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Motor Vehicles FAQ

What Are Idaho's Motor Vehicle Requirements?

To register a vehicle in Idaho:

  • The vehicle must belong to an Idaho resident or business.
  • The vehicle must be titled in Idaho before it can be registered. (You can apply for vehicle registration immediately after the titling process has been completed.)
  • Out of State vehicles, registering for the first time in Idaho, must bring vehicle to DMV for a VIN inspection.
  • You must provide your Idaho Driver’s License number or Social Security number.

What Is The Idaho State Parks Passport Program?

NEW this year, in partnership with Idaho Parks & Recreation, annual Parks Passports will be available for purchase at local Ada County DMV offices. The annual Parks Passport is $10.00 per vehicle and provides admission to all 30 Idaho State Parks for one year, trail and boat launch access, and even camping discounts. The Passport expires concurrently with vehicle registration. A full list of Idaho State Parks is available at www.idahoparkspassport.com

Where Do I Obtain A Copy Of My Motor Vehicle Record?

You may obtain a copy of your Motor Vehicle record via the Internet at www.itd.idaho.gov  or by visiting Sheriff DMV office on Benjamin St. Theonlinee cost is $5.50.

Why Are New Plates Required?

Idaho law requires that license plates be reissued every seven years. The next plate in the series will be issued unless you check the box indicating you want to retain your existing plate number. If you choose to keep your existing plate number it must be special ordered. You will be issued a temporary permit as it may take up to six weeks to receive your new plate.

Where Do I Go To Register My Motor Vehicle?

Visit our locations page for a map of area DMV locations.

What Types Of Plates Are Available At My County Assessor's Offices?

This is a listing of all plates available for purchase.

Whom Can I Turn To For Further Information?

Contact the Ada County Assessor’s Office.

Conducting a Transaction

To REGISTER your motor vehicle, please visit one of our branch locations.

  1. If you purchased a new vehicle from an Idaho dealer, you must bring in your pink copy of the form 502 out of your rear window
  2. If you are new to Idaho you must bring your vehicle in to DMV for a VIN inspection. If you have no lien holder you must bring your out-of-state title into DMV.  If your vehicle is financed or leased please download the Lien Letter  from our Documents and Forms page and submit it to your lienholder so that they may release the out-of-state title to the Motor Vehicles office of your choice (Note: When downloading the file please select the DMV office that you wish to have the title released to).  Once the title has been released, registrants will receive a notification via mail to bring their vehicle to the Motor Vehicles office for completion of the registration process.
  3. You must provide your Idaho Driver’s License number or Social Security number.

To RENEW a motor vehicle license by phone, please read the following:

  1. Please call (208) 577-3135 (our Motor Vehicle Licensing call center)
  2. Give the clerk the license plate number you want to renew.
  3. The clerk will process your transaction and verify pertinent information with you. The clerk will also tell you the amount of the transaction.
  4. Give the clerk your Visa or Mastercard number and the card’s expiration date.
  5. You will receive the processed registration in the mail or may pick it up at the Franklin Rd.,”will call” window.
  6. Idaho law requires that license plates be reissued every seven years. If your plate is over seven years old, the renewal will include the cost of new plates and a mailing fee. For a small additional fee, you can retain your existing plate number.