How to Renew Your Car Registration in Idaho

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The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees your vehicle’s registration renewal.

You’ll need to complete a vehicle renewal to continue (legally) driving. Your expiration depends on its registration date, but you will renew every year. Failing to renew your registration can result in penalties including fines and occurrences like a license suspension or revocation.

You’ll receive a renewal notice before your vehicle’s expiration. The notice shares information about your renewal options and the date it’s due. If you haven’t received the notice, contact your local DMV and request this information.

Most drivers can renew your vehicle’s registration:

  • In-person
  • Online

You may check the status of your license by requesting driver records. Requesting records will show anything preventing you from completing the registration renewal.

Given you don’t have restrictions on your license, follow along to complete the renewal process.

Idaho Car or Truck Registration Renewal: Step-by-Step

Your registration renewal method will vary, depending on what’s mentioned on the notice.

If you’ve lost your tags sometime between the renewal you can have it replaced. See our duplicate title guide for more information about this process if it’s a requirement for your renewal. You will also want minimum auto insurance when renewing to legally drive on state roads.

Here are the ways to renew your vehicle’s registration in Idaho:

Renewing In-Person

In-person renewals happen at your local ID county assessors (find one here), then:

  1. Present your ID driver’s license
  2. Provide your registration notice or current registration
  3. Show proof of emissions test (if applicable)
  4. Pay the registration renewal fees

The clerk will process your information and complete the transaction. Congratulations, your car is registered for another year!

Renewing Online

You will need the following to complete an online renewal:

  • Idaho-issued driver’s license or ID
    • Or: EIN filed with the State Tax Commission
  • Renewal postcard
  • Payment for processing

Drivers will visit the Idaho renewal portal and follow the on-screen prompts. This process doesn’t take long.

Pay your renewal fees and you’ll receive your new tags by mail in a few weeks.

Idaho Registration Renewal Fees

How much does it cost to renew registration in Idaho? Expect the following based on your vehicle’s age:

  • 1 to 2 years old: $69
  • 3 to 6 years old: $57
  • 7 years and older: $45

You will also pay fees including:

  • Vehicle type and use
  • Admin, postage, highway, and county fees/taxes

Your renewal notice shares the complete details of your expected fees and taxes. Otherwise, check with your local DMV for more information regarding your registration and vehicle type.

Idaho Emissions Testing

An emissions test is required in the following counties:

  • Canyon
  • Kuna (city limits)

Inspections happen every 2 years – you’ll know when this needs to be done because you’ll receive a notification by mail. Go to one of your local test stations, get the inspection done, and keep a copy of the certificate as you’ll present this when renewing the vehicle’s registration.

Congratulations, You’re Done!

You’ve completed the Idaho vehicle registration renewal.

Keep track of your expiration date by writing it on your calendar. Otherwise, note the next time a renewal notice comes your way sometime next year. Forgoing renewal can land you in trouble with fines and penalties so don’t let this lapse – happy driving!