear and tear over time. By performing regular inspections, repairs, and upkeep now, the department can avoid more serious—and far more disruptive—problems down the road. These proactive measures help extend the lifespan of infrastructure, reduce the likelihood of emergency closures, and ultimately save taxpayer money.