How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Idaho?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Idaho residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) oversees the state's vehicle registration system through county assessor offices and DMV service centers throughout the state.
Idaho Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Idaho vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Idaho Driver's License or State ID: Current Idaho driver's license, state identification card, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or Social Security Number
- Vehicle Information: License plate number and last six digits of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Current Registration Documents: Existing Idaho vehicle registration certificate or renewal notice mailed by ITD
- Physical and Mailing Address: Current residential address and mailing address (if different)
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
Monthly Registration Periods: Idaho law establishes 12 consecutive registration periods, starting in January and proceeding through December, with each period expiring at midnight on the last day of the designated month as established by Idaho Code §49-402.
Registration Expiration System: The number displayed on the vehicle's validation registration sticker indicates the expiration month:
- Sticker with "1" expires at midnight January 31
- Sticker with "2" expires at midnight February 28/29
- Continuing consecutively through sticker "12" which expires at midnight December 31
Initial Registration Authority: Idaho Code §49-402 authorizes vehicle registration for periods less than 12 months or more than 12 months, with fees prorated on a monthly basis. State policy permits registration periods ranging from a minimum of 1 month to a maximum of 24 months.
Renewal Notice Distribution: The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) mails renewal reminders to vehicle owners before expiration dates.
Early Renewal Availability: Online renewal services typically become available before the registration expiration date.
Idaho Registration Renewal Schedule
| Sticker Number | Expiration Month | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | January | January 31 at midnight |
| 2 | February | February 28/29 at midnight |
| 3 | March | March 31 at midnight |
| 4 | April | April 30 at midnight |
| 5 | May | May 31 at midnight |
| 6 | June | June 30 at midnight |
| 7 | July | July 31 at midnight |
| 8 | August | August 31 at midnight |
| 9 | September | September 30 at midnight |
| 10 | October | October 31 at midnight |
| 11 | November | November 30 at midnight |
| 12 | December | December 31 at midnight |
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Idaho in 2025
2025 Idaho Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
The total cost to renew vehicle registration in Idaho varies based on multiple factors including vehicle age, type, weight, inspection requirements, and county of residence. Additional processing and administrative fees may apply depending on your county assessor's office.
Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees
Idaho Code establishes basic annual registration fees for passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, neighborhood electric vehicles, and motor vehicles with maximum gross weight of 8,000 pounds or less:
| Vehicle Age | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| 1-2 years old | $69.00 |
| 3-6 years old | $57.00 |
| 7+ years old | $45.00 |
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Surcharges:
- Electric vehicles: Add $140.00 per year (neighborhood electric vehicles excluded)
- Plug-in hybrid vehicles: Add $75.00 per year
Truck Registration Fees
Non-commercial trucks and farm trucks (used to haul farmer's own crops to market) are registered for 12-month periods based on gross vehicle weight:
| Gross Weight Category | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 8,001 – 16,000 lbs | $73.00 |
| 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 |
Motor Home Registration Fees
Motor home registration fees consist of two components:
- Basic Registration Fee: Based on vehicle age (same as passenger vehicles above)
- Recreational Vehicle (RV) Fee: Based on market value using chassis valuation factors
RV Fee Calculation: $8.50 for the first $1,000 of recreational market value, plus $5.00 for each additional $1,000 of market value. Motor Home RV Valuation Factors (established by Idaho State Tax Commission):
| Motor Home Type | Class | RV Valuation Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Motor Home | B & C | 50% |
| Motor Home | A | 60% |
| Front Engine Diesel Motor Home | A | 45% |
| Rear Engine Diesel Motor Home | A | 58% |
| Van Conversions | Passenger Vehicle | 25% |
Other Recreational Vehicle Fees
| Vehicle Type | Registration Fee | RV Fee Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Camp trailers, tent trailers, fifth wheels | $4.00 | $8.50 for first $1,000 + $5.00 per additional $1,000 (100% market value) |
| Slide-in truck campers | No registration fee | $8.50 for first $1,000 + $5.00 per additional $1,000 (100% market value) |
| Park model RVs | Varies | Contact county DMV for assessment details |
Specialty Vehicle Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| School buses | $24.00 |
