Expired Registration in Idaho
Every motor vehicle driven on Idaho's roadways requires active, unexpired registration credentials. The Idaho Transportation Department Division of Motor Vehicles handles registration administration and fee collection throughout the state, while the Idaho State Police, alongside municipal law enforcement authorities, ensures compliance with registration statutes.
State Code Provisions in Idaho
Idaho establishes its motor vehicle registration legal framework within Title 49 of the Idaho Code, the comprehensive statutory chapter governing vehicular traffic and related regulations. These legal provisions detail registration obligations, payment structures, credential display standards, and enforcement protocols. Specifically, Idaho Code § 49-401A requires vehicle proprietors to obtain registration through county assessors or the Transportation Department, while Idaho Code § 49-402 defines the yearly fee schedule. Sanctions for driving unregistered vehicles appear in Idaho Code § 49-456.
Registration Terms and Expiration in Idaho
Registration Renewal System
Idaho utilizes a twelve-month registration cycle for standard motor vehicles. Registration credentials remain valid for one annual period, with expiration determined by the last day of the registrant's birth month.
Standard Vehicle Registration:
- Registrations are valid for one year
- Registrations expire at midnight on the last day of the owner's birth month
- Example: An owner born in June must renew registration by June 30 each year; registration expires at midnight on June 30
Grace Period Statement:
Idaho does not provide a grace period for expired registration. When registration expires at midnight on the last day of the owner's birth month, drivers may not legally operate the vehicle on public roads until completing renewal. Driving with expired registration subjects the operator to immediate citation and penalties.
Penalties for Expired Registration in Idaho
Idaho only imposes traffic infractions for operating a vehicle with expired registration, but not administrative fees for late renewal.
Administrative Penalties for Late Renewal
Idaho has implemented favorable policies regarding late registration renewal fees. According to Idaho Administrative Code (IDAPA) 39.02.45, Idaho does not assess administrative late fees for renewing expired registration. Registration renewal applicants are charged only for the current registration period, regardless of when they renew. Registration expired for more than one year will not be assessed fees retroactively.
Key Administrative Policy:
- No Late Fees: Idaho does not charge penalties at the time of registration renewal for expired registrations
- Current Period Only: Applicants pay standard registration fees for the upcoming registration period
- No Retroactive Charges: Fees are not assessed for past lapsed periods
Traffic Infractions for Operating with Expired Registration
Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration on public highways constitutes a traffic infraction under Idaho law, distinct from the absence of administrative renewal fees.
Operating Vehicle Without Registration:
Idaho Code § 49-456(1) makes it unlawful to operate a vehicle without valid registration. According to the Idaho Supreme Court Infraction Penalty Schedule, this violation carries the following penalties:
- Total Fine: $101.00
- Fixed penalty: $44.50
- Court costs: $16.50
- County justice fund fee: $5.00
- Peace officers training fee: $15.00
- Court technology fund fee: $10.00
- Emergency surcharge fee: $10.00
- Classification: Traffic infraction (civil offense, not a criminal misdemeanor)
Government Agencies Contact Information
Idaho Transportation Department - Division of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707-1129
Phone: (208) 584-4343
Official Website: Idaho Transportation Department DMV
Idaho State Police Headquarters
700 South Stratford Drive
Meridian, ID 83642
Phone: (208) 884-7000
Official Website: Idaho State Police
