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How to get a driver's license in Idaho as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Idaho needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
A nonresident with a valid license from their home country in their possession may drive a Class D vehicle, as long as they have not become an Idaho resident.
Deadline after moving
30 days after moving to Idaho
License exchange without tests
3 countries (only the road test is waived)
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
Provide your SSN for electronic verification; if you have none, bring written proof from SSA that no SSN was assigned (a new letter at each renewal).

Driving on a foreign license

A nonresident with a valid license from their home country in their possession may drive a Class D vehicle, as long as they have not become an Idaho resident. Deadline after moving: 30 days after moving to Idaho.

Exchanging a foreign license

  • Germany
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan

Only the road test is waived.

Partial exchange only: these drivers skip the skills (road) test, but no foreign driver is exempt from the knowledge test. Germany: no surrender needed. Korea and Taiwan: must surrender the foreign license or take the skills test.

If your country is not on the list

All other foreign drivers must pass the knowledge test and the skills test.

All other foreign drivers must take a skills test. itd.idaho.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or U.S. visa with temporary I-551 verbiage
  • Employment Authorization Document (I-766 or I-688B)
  • I-94 (except B1, B2, WB, WT or K1 categories)
Individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States are not eligible for an Idaho driver's license or ID card. itd.idaho.gov

Social Security number

Provide your SSN for electronic verification; if you have none, bring written proof from SSA that no SSN was assigned (a new letter at each renewal).

Applicants must provide their social security number at issuance for electronic verification. itd.idaho.gov

Proof of residency

Documents showing your name and Idaho address from the last 12 months, e.g. lease, mortgage, utility bill (not cell phone), bank statement, pay stub; two are needed for a Star Card (REAL ID).

If you bring two proof of residence documents you will be eligible for a Star Card. itd.idaho.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather identity, lawful presence, SSN (or SSA no-SSN letter) and Idaho residency documents.
  2. Visit a county driver's license office within 30 days of moving to Idaho.
  3. Pass the vision screening (20/40 in at least one eye).
  4. Pass the 40-question knowledge test (you may miss up to 6); required for all foreign drivers.
  5. Get an instruction permit (age 17+) to practice driving with a licensed adult.
  6. Pass the skills test (12 or fewer errors); German, Korean and Taiwanese license holders may be exempt.
  7. Pay the fees and receive your Class D license.

Fees

Class D license 8 years (age 21-62): $60; instruction permit $20; knowledge test $5; skills test $35.

8 year (age 21 to 62) ... $60.00 itd.idaho.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Idaho

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.