How to Schedule and Prepare for Your Idaho State ID Appointment

Book your Idaho state ID appointment through the Department of Motor Vehicles website or by calling your local office

Idaho does not require an appointment for state ID cards at most locations — you can walk in during business hours. However, some DMV offices in larger cities offer appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. If your local office offers appointments, you can reserve a time slot through the Idaho DMV website or by calling the office directly. The phone number for your nearest location appears on the DMV site when you enter your zip code.

Walk-in service is available at all Idaho DMV offices, but arrival time varies by location and day of the week. Mornings and early weekdays typically have shorter lines. If you prefer a may provide time slot and your office offers them, scheduling ahead takes five minutes and removes the guesswork about how long you will wait.

Whether you book ahead or walk in, bring the same documents. The difference is only whether you arrive at a set time or during open hours.

Key Takeaways

• Most Idaho DMV offices do not require appointments, but some larger locations offer optional time slots to shorten wait times.
• You can schedule an appointment on the Idaho DMV website or by calling your local office; walk-in service is always available.
• Bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of residency, and a Social Security card or tax document to any appointment.
• Processing takes about 15 minutes at the counter, but your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
• If you do not have a birth certificate, you can request one from the state vital records office before your DMV visit.

What documents to bring to your Idaho state ID appointment

Idaho requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

For proof of identity, bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy from the state vital records office. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a certified copy of your naturalization papers. A driver's license from another state also works if it is still valid.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice in your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail also counts. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name appears on the bill, plus your birth certificate.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a 1099. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating your number — request one online or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Bring these additional items and information

Bring your current signature on a blank piece of paper or be ready to sign at the counter. The DMV will photograph you, so wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. Bring cash or a debit card — most Idaho DMV offices accept both, though a few accept cash only. Call ahead if you are unsure.

Write down your full legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate, including middle name. If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring the court order or marriage certificate that documents the change. Bring any previous Idaho ID cards or driver's licenses if you have them.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present. Bring their ID and proof that they have custody — usually the birth certificate showing their name, or a custody order if applicable.

What happens during your appointment or walk-in visit

The DMV staff will check your documents, verify they meet Idaho requirements, and ask you to confirm your address and legal name. This takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You will then be photographed and asked to sign. The staff will collect the fee — currently $20 for a standard card, though the price may vary — and give you a receipt.

Your state ID card is not issued on the spot. Instead, it is mailed to the address you provided, arriving within 7 to 10 business days. The receipt shows a tracking number you can use to check status on the DMV website. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, call your local DMV office with your receipt number.

If you need an ID before the card arrives, ask the DMV staff whether they can issue a temporary paper ID. Not all offices provide this, but some do at no extra cost.

If you do not have a birth certificate

You cannot get a state ID without a birth certificate or an acceptable substitute. If you do not have one, request a certified copy from the state vital records office in the state where you were born. You can order online, by mail, or by phone — the vital records office website for your birth state will have the process and cost, usually $15 to $30.

Processing time for a birth certificate varies by state: some issue them within 5 business days, others take 2 to 3 weeks. Order early if you have an appointment scheduled. If your appointment is soon and the birth certificate will not arrive in time, call your DMV office and ask whether you can reschedule or whether they will accept a temporary receipt from the vital records office showing you have ordered it.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate, bring your passport or naturalization papers instead. These are acceptable proof of identity for an Idaho state ID.

Changing your name or address on your state ID

If you need to update your name or address after you receive your card, you do not need a new appointment — you can walk into any Idaho DMV office with your current card, the document proving the change (marriage certificate, court order, or lease), and the $20 fee. The updated card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your card is lost or stolen, report it to your local DMV office in person or by phone. Bring your receipt if you have it. A replacement card costs $20 and arrives by mail within the same timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a state ID card to fly within the United States?

Yes. An Idaho state ID card is an acceptable form of identification for domestic flights. Bring it to the airport along with your boarding pass. It is not valid for international travel — you will need a passport for that.

What if I moved to Idaho from another state and still have a valid driver's license?

You can use your out-of-state driver's license until it expires. If you want an Idaho state ID instead, follow the same process as a first-time applicant. You do not need to surrender your other license unless you also want an Idaho driver's license.

How long does the whole process take from appointment to receiving my card?

The appointment or walk-in visit itself takes 15 to 20 minutes. Your card then arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Total time from start to finish is roughly two weeks.

What if my address changes after I apply but before my card arrives?

Contact your local DMV office with your receipt number and provide your new address. They can update it in the system so your card is mailed to the correct location. Do this as soon as your address changes to avoid delays.

Do I need an appointment if I am renewing my state ID?

No. Renewals are walk-in only. Bring your current card, proof of residency if your address has changed, and the renewal fee. The process is the same as getting a new card.