New design coming to Idaho driver's licenses

This spring, drivers in Idaho needing to renew their licenses will be noticing changes in the way their new license looks.

To keep up with ever-evolving technology, and to keep license counterfeiting at bay, the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) strives to update card design and security features every few years and will begin distributing state-issued cards, including driver’s licenses, identification cards, instructional permits and concealed weapon permits beginning in April with a new design featuring a mountain bluebird, Idaho’s state bird, the Sawtooth Mountains and the Idaho Statehouse.

Until it’s time to renew your license, either online, if eligible, or at the county DMV office, you don’t need to do anything. Licenses with the old design will be valid until the expiration date printed on it. For those hoping to keep the current design at that time, that will not be possible. The Idaho DMV has said that all cards, whether they are new cards, renewals or replacements, will have the new design. The cost of the cards will remain the same at the time the new design goes into effect.

If you’re hoping this new design will replace the current Star Card, it will not. The process will remain the same for adding the Star to your license — you will need additional documentation, including proof of identity, your social security number and proof of residency.

Beginning May 7, 2025, you will need to have the Star on your license or ID card in order to fly commercially or access federal buildings. You can visit, https://itd.idaho.gov/starcard/ for more information.