Driver’s License and ID Required Documents

In order to get an Idaho license or ID card, the DMV needs to see proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence, identity, Idaho residency, and possibly your name.

ALL NEW APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PRESENT PROOF OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP IN THE FORM OF A U.S. BIRTH CERTIFICATE OR LAWFUL PRESENCE.

All new applicants must provide proof of their U.S. Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. Citizen, you must provide proof of your Lawful Presence. The following documents may be acceptable to demonstrate your Citizenship or Lawful Presence. Photocopies are not accepted. 

• Government-Issued U.S. Birth Certificate 

• Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship 

• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545) 

• Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport Card 

• Permanent Resident Card 

• U.S. VISA with Temporary I-551 verbiage 

• Unexpired Employment Authorization Document, Form I-766 or Form I-688B 

• I-94 (except for B1, B2, WB, WT, or K1 categories) 

• I-797 letter from DHS 

• Refugee Travel Document, I20, DS2019 

If a certified original copy of a U.S. birth certificate is unobtainable, we may accept a passport or other government issued document that provides satisfactory evidence of a person’s full legal name, date of birth, and lawful presence. 

If you are not a U.S. Citizen, your Lawful Presence Documentation will be checked with USCIS to ensure you are authorized to receive an Idaho Credential. Ensure you bring as much documentation as possible to verify your Lawful Presence to avoid processing delays. Individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States are not eligible for an Idaho driver’s license or identification card. 

The DMV must verify your identity and age before issuing you a driver’s license or ID card. 

Photo identity documents include your photograph, verify your age and identity, and must contain your full legal name and date of birth. These documents must be verifiable as authentic, which means we must be able to contact the issuing agency to determine authenticity. 

The following are examples of primary documents: 

• Idaho driver’s license or identification card not expired more than five years 

• Out-of-state driver’s license or identification card not expired more than five years 

• Acceptable valid Department of Homeland Security (DHS) photo card/document 

• U.S. Military ID card or U.S. Retired Military card 

• U.S. Military Dependent’s card 

• U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport card 

• Original citizenship/naturalization document 

• Valid Foreign passport 

• Concealed Weapons Permit issued by the state of Idaho not expired for one year or more 

• Veteran’s Universal Access Card, with photo 

• Native American ID card, with photo 

• Junior or senior high school (not college or university) photo card 

• Junior or senior high school, college or military yearbook/annual 

• Federal Bureau of Prisons issued Release Identification 

• Idaho Department of Corrections photo ID card 

• Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections photo ID card 

You must reside in Idaho to be issued an Idaho license or ID. Your proof of residency documentation must display your name, your principal Idaho residence address, and must be from the last 12 months. If you bring two proof of residence documents you will be eligible for a Star Card, Idaho’s REAL ID.

Acceptable proofs of residency include: 

• Lease/rental agreement, mortgage or deed 

• Account statement from one or two different public utilities. Cell phone bills are not accepted 

• Account statement from bank or financial institution 

• Tax document Form W-2 or Form 1099 

• Medical or insurance provider statement, invoice, or explanation of benefits 

• Pay stub or employment verification (must have your legal name) 

• Idaho school enrollment records with current address or VOC for current school year and current address (college ID not accepted) 

• Motel, hotel, campground or RV park receipt on letterhead that indicates 30 days or more of residency 

• Military Leave and Earning Statement (LES) to evidence Idaho residency of applicant deployed outside of Idaho while on active duty 

• Relief agency or shelter certification 

• Residency affidavit (must be signed by adult over 18) 

• Court documents (original or non-altered, and must have current address on the document) 

• Record of property taxes assessed or paid (receipt date within one year) 

• Vehicle, homeowner’s, or renter’s insurance card, binder, or bill issued by an Idaho-based insurer (must be valid and have current residential address) 

If you have changed you name and your citizenship or lawful presence documents don’t match the name you wish to use on your license, then you will need to provide documents proving your name change.  

These may include: 

• Valid unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport card in current legal name 

• Certified Marriage Certificate – Needs to meet Idaho standards with seal and document number showing that it was recorded 

• Certified Divorce Decree 

• Adoption Papers 

• Court-Ordered Name Change Documents 

If you are changing your name, ensure it is updated with the Social Security Administration before going to the DMV.