Star Card – Idaho’s REAL ID deadline approaching

UPDATE: Star Card deadline is now May 7, 2025

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

Originally published 3/2/2021

Seven months ahead of the federally mandated deadline, the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles continues to raise awareness of the importance of obtaining a Star Card – Idaho’s REAL ID. Beginning October 1, 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a Star Card, U.S. passport, military ID, or other REAL ID compliant identification, to board a commercial flight and enter a federal facility.

Currently 465,563 of 1.25 million licensed drivers in Idaho have a Star Card. Two years ago in February 2019, just 70,000 Idahoans had obtained their Star Card.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of planning ahead and updating your driver’s license to a Star Card today,” said DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “We are pleased to see the number of people getting the Star Card increasing, but now is not the time to slow down. Our goal is 100% awareness, so no one is unexpectedly forced to miss a vacation or unplanned, last minute trip this fall.”

Last spring, the original October 2020 federal deadline was extended one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal remains the same—ensuring all Idahoans are aware that while getting a Star Card is not mandatory, without it, you will have to provide a passport or other form of REAL ID to fly in the United States.

“Our TSA officers are reminding people of the new requirements as they are traveling,” said TSA Idaho Federal Security Director Andy Coose. “Signs are up at airport security warning of the October deadline, and when a TSA officer meets a traveler without a star on their ID, they make sure to tell the passenger to get a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or other identification so they don’t have trouble getting onto a plane after October 1.”

The Star Card has been available in Idaho since 2018. During this time, the Idaho DMV has informed Idahoans of the upcoming federal REAL ID requirement through courtesy renewal notice reminders, various advertising campaigns, sports partnerships, and a public service announcement featuring Governor Brad Little, among other educational videos and presentations.

The transaction requires an in-person visit to a county driver’s license office and additional documents. The Idaho DMV strongly encourages Idahoans use the “Add the Star” tool at itd.idaho.gov/starcard to learn what specific documents are needed, as they can vary depending on each person’s situation. More information, frequently asked questions, and driver’s license office locations can also be found online.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 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.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards, for official purposes.

Idaho DMV issues extension on expiring registrations and driver’s licenses

The Idaho Transportation Department’s Division of Motor Vehicles is providing an extension on expiring vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses. In an effort to reduce wait times at county DMV offices, non-commercial vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses that expire between September and December 2020, now have until January 31, 2021 to renew.

In mid-October ITD implemented the fourth and largest phase of the state’s DMV modernization project, moving the vehicle registration and titling system from a 1980s mainframe to an updated computer program. Eight million records were integrated into a “one person, one record” system, linking each Idahoan’s registration and title information with their license.

The new system has temporarily slowed vehicle registration and title processing, and ITD is working diligently to speed up transaction times. COVID-19 social distancing measures with limited hours and appointment times also contribute to a backlog in service. The extensions will allow customers more time to safely complete their business. ITD is doing everything possible to reduce wait times, especially as temperatures drop this fall and winter.

“People with expiring registrations and licenses don’t need to rush to the DMV. These extensions should give them some relief, help reduce crowd sizes, and also open up appointment windows where available at county offices,” said DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “We also encourage Idahoans to renew their registration online, by mail, or drop boxes at county offices.”

DMV online services, including driver’s license and registration renewal, are available 24/7 at dmv.idaho.gov. Please note, county DMV office hours are determined by county sheriffs and assessors, and vary statewide. Hours and contact information can be found at dmv.idaho.gov.

Reminder: Drive Insured! Insure your vehicle or lose your registration

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

A reminder to Idaho vehicle owners, drive insured or lose your registration.

Under Idaho law, vehicle owners without insurance coverage for two consecutive months risk having their registration suspended by the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles.

The Drive Insured law (Idaho Code 49-1234) was passed during the 2019 Idaho legislative session, and went into effect in January 2020. As part of the DMV’s efforts to help Idahoans through the unprecedented COVID-19 emergency, implementation was initially delayed.

The DMV receives data from licensed Idaho insurance companies identifying vehicles with coverage. Owners without coverage for two consecutive months will receive a warning letter, then have 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.

Impacted drivers should expect warning letters in the mail this October, though at any time, the DMV encourages Idahoans to use the Drive Insured self-reporting tool at driveinsured.itd.idaho.gov. This tool allows drivers to verify the DMV has a record of their insurance, report a change in their insurance situation, or file an exemption. While insurance companies are required by law to provide this data, some fail to do so and it may result in a vehicle incorrectly identified as not having insurance. Using the self-reporting tool is a simple step that can give drivers peace of mind if they are concerned the DMV is not up to date on their current situation.

Please note, county DMV offices are not involved with Drive Insured, and affected vehicle owners cannot report their insurance in-person there. Please use the Idaho DMV’s online self-reporting tool, or call 208.334.8075.