| Motorcycles | $25.00 ($19.00 registration + $6.00 safety program fee)* |
| Off-highway vehicles (ATVs, motorbikes, UTVs, specialty off-highway vehicles) | $12.00 (includes $1.50 vendor fee) |
| Utility trailers | $5.00 annual / $20.00 five-year / $30.00 ten-year |
*Ada County residents add $8.00 Ada County Highway District fee
Watercraft and Snowmobile Fees
| Vehicle Type | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Boats up to 12 feet | $30.00 (to Idaho Parks and Recreation, includes Invasive Species Fund fees) |
| Boats over 12 feet | Add $2.00 per additional foot |
| Snowmobiles | $31.00 (resident or non-resident to Idaho Parks and Recreation) |
License Plate Fees
| Plate Type | Initial Fee | Annual Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Personalized license plates | $25.00 | $15.00 (plus registration fee) |
| Most specialty license plates | $35.00 | $25.00 (plus registration fee) |
| Standard replacement plates | $3.75 per plate / $7.50 per pair | N/A |
Additional Mandatory Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Services (EMS) fee | $1.25 | Certain vehicles exempt per Idaho Code 49-452 |
| VIN inspection | $5.00 | Required for out-of-state vehicles |
| County administrative fees | Varies | Fees vary by county of residence |
| County highway district fees | Varies | Fees vary by county of residence |
| Postage costs | Varies | When plates mailed to owner |
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Idaho
Online Renewal Availability
Idaho offers comprehensive online vehicle registration renewal services through the Idaho DMV Online Portal. The system provides both quick renewal services and full account-based services for registered users.
Eligibility Requirements for Online Renewal
Quick Registration Renewal: Available for straightforward renewals without account registration requirements.
Account-Based Services: Require user registration but provide access to additional services including address changes, driving records, and comprehensive vehicle management.
Required Information: All online renewal services require accurate vehicle and owner information matching ITD records.
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Access Idaho DMV Online Services
- Visit the Idaho DMV Online Portal
- Choose between "Quick Registration Renewal" for immediate service or create an account for full services
- Access the Quick Registration Renewal service for expedited processing
Step 2: Gather Required Information
- Idaho license plate number (example format: "10H0ME")
- Last six digits of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Current Idaho driver's license or state ID information
- Current physical address and mailing address (if different)
- Payment method: credit card or electronic checking account
Step 3: Complete Online Transaction
Quick Renewal Process:
- Enter license plate number in the specified format
- Provide the last six digits of your VIN
- Verify vehicle and owner information displayed by the system
- Confirm current address information
- Review renewal fees and processing charges
- Submit payment via secure online processing
Full Account Process:
- Register for or log into your Idaho DMV online account
- Select vehicle registration renewal from available services
- Review and update personal information as needed
- Process payment and receive confirmation
Step 4: Receive Registration Documentation
- Print confirmation receipt immediately upon successful completion
- New registration sticker and documents mailed to registered address
- Keep confirmation receipt in vehicle until permanent documents arrive
- Contact your county assessor office if documents are not received within expected timeframe
Alternative Renewal Methods
In-Person Renewal
Visit your county assessor office for in-person registration services:
- Locate your county DMV office through the ITD office directory
- Bring current registration certificate or renewal notice
- Present valid Idaho driver's license or state identification
- Provide updated address information if changed
- Pay applicable fees using accepted payment methods
- Receive new registration certificate and sticker same day
Phone Renewal Service
Some county offices offer phone renewal services:
- Contact your county motor vehicle licensing office directly
- Provide license plate number and required verification information
- Process payment over the phone using credit card
- Receive registration documents by mail
Virtual Appointment Services
Idaho offers virtual appointment scheduling for certain DMV services:
- Access the Virtual Appointment Scheduling system
- Schedule appointments for complex registration transactions
- Participate in video conference appointments with DMV staff
- Complete transactions remotely with appropriate documentation
Mail-In Renewal
Traditional mail renewal may be available through county offices:
- Follow instructions provided with renewal notice
- Include all required documentation and payment
- Mail to county assessor office address specified in renewal materials
- Allow additional processing time for mail service
Contact Information
Idaho Transportation Department
3311 West State Street
Boise, ID 83703
Phone: (208) 334-8000
DMV Information: (208) 584-4343
Idaho Transportation Department
CDL Help Desk
Idaho Transportation Department
Phone: (208) 584-4343
