Idaho License Plate Lookup /Cancel Vehicle Registration Online

How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Idaho in 2026

Idaho does not offer an online system for vehicle registration cancellation. Registration cancellation must be processed through mail or in-person submission at county assessor offices. The Idaho Transportation Department Division of Motor Vehicles supervises vehicle registration functions statewide, while county assessor offices handle transaction processing as authorized agents.

When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed

Vehicle owners encounter various situations requiring registration cancellation:

Transferring vehicle ownership through sale or gift
Establishing residence in a different state
Taking the vehicle to a salvage or recycling facility
Reporting a vehicle as stolen without recovery
Receiving an insurance total loss declaration
Storing the vehicle for an extended period without use
Terminating insurance coverage with no intention of operating the vehicle on roads
Retaining the license plate for transfer to another vehicle
Death of the registered owner

Mail and In-Person Cancellation Procedures

Idaho requires the submission of Form ITD 3438 to document and process registration cancellations.

Cancellation by Mail

Vehicle owners may request registration cancellation by completing the License Plate Cancellation Request (Form ITD 3438) and submitting it to the Idaho Transportation Department.

Required Information:

Full legal name of registered owner
Complete residential address
Driver's license number or business EIN
License plate number to be canceled
Specific reason for cancellation
Signature and date

Cancellation Options Available:

Cancel plates while retaining the remaining registration time for transfer to another vehicle
Cancel registration while retaining the plate number for transfer to another vehicle
Cancel both the registration and plate number completely

Submission Methods:

Mail to:
Idaho Transportation Department
Attn: Vehicle Services / Special Plates
PO Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707-1129

In-Person Processing

Registration cancellation may be completed at your local county assessor motor vehicle office. Bring the completed Form ITD 3438 along with valid identification to the office serving your county of residence.

Transaction Processing:

County assessor offices process cancellation requests and forward documentation to the Idaho Transportation Department. Upon receipt, the Division of Motor Vehicles updates vehicle registration records to reflect canceled status.

Request for Refund of Registration Fees

Idaho law provides limited circumstances under which registration fees may be refunded. Under Idaho Code § 49-434, refunds apply to specific situations involving registration errors or unused registration periods.

Refund Eligibility

The Idaho Transportation Department evaluates refund requests according to Idaho Administrative Code Rule 39.02.43. Refunds may be granted when:

The county assessor or the Department registered the motor vehicle in error
Registration occurred incorrectly due to administrative mistakes
The vehicle owner provides proof of registration error
Unexpired registration time remains when the plate is not transferred to another vehicle

Significant Limitation: Registration refunds require the return of all license plates, registration stickers, and registration certificates to the Department or county assessor's office. Refunds for unexpired portions of vehicle registration fees are available only when the plate is not transferred by the owner to another vehicle.

Refund Application Process

Step 1: Gather Required Materials

Collect all license plates, registration stickers, and registration certificates issued for the vehicle. These items must be surrendered to qualify for refund consideration.

Step 2: Document Registration Error

Prepare documentation demonstrating that registration occurred in error. This may include correspondence, payment receipts, or other evidence supporting the refund claim.

Step 3: Submit Refund Request

Return all registration materials to your county assessor's office or directly to the Idaho Transportation Department. Include a written request explaining the basis for the refund and attach supporting documentation.

Step 4: Administrative Review

The county or department reviews submitted materials to verify registration errors and eligibility under applicable rules. Administrative and mailing fees may or may not be refunded based on determinations by individual counties or the Department.

Processing Consideration: Title fee refunds are available only before the title application has been processed by the county assessor or the department.

Governing Laws and Regulations

Idaho vehicle registration cancellation operates under statutory and administrative authority:

Idaho Code § 49-434 highlights specific annual registration fees for motor vehicles
Idaho Code § 49-202 establishes duties of the Idaho Transportation Board regarding motor vehicle administration
Idaho Administrative Code Rule 39.02.43 specifies provisions for refunds of vehicle title and registration fees
Idaho Code Title 49, Chapter 4 contains comprehensive statutes governing vehicle registration and licensing requirements

Government Agencies

Idaho Transportation Department - Division of Motor Vehicles

Idaho Transportation Department - Division of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707-1129
Phone: (208) 584-4343
Official Website: Idaho Transportation Department DMV

Online Services:
Idaho DMV Online Portal

County Assessor Offices

Vehicle registration cancellations are processed through county assessor offices serving as authorized agents throughout Idaho. The following offices serve major population centers:

Ada County Assessor - Motor Vehicle Division
190 East Front Street, Suite 107, Boise, ID 83702
Phone: (208) 577-3135
Official Website: Ada County Assessor

Canyon County Assessor - Motor Vehicle Division
1115 Albany Street, Caldwell, ID 83605
Phone: (208) 454-7431
Official Website: Canyon County Assessor

Kootenai County Department of Motor Vehicles
451 Government Way, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Phone: (208) 446-1580
Official Website: Kootenai County DMV

Bonneville County Assessor - Motor Vehicle Division
547 North Capital Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Phone: (208) 529-1320
Official Website: Bonneville County Assessor

Twin Falls County Department of Motor Vehicles
630 Addison Avenue West, Suite 1201, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Phone: (208) 735-4870
Official Website: Twin Falls County DMV

Bannock County Motor Vehicles
130 North 6th Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83201
Phone: (208) 236-7200
Official Website: Bannock County Motor Vehicles

Nez Perce County Assessor - Motor Vehicle Division
1230 Main Street, Lewiston, ID 83501
Phone: (208) 799-3026
Official Website: Nez Perce County Assessor

Latah County Department of Motor Vehicles
1313 South Blaine Street, Moscow, ID 83843
Phone: (208) 883-7211
Official Website: Latah County DMV

Elmore County Assessor - Motor Vehicle Division
150 South 4th East, Mountain Home, ID 83647
Phone: (208) 587-2130
Official Website: Elmore County Assessor

Madison County Motor Vehicles
510 North 2nd East, Suite 1, Rexburg, ID 83440
Phone: (208) 356-9236
Official Website: Madison County Motor Vehicles