Some vehicles are exempt from this statute. The law applies only to non-commercial vehicles, and excludes trailers and off-highway vehicles. For a full list of frequently asked questions, visit dmv.idaho.gov and click the Drive Insured heading.

DMV’s COVID-caused backlog reduced by increased use of online services

As COVID-19 continues to impact lives in Idaho, the DMV is one of many divisions at the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) adjusting the way it operates. For several months now, the DMV has turned to its online services to help keep crowd sizes down at county offices.

In March, Governor Little’s stay-home order caused many county DMV offices to close their doors to in-person customers. By May, when DMV offices began to reopen around the state, there was an estimated backlog of 100,000 Idahoans needing a new driver’s license, vehicle registration, or title.

Through it all, ITD’s online DMV services have been available, helping chip away at the backlog and giving Idahoans a safer alternative to getting their DMV business done. Now, the backlog has decreased to an estimated 43,000 driver’s license or ID customers. Because of COVID-19, ITD has also allowed more drivers to benefit from the convenience of using these online services. Through the end of this year, drivers 17 to 75-years-old can renew their license online, and eight year licenses can be renewed online.

The DMV encourages drivers to “skip the DMV line, and go online,” in an effort to reduce wait times for customers in county offices, and slow the spread of COVID-19. With more accessibility, the number of online DMV transactions continues to climb month after month, and more Idahoans than ever are now renewing online.

“We’re excited to see our online transactions increase. Thousands of Idahoans are taking advantage of this fast, easy, and safe way to complete their DMV transactions, and we are thankful they’re helping reduce the backlog at the same time,” said DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “In February, about 900 people renewed their driver’s license or ID online. In June, that number jumped to more than 8,000.”

Online vehicle registration renewals this summer have also more than doubled since February. For the DMV’s online services and more click here.

ITD DMV and county officials urge online renewals in response to COVID-19 caused backlog

UPDATE: Star Card deadline is now May 7, 2025

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

Originally published 5/21/2020

DMV offices across the state are beginning to reopen their doors. But because of the earlier COVID-19 closures and limited service, there’s a backlog of thousands of Idahoans who need DMV services.

Tuesday, May 19, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), county sheriffs, and county assessors came together to urge drivers to use online services to help ease the backlog.

“The DMVs across the state typically conduct about 250,000 transactions a month, but because of the limited office access during COVID, we have a significant backlog of approximately 100,000 customers. We’re encouraging the public to go online, at itd.idaho.gov, and only go into the DMV office if it is absolutely necessary,” said DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez.

“If you can renew online, we highly suggest it, and highly encourage it,” Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue added. “It’s so much more efficient for the customer and really for the staff so they’re not overburdened with a higher backlog than we already have, and we’re going to have backlog for some time.”

At itd.idaho.gov you can easily renew your license or vehicle registration, and more. By renewing online, you’ll save yourself time, and other’s time, reducing the wait for those who have to visit the DMV in person.

“It allows room for the people who truly need to come to our DMV. If they need to have a VIN inspection done before they transfer a title, out of state folks who we need to see their vehicles and get them through the system, we can’t do online,” said Canyon County Assessor Brian Stender.

“Use our renewal by mail or online so we can divert that population away from our office and leave that really for the people who are first time licenses or out of state,” added Ada County Sheriff Steve Bartlett, pictured right.

And not only are you practicing safe social distancing, renewing online is convenient too.

“You can do it from the comfort of your couch at home, you can do it on your lunch hour at work, it’s very simple, easy, and quick,” Stender said.

If you do need to make a visit to the DMV, be sure to call ahead before you go. Office hours and availability vary by county, and you may need to make an appointment. Licenses and registrations expiring between March 1st and May 31st now have until June 30th to renew. The federal deadline for the Star Card-Idaho’s REAL ID has also been extended a full year to October 2021.

“The higher number of people who go online, the better the service will be in the county offices, and the better we’ll be able to manage that backlog,” Gonzalez said.

Click here for the DMV’s online services and more.

ITD DMV employees work from home to continue helping Idaho drivers

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.

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.

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.

With federal deadline approaching, DMV encourages residents to get their 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.”

ITD computer system stabilizing as technicians address problems affecting driver’s license offices

UPDATE: Tuesday, December 12 at 12:45 p.m.

Idaho Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices statewide running normally on Tuesday, December 12 as technicians continue to stabilize the computer system.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and our vendor, Gemalto, continue to work together to monitor the system and develop a final solution.

“We appreciate the patience from our partner’s at the county offices and our customers,” said DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “It has made a big difference as we work diligently to fix the problem and determine to cause.”

Continue to check this blog for updates.

UPDATE: Monday, December 11 at 5:00 p.m.

Service throughout the day Monday went well, with minimum delays to processing. All driver’s licenses will be open for business tomorrow.

