Guide to the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles
Idaho offers a lot of challenges to drivers, but figuring out the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles shouldn’t be one of them. We’ve put together this handy guide to help you understand what the Idaho DMV does, and how you can make utilizing their resources an easy and hassle-free process.
How to Find an Idaho DMV Branch
From time to time, you may need to go to your local Idaho DMV branch. Finding the one closest to you is easy. Simply click on the Idaho DMV Office Locations page to find the location nearest you. You’ll want to keep in mind, however, that not every Idaho DMV office has the same days and hours of operation, and not all services are offered at all locations. If you have specific questions for a branch, you should contact that branch directly.
Booking an Appointment with the Idaho DMV
Unfortunately, the only service that the Idaho DMV will allow you to make an appointment for is for a drivers license road test; this includes road test for your Class D drivers license as well as an Idaho commercial drivers license (CDL) and your Idaho motorcycle license. The good news is that many other DMV needs can be met online. The Idaho DMV Online Services page provides a complete listing of online services offered. If you do have to go to an Idaho DMV office, you may be able to reduce your wait time by not going during peak hours. Try going before noon, during the middle of the week, or even the middle of the month.
Idaho DMV Forms and Paperwork
Like most regulatory agencies, the Idaho DMV requires numerous forms, and having those completed before you head to the DMV office can save you time. Links to most forms required by the Idaho DMV can be found on the Idaho DMV homepage.
The Idaho Driving Point System
Idaho, like most states, uses a point system to track your overall driving infraction record. Depending on the severity of the moving violation misdemeanor, you may be assessed one to four points on your record; felony moving violations such as DUI’s can result in much stiffer penalties, including loss of license, heavy fines, and possible jail time. Taking a court-approved defensive driving or traffic safety course will allow you to reduce 3 points from your driving record once every three years. You can learn more about Idaho’s Violation Point system on the Idaho Transportation Department’s Point System page.
Your Idaho DMV Driving Record
It’s a good idea to occasionally check your Idaho driving record, to make sure that there aren’t any unpaid tickets or uncorrected mistakes. You may purchase a copy of your driving record directly from the Idaho Transportation Department by visiting their Driver Record Request page.
