How To Get a Car Title in Idaho 2026
Idaho statute requires a certificate of title for motor vehicles, travel trailers, and park trailers domiciled in the state. The Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Motor Vehicles, administers vehicle titling and maintains ownership records. Vehicles must be titled before registration can occur, and applications must be submitted within statutory timeframes following purchase or transfer.
Where to Apply for an Idaho Certificate of Title
Idaho processes title applications through multiple authorized channels:
- County Assessor Motor Vehicle Offices – Full-service locations in all 44 Idaho counties
- Idaho Transportation Department Field Offices – DMV branch locations statewide
- Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealers – Authorized dealerships registered with the state
- Third-Party Contractors – Private entities authorized to conduct DMV transactions
Required Documents for Title Application in Idaho
Submission of a complete application requires specific documentation as outlined in Idaho administrative rules.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Title and Registration | Form ITD 3337 completed in full | All owners must sign; original signatures required |
| Evidence of Ownership | Valid Idaho title assigned to applicant, out-of-state title with proper endorsement, or manufacturer's statement of origin | Document must be surrendered at time of application |
| Idaho Driver's License or Identification Card | Current credential showing Idaho address | Required for all listed owners |
| Proof of Insurance | Idaho liability insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements | Policy must be active at time of application |
Additional Documentation Requirements
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| VIN Inspection Form | Verify vehicle identification number | Required for first-time Idaho titles and out-of-state vehicles |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Federal requirement for vehicles less than ten years old | Must be completed on secure form or included on title assignment |
| Lien Release Documentation | Clear outstanding security interests | Original lienholder signature and notarization required |
| Bill of Sale | Document transaction terms | Recommended for private-party sales; must show purchase price and date |
| Power of Attorney | Authorize representative to act | Notarized form required when owner cannot appear in person |
| Federal Safety Standards Letter | Verify compliance for imported vehicles | Required for vehicles manufactured outside the United States |
Idaho Title Fees and Costs
Idaho establishes title fees through legislative statute and administrative regulation. Title fees vary by county due to administrative fees.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory Title Fee | $14.00 | Base state fee ($11.00 to State Highway Account, $3.00 to County Expense Fund) |
| County Title Administrative Fee | $0.00–$18.75 | Varies by county; see table below |
| Duplicate Title | $14.00 + county admin fee | Replacement for lost or damaged certificate |
| Lienholder Addition or Release | $14.00 | Recording security interest modification |
| Rush Title Processing | $26.00 | Optional priority handling within 48 hours (in addition to standard title fee) |
County-Specific Title Fees (Selected Counties)
| County | Total Title Fee | County Admin Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Ada | $21.00 | $7.00 |
| Bannock | $14.00 | $0.00 |
| Blaine | $32.75 | $18.75 |
| Bonner | $24.00 | $10.00 |
| Canyon | $21.00 | $7.00 |
| Kootenai | $24.00 | $10.00 |
| Twin Falls | $16.00 | $2.00 |
Additional Processing Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee (Passenger Vehicles) | $45.00–$69.00 | Varies by vehicle age: 7+ years $45.00; 3-6 years $57.00; 1-2 years $69.00 |
| Registration Fee (Motorcycles) | $25.00 | Includes $19 registration + $6 Motorcycle Safety Program Fee |
| Standard License Plate Fee | $3.75 | Per plate; good for 10 years with active registration |
| County Registration Administrative Fee | $3.00–$14.00 | Varies by county |
| Electric Vehicle Additional Fee | $140.00 | Annual surcharge for battery electric vehicles |
| Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Additional Fee | $75.00 | Annual surcharge for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles |
| EMS Fee | $1.25 | Emergency Medical Services fee |
| Release of Liability Filing | Varies | Paid by seller or transferor |
Use the Idaho Registration Estimator to calculate exact fees for your specific situation.
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Required Documentation
Collect the properly assigned certificate of ownership, current Idaho insurance verification, Idaho driver's license or identification card for all owners, and any supporting transfer documents. For vehicles entering Idaho from another state, schedule a VIN inspection with an authorized inspector.
Step 2: Complete Application for Title and Registration
Fill out Form ITD 3337 with accurate vehicle information, including the complete 17-character VIN, year of manufacture, make, model, body style, and purchase price. List all owners as they should appear on the certificate. Include lienholder details if the vehicle is financed. Ensure all required signatures are original ink signatures.
Step 3: Visit County Assessor or DMV Office
Present the completed application, supporting documents, and payment to your county assessor motor vehicle office or an Idaho Transportation Department field office. Staff will review documents for completeness, verify the VIN matches the application, and calculate total fees due.
Step 4: Submit Payment for Applicable Fees
Pay the combined total of title fee, registration fee, plate fee, and any additional charges. Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card. County offices may charge a convenience fee for electronic payment processing.
Step 5: Processing and Title Issuance
The application is submitted electronically to the Idaho Transportation Department for processing. Standard processing requires approximately 10 to 15 business days from the date of submission. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee and reduces processing time to 48 hours. When no lien exists, the paper certificate of title is mailed to the owner's address. If a security interest is recorded, the title is mailed to the lienholder and held until the debt is satisfied.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Idaho Code specifies certain vehicles exempt from titling, though many still require registration:
- Utility trailers and boat trailers with unladen weight under 2,000 pounds (registration required, but title not required)
- Farm tractors and implements of husbandry used exclusively for agricultural operations
- Off-highway recreational vehicles registered under separate provisions
- Special mobile equipment not designed for highway transportation
- Government-owned vehicles operated by federal, state, or local agencies
- Vehicles owned by nonresidents temporarily operating in Idaho
Contact Information
Idaho Transportation Department
Division of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 7129 Boise, ID 83707-1129
Phone: (208) 584-4343
Official Website: Idaho DMV
