How to Get an Idaho Star Card: Documents, Cost, and Renewal

To get an Idaho Star Card, you apply in person at a county DMV office with documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Idaho residency, and you pay the same fee as a standard driver’s license.1Idaho Transportation Department. Star Card FAQ The Star Card is Idaho’s REAL ID-compliant license, marked by a gold star in the upper right corner, and since May 7, 2025, the TSA has required a REAL ID-compliant license, passport, or other approved federal ID to pass through airport security for domestic flights.2Department of Homeland Security. TSA Begins REAL ID Full Enforcement

Documents to Bring

Idaho asks for documents in four categories: identity and U.S. citizenship (or lawful presence), Social Security number, Idaho residency, and any legal name change. Every document has to be an original or certified copy. Photocopies, faxes, and laminated documents are not accepted.3Idaho Transportation Department. Star Card Acceptable Documents

Identity and Citizenship

Bring one document proving your identity, date of birth, and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. For most people that means a certified U.S. birth certificate or an unexpired U.S. passport.4Idaho State Legislature. Idaho Code Title 49 Chapter 3 Section 49-306 – Application for Drivers License If your current legal name differs from the name on your birth certificate because of marriage, divorce, adoption, or a court order, bring documentation linking every name change from birth to now. A single marriage certificate covers one change; more than one change means you need the full chain.3Idaho Transportation Department. Star Card Acceptable Documents

Social Security Number

Bring one document verifying your SSN. The simplest is your original, non-laminated Social Security card. If that’s lost, a W-2, a 1099, or a pay stub works as long as it shows both your full legal name and your complete Social Security number.3Idaho Transportation Department. Star Card Acceptable Documents The name on that document must match what the Social Security Administration has on file. If it doesn’t, visit the SSA first and allow at least 48 hours for their systems to sync before your DMV appointment.

Idaho Residency

Bring two documents from different sources showing your name and physical Idaho street address. A P.O. Box does not count. Acceptable options include:

  • Lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, or deed
  • Public utility statement showing your service address (cell phone bills don’t qualify)
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Vehicle, homeowner’s, or renter’s insurance card or bill from an Idaho-based carrier
  • W-2 or 1099
  • Medical insurance statement or explanation of benefits
  • Pay stub or employment verification letter

Leases and utility bills must be dated within one year. Court documents, mortgages, and insurance cards need to be the most recently issued version.5Idaho Transportation Department. Certificate of Idaho Residency If you’re living with someone and don’t have bills in your name, Idaho accepts a residency affidavit signed by an adult over 18, combined with one of the listed documents.3Idaho Transportation Department. Star Card Acceptable Documents

If You’re Not a U.S. Citizen

Lawful permanent residents and other non-citizens with legal status can get a Star Card, but the identity document is different. In place of a birth certificate, you may present an unexpired employment authorization document (Form I-766), or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa along with your approved I-94.3Idaho Transportation Department. Star Card Acceptable Documents Non-citizens authorized for employment must have an SSN before applying. Those not authorized for employment will have their USCIS number verified instead. Lawful permanent residents must renew in person every time so the state can re-verify continued lawful presence.6Idaho Transportation Department. Star Card

Where and How to Apply

Star Card applications have to be completed in person at a county DMV office. In Idaho, those offices are run by the county sheriff or assessor rather than a centralized state DMV.7Idaho Transportation Department. DMV Locations Some counties take appointments and some don’t, so call ahead.8Idaho Transportation Department. Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles The Idaho Transportation Department also runs an online “Add the Star” tool that walks you through the documents for your specific situation. Use it before your visit.

At the counter, you’ll hand your documents over for scanning, have a new photo taken, and pay the fee. The clerk issues a temporary paper license on the spot that serves as your legal ID for up to 60 days. Your permanent Star Card with the gold star arrives by mail, usually within about two weeks.

What It Costs

The Star Card costs the same as a standard Idaho driver’s license. There is no upgrade surcharge.1Idaho Transportation Department. Star Card FAQ Current Class D (standard operator) fees:

  • 4-year license, age 21 and over: $35
  • 8-year license, age 21 to 62: $60
  • 3-year license, age 15 to 21: $30
  • 1-year license, age 17 to 20: $20

Already have a valid Idaho license and want the Star before your renewal date? You can get a duplicate with the Star for $20, still with a full in-person visit and full document set.9Idaho Transportation Department. Drivers Licenses and ID Cards If your renewal is coming up soon anyway, it’s cheaper to just add the Star when you renew.

Renewing a Star Card

Standard Idaho licenses can be renewed online if you meet the eligibility rules. Star Cards cannot. Every Star Card renewal requires an in-person visit with your documents, because the state has to re-verify your identity and residency each cycle.10Idaho Transportation Department. Help Us Help Others – Renew Online if You Can This is the one recurring inconvenience of the Star Card, and it catches people off guard before a trip. Build in time.

If your Star Card is lost, stolen, or damaged, a duplicate costs $20 at any county DMV office, in person.1Idaho Transportation Department. Star Card FAQ For a name or address change, bring the supporting documents along with the rest of your Star Card paperwork.

Do You Actually Need One

The Star Card is optional. A standard Idaho license still works for driving, buying age-restricted products, dealing with law enforcement, voting, applying for federal benefits, and accessing hospitals. You need REAL ID-compliant identification only for boarding domestic commercial flights, entering certain federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants. If you already have a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, military ID, permanent resident card, or a DHS trusted traveler card like Global Entry, TSA will accept that at the checkpoint and you can skip the Star Card entirely.11Transportation Security Administration. Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint For most Idahoans without one of those documents who plan to fly, the Star Card is the simplest path.