In Idaho, special rules apply to drivers as they age. Once you reach age 63, you must renew your driver’s license every four years, rather than the eight-year option available to younger adults.
For seniors aged 70 and older, renewal must be done in person at a DMV office—mail and online renewals are not permitted for this age group. This ensures that older drivers are regularly assessed for their ability to drive safely.
The Renewal Process for Seniors
To renew your license, you must visit a local DMV office and bring proof of identity, Idaho residency, and your Social Security number. All renewing drivers, regardless of age, are required to pass a vision test.
If you fail the initial screening, you may be asked to submit a vision exam form completed by an eye doctor. Written tests are not required for renewal unless your license has been expired for more than 25 months; in that case, both the knowledge and driving skills tests must be retaken.
If you have a mental or physical impairment that could affect your ability to drive, or if family, law enforcement, or a doctor requests it, you may also be required to take a road test.
Fees and Legislative Updates
Currently, the renewal fee for a four-year license for seniors is $30, following recent legislative efforts to lower the cost from $35 to $30 for those aged 63 and older. Seniors are not eligible for the eight-year license term, which is reserved for drivers under. Payment can be made by card, cash, check, or money order at the DMV office.
Additional Considerations
You can renew your license up to 25 months before it expires, giving you plenty of time to complete the process. After your renewal, you will receive a temporary paper license while your new card is mailed to you, typically within two to three weeks. If your license has expired for more than 25 months, you must retake both the written and driving tests before renewal.
Idaho’s license renewal process for seniors is designed to balance convenience with safety. Seniors must renew in person every four years, pass a vision test, and pay a $30 fee.
Written and road tests are only required under specific circumstances, such as long-expired licenses or reported impairments. These rules ensure that Idaho’s growing senior driver population remains safe and mobile on the state’s roads
Sources
[1] https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/idaho-driving-laws-seniors-older-drivers.html
[2] https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-rules-seniors/
[3] https://zutobi.com/us/id-car/driver-guides/idaho-drivers-license-renewal
[4] https://driving-tests.org/academy/renew/idaho
[5] https://klewtv.com/news/local/idaho-senate-committee-considers-lowering-drivers-license-renewal-fees-for-seniors
