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How to Get ID & Documents in Idaho

Idaho handles state identification cards and driver licenses through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). County assessor offices serve as the primary in-person locations for ID card applications throughout the state.

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Quick Answer

To get a state ID in Idaho, visit your county assessor's office with a birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and two proofs of Idaho residency. A standard state ID costs $30, and cards are typically mailed within 2-3 weeks.

Idaho ID Agency

Idaho Transportation Department (ITD)

Website: itd.idaho.gov/dmv

Phone: (208) 334-8736

State ID Card

Cost: $30

REAL ID: $30 (REAL ID compliant included at no extra charge)

Processing: 2-3 weeks by mail after in-person application

Online renewal: Yes

Requirements:

  • Proof of identity (U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization)
  • Social Security card or document showing full SSN
  • Two proofs of Idaho residential address (utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement)
  • Legal presence documentation for non-citizens

Idaho offers online renewal for eligible ID holders. Applications are processed at county assessor offices, not centrally. A temporary paper ID is provided at the time of application while the permanent card is mailed.

Birth Certificate

Agency: Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics

Cost: $16 (certified copy)

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: Walk-in: same day at the Boise office. Mail: 4-6 weeks. Online through VitalChek: 5-10 business days

Order online: healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/vital-records

Idaho birth certificates can be ordered in person at the Bureau of Vital Records in Boise, by mail, or online through VitalChek. Only eligible applicants (the person named, parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives) may request copies. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost $10 each.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) operates reentry programs that help individuals obtain identification documents before release. Case managers work with inmates to secure birth certificates and Social Security cards needed for state ID applications.

Homeless Provisions

Idaho does not have a formal statewide homeless ID program. However, local organizations such as the Boise Rescue Mission and Idaho Legal Aid Services sometimes assist homeless individuals with obtaining identification and covering fees.

Fee Waivers

Idaho does not offer a general fee waiver for state IDs. Veterans may be eligible for a free veteran designation on their ID card. Some community organizations provide financial assistance for ID fees on a case-by-case basis.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in Idaho: $16 (certified copy).
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the ITD. Cost: $30.
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the ITD, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest ITD office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the ITD as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state ITD offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for Idaho-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the ITD to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some ITD offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than Idaho, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in Idaho but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the IdahoState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in Idaho and register to vote. See our Idaho voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More Idaho Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I go to get an Idaho state ID?
State ID applications are processed at your local county assessor's office. Idaho has 44 counties, each with an assessor's office that handles motor vehicle and identification services. Find your nearest office on the ITD website.
Can I renew my Idaho state ID online?
Yes, Idaho offers online renewal for eligible ID holders. You can renew online through the ITD website if your current ID is not expired by more than 25 months and you have no changes to make to your information.
How do I get a replacement birth certificate in Idaho?
Contact the Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. You can order in person at their Boise office, by mail, or online through VitalChek. A certified copy costs $16. You will need a valid photo ID and proof of eligibility to request the record.
What documents can I use as proof of Idaho residency?
Acceptable proof of Idaho residency includes a utility bill, bank statement, mortgage or lease agreement, pay stub, or official mail from a government agency. The documents must show your name and current Idaho residential address and be dated within the last 90 days.
How does the IDOC help with ID before release?
The Idaho Department of Correction works with inmates approaching release to help obtain necessary identification documents. Case managers assist with ordering birth certificates and Social Security cards, and coordinate with county assessor offices to facilitate state ID applications shortly after release.
Is an Idaho state ID REAL ID compliant?
Yes, Idaho issues REAL ID compliant identification cards. To receive a REAL ID, you must provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of Idaho residency. REAL ID compliant cards are marked with a gold star.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local ITD, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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