“We feel like we are close to finalizing a solution that will take care of the week-long interruptions we have been experiencing,” said DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez.

UPDATE: Monday, December 11 at 11:00 a.m.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) opened all county driver’s license offices Monday morning as troubleshooting continues to find the root cause of computer system issues.

ITD is working closely with its card vendor, Gemalto, to monitor the system. So far, transactions have been moving well. Given that a root cause has not yet been found, it is possible as more transactions occur the system will slow down. This has been a symptom of the computer issues.

Today, the department has identified several processes to isolate and test. Customers at the county offices may experience long wait times. ITD appreciates the public’s patience during this time.

“We are exploring all options at this time in order to fix the issue,” said DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “This level of service is not up to our standards or the standards the citizens of Idaho expect. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused to the public and out partners in the county offices.”

At this time, there is no estimate when the issues will be resolved.

UPDATE: Sunday, December 10 at 2:48 p.m.

The Idaho Transportation Department will open all Division of Motor Vehicles driver’s license offices throughout the state on Monday, December 11.

During the weekend ITD’s driver’s license vendor, Gemalto, added additional server capacity in an effort to resolve the computer issues.

“We hope this will allow us to find the root cause of the issues we have been experiencing for more than a week now,” said DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez.

Although this isn’t the permanent fix, this may provide relief while ITD and Gemalto identify the long term solution. Gemalto’s senior technical staff are in Boise and will work with ITD technical and DMV business staff to do everything possible to find a resolution to our issues.

These computer issues do not reside at the counties. It is the ITD computer system.

“We understand the frustration of our county driver’s license partners and our customers. We appreciate their patience and collaboration as we work diligently to solve this problem,” said Gonzalez. “Please know this is not the level of service ITD strives to provide. We are equally as frustrated and are doing everything possible to get this issue resolved.”

Continue to check this blog for the latest updates and information.

UPDATE: Friday, December 8 at 3:32 p.m.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is allowing county driver’s license offices the option of closing Friday afternoon, effective immediately.

Due to continued computer issues, service at county offices has slowed. This has led more populous locations to experience long wait times. ITD, working hand-in-hand with its card issuing vendor Gemalto, is continuing to troubleshoot the problem. So far, a root cause has not yet been identified.

Following concerns for the safety of county staff members, ITD is allowing offices to close their doors. The department appreciates the public’s patience during this service disruption and deeply apologizes for the inconvenience.

The below counties have notified ITD they are closed for the remainder of business Friday. You can verify by contacting your county directly. Information here.

County offices closed:

Ada
Adams
Bear Lake
Canyon
Cassia
Freemont
Gem
Lemhi
Lewis
Lincoln
Nez Perce
Oneida
Power
Twin Falls
Washington

UPDATE: Friday, December 8 at 10:15 a.m.

The Idaho Transportation Department is continuing to investigate the root cause of computer system issues to driver’s license services. All county offices will have service, though long wait times are likely for more populous areas.

ITD has tried to isolate a number of functions to determine the root cause, but this has yet produced results. The service to counties works as expected until a high volume of transactions occur. At that time service dramatically slows, creating a backlog. This causes long wait times in counties processing many transactions.

These computer issues do not reside at the counties. It is the ITD computer system. The department continues to work with its card issuing vendor, Gemalto, and has brought in additional resources to work on this problem.

ITD recognizes and apologizes for the severe inconvenience this prolonged service disruption has caused to the public and county offices. All available resources are being expended to address this situation.

UPDATE: Thursday, December 7 at 5:00 p.m.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) continues to work around the clock to identify and correct issues facing driver’s license computer systems and is keeping county offices open with limited service.

ITD is working closely with its card issuing vendor, Gemalto, and bringing in additional resources to troubleshoot these issues. Several attempts to identify the root cause have proven unsuccessful and further efforts continue.

In order to search for the problem, transactions by the public must be processing. This requires county offices to continue operations. Service during this time may be intermittent and cause delays to customers.

UPDATE: Thursday, December 7 at 12:53 p.m.

ITD is allowing all driver’s license offices to open, including Grangeville. Service speeds have been intermittent throughout the morning. Additional resources have been brought in to troubleshoot the problem.

Technicians are implementing a fix this afternoon. This requires a suspension of service to the counties. The plan is not to close county offices while this fix is implemented.

Some counties may choose to close offices. Such a decision is not made by ITD. The public is urged to postpone visits to their county DMV to renew their license or conduct driver’s training, if possible. Those that visit should expect long wait times.

UPDATE: Wednesday, December 6 at 5:20 p.m.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will begin Thursday, December 7 with all county driver’s license offices open*, following computer issues that began Monday.

ITD was first able to open offices Wednesday around noon. Initial reports indicate interim fixes are stabilizing the system.

