Car Registration Requirements for New Idaho Residents
Individuals moving to Idaho with a vehicle registered in another state must complete title and registration procedures within a fixed term of establishing residency. Idaho law mandates that all motor vehicles operated on public highways carry valid registration and title documentation issued by the Idaho Transportation Department.
Timeline for New Idaho Residents
New residents must register their out-of-state vehicle within 30 days of moving to Idaho, regardless of whether the out-of-state registration remains valid. This deadline applies to the date residency is established, not the expiration date of the previous state's registration.
Failure to complete registration and titling within the required timeframe results in a $20 late-filing penalty.
Establishing Idaho Residency
Effective July 1, 2024, the residency requirement for vehicle registration was reduced from 90 days to 30 days. Individuals whose principal home has been in Idaho for 30 continuous days qualify as residents for vehicle registration purposes, though residency may be declared at any earlier time.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in Idaho
Transferring out-of-state vehicle ownership to Idaho requires submitting specific documentation to a county assessor's motor vehicle office for both title and registration processing.
It is necessary to providevehicle to be titled and registered (DMV employee will inspect the Vehicle Identification Number during the appointment)
Essential Documents
Title and registration applications must include the following items:
- Current vehicle title and registration from the previous state (if vehicle has not been titled in applicant's name, ensure title bears proper signatures and purchase price in designated area)
- Bill of Sale from seller (required if price not shown on title)
- Lienholder's name and address (if title is held by a financial institution)
- Duplicate title from state of issuance (if original title has been lost)
- Personal identification (valid Idaho driver's license or state-issued ID card)
- Verification of Idaho motor vehicle insurance satisfying minimum coverage standards
- Power of Attorney (Form ITD 3368) for mail applications (grants County Assessor authority to execute application on owner's behalf)
Personal Information Requirements
Vehicle registration and titling in Idaho requires submission of the applicant's complete legal name paired with one qualifying identifier:
- Idaho driver's license number
- Idaho identification card number
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) for business entities
A verifiable physical residence address and mailing address must accompany the application.
Insurance Requirements
All motor vehicles registered in Idaho must maintain minimum liability insurance issued by carriers authorized to operate in Idaho:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury or death per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury or death per accident (two or more persons) | $50,000 |
| Property damage per acciden | $15,000 |
Application Submission Methods
New residents may submit registration and title applications in person at county motor vehicle offices throughout Idaho.
Idaho residents temporarily located outside the state may submit title and registration applications by mail to:
Idaho Transportation Department
Vehicle Services Section, Post Office Box 34, Boise, Idaho 83731-0034
Official Website: Idaho Transportation Department
Registration Fees and Costs in Idaho
The total cost to register a vehicle varies depending on vehicle age, type or weight, county of residence, and whether new plates are required. Idaho utilizes a fee calculator to determine exact registration costs.
Base Registration Fees by Vehicle Type
Annual registration fees for passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, and motor vehicles with maximum gross weight not exceeding 8,000 pounds are determined by vehicle age:
| Vehicle Age | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| 1-2 years old | $69 |
| 3-6 years old | $57 |
| 7+ years old | $45 |
Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles operated on public highways: $25 ($19 registration fee plus $6 Motorcycle Safety Program Fee)
Trucks with gross weight between 8,001 and 60,000 pounds:
| Gross Weight Range | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 8,001 - 16,000 lbs | $73 |
| 16,001 - 26,000 lbs | $86.08 |
| 26,001 - 30,000 lbs | $116.68 |
| 30,001 - 40,000 lbs | $155.08 |
| 40,001 - 50,000 lbs | $213.28 |
| 50,001 - 60,000 lbs | $336.88 |
Additional Fees and Costs
Beyond base registration fees, applicants must pay:
- License plates: $3.75 per plate for new plates
- Title fee: $14 base fee
- County title administrative fees (total title fee ranges from $14 to $32.75)
- County registration administrative fees: vary by county from $3 to $14
- Emergency Medical Services fee: $1.25
- Postage costs if new plates are mailed (plates typically arrive within 6 weeks)
Fee estimation tools are available online to calculate precise registration costs based on vehicle specifications and county of residence.
Contact Information
Idaho Transportation Department
Division of Motor Vehicles, Post Office Box 7129, Boise, Idaho 83707-1129
Phone: (208) 334-8649
Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Mountain Time
Official Website: Idaho DMV
