How to Renew a Car Registration in Idaho

The Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires drivers to obtain a car registration renewal every year. The DMV offers Idaho license plate sticker tag renewal services online and in person at any local DMV office. Note that some counties are not eligible for online Idaho DMV registration renewal, so you may be required to renew your registration in person each year. 

You should receive a renewal notice postcard several weeks before the registration expires. However, you are responsible for renewing your registration whether you receive a notice or not. Keep reading to learn more about maintaining your current car registration in Idaho.

Renewing Your Registration Online in Idaho

You can renew your registration online if you live in an eligible Idaho county. The process entails visiting the Idaho DMV website and providing some of the following:

• Your license plate number
• The card number shown on your registration renewal postcard
• Your Idaho driver’s license or ID card information

If you do not have your license plate renewal postcard, you can still access the online renewal portal by providing your license plate number and driver’s license or ID card number. After following the prompts and paying your fees, you can print your receipt. You should carry it in your vehicle until your new documents arrive by mail. 

Download our free guide for helpful instructions on renewing your registration. 

Note: If you lose your car registration close to its expiration date, it is best to complete the renewal process instead of ordering a short-term duplicate. 

Getting Idaho Car Registration Renewal in Person 

If you cannot get a DMV car registration renewal online, you must renew in person at your county DMV office. 

There are several documents you must bring, including your renewal postcard and your license plate number. You will also need to have your driver’s license or ID card and a method of payment. 

Car registration renewal fees are based on the age of your car or truck. Accepted forms of payment may vary by location.

Can I mail my DMV registration renewal?

Only active duty military members or residents who are temporarily living out of state may mail their tag renewal requests to the Idaho DMV. 

If it is not possible to renew your registration online from your location, you must contact the DMV for mail-in renewal instructions.

Checking Vehicle Your Registration Status Online

Because new registration documents, like sticker tags are sent by mail, you may want to perform a car registration check if you do not receive them within a few weeks. 

A DMV car reg check will let you know if there were any problems issuing your new registration. You can do this by calling the Idaho DMV or performing a check on your vehicle registration status online through the state’s DMV portal.