The department is still looking for a root cause to these issues and is advising citizens in heavily populated counties may experience long wait times. Technicians have worked around the clock to identify and fix the computer issues, and will continue to do so until a solution is found.

*Grangeville offices will be closed for a separate, connectivity issue.

UPDATE: Wednesday, December 6 at 12:30 p.m.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is opening all county driver’s license offices, following computer issues (except Grangeville).

ITD has determined the system is stable enough to allow all offices to operate, however investigation into the root cause of these issues continues. The public is still advised there will be delays at county DMV offices and it is encouraged to postpone a visit if possible.

The computer issues are contained to the ITD system, not county systems. While the root cause is still undetermined, technicians have discovered a high volume of transactions is causing process speeds to slow down dramatically.

ITD will limit the number of transactions each county can process to keep the system running while troubleshooting continues. This may lead to slower-than-normal transactions and delays for customers.

“We apologize to our county partners in the driver’s license offices and to the public for these computer problems,” said DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “Our team has been working around the clock and will continue to expend all available resources to fix this issue.”

At this time, there is no estimate when the system will be restored to full functionality.

Update: Tuesday, Decmber 5 at 5:42 p.m.

The Idaho Transportation Deparment (ITD) continues to troubleshoot computer problems when issuing driver’s license services.

On Wednesday, ITD will begin the day with driver’s license offices in Ada, Bannock, Canyon, Kootenai, and Twin Falls counties open to the public. All other county driver’s license service offices will remain closed until contacted by ITD.

The five county locations will open in order to identify root causes and test solutions to these problems. Services at these locations are expected to still be slow. The public is urged to plan for delays and postpone a visit if possible.

All county motor vehicle services (titles & registration) will be open to the public and are unaffected by the current computer issues.

The department is utilizing all available technical resources and working closely with its license vendor, Gemalto, to create a fix for this situation. Additional information will be posted when available.

Posted Tuesday, December 5 at 11:21 a.m.

Due to problems with the state’s Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) computer system, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has closed driver’s licensing offices across Idaho with the exception of Ada and Canyon counties.

There is no estimate of when the offices will be reopened. Registration and titling services are still open across Idaho.

ITD technicians have not yet determined the root cause of the system errors. When business opened Tuesday morning, all systems were functioning. As more county DMV offices came on line across the state and increased the number of transactions, the system slowed down dramatically.

“We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for the public’s patience as we work towards finding a solution,” said DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “ITD is devoting all available technology resources towards investigating the root of this problem. The department is working hand in hand with its driver’s license vendor, Gemalto, in this effort.”

The transportation department is requesting customers in Ada and Canyon counties to delay renewing their licenses today if possible. While the offices are open, there are long wait times. The two county offices are remaining open to allow the transportation department to test solutions before deploying statewide.

Idahoans saved more lives in 2016

BOISE – Idahoans are typically a kind and giving people. That was reinforced in 2016, as a record number of Idaho citizens chose to save a life.

The simple act of choosing organ donation on their driver’s license or state ID card translated into a significant increase in the number of organs transplanted last year, to 169, up from 113 in 2015. Customers at any county DMV site can select organ donation when completing a driver’s license or ID card transaction, and those accessing the DMV’s online site can choose the yesidaho! website to designate organ donation.

More Idahoans — 64 percent — choose to be organ donors than the national average, which is just 51 percent. There are about 800 people on the waiting list for organ donations in Idaho. There are no transplant centers in the Gem State, so recipients go to Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City, or Denver for transplants.

Intermountain Donor Services and the Idaho Transportation Department held a press conference Wednesday (Feb. 8) at 10:30 a.m. to discuss what the increase means to those personally affected.

“When we break a record, we typically use numbers to show results. When talking about organ and tissue donation, however, numbers do not paint the whole picture,” said Alex McDonald, public education director at Intermountain Donor Services. “Each organ transplanted means someone has been given a second chance — an opportunity to spend more time with family and friends, to continue working, and to make a difference.”

“Each organ and tissue donor will be deeply missed by family and friends, but is a hero in the lives of those they saved. We have invited a few people to share their stories and provide a broader understanding of what these record-breaking numbers really mean,” he added.

Those sharing their personal stories were:

– Rick Brittell, a heart transplant recipient who recently met his donor family
– Terri Magnuson, a cornea transplant recipient and donor mom
– Jonathan Long, liver transplant recipient
– Stacy McGrew, donor mom
– Dr. Mike Malea, a nephrologist working with patients with kidney disease
– Ed Pemble, DMV Program Manager, ITD

Many people contribute to the success of the organ, eye and tissue donation program in Idaho. First, of course, are the individuals and families who said yes to donation. The employees of the Idaho Transportation Department also make a huge difference in saving lives, providing educational materials and contact information to Idahoans with questions about donation.

For more information or to sign up on the Idaho Donor Registry, log on to www.yesidaho.org