Print Version

Home   News   Sports   Social   Obituaries   Events   Letters
Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles working to repair Drivers License system failures; issues extensions for expired licenses, says progress being made
Septembert 13, 2018
The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles has issued an update on the status of its recent problems with computer software deficiencies and Drivers License office closures, those problems resulting in many Idahoans not being able to obtain or renew drivers licenses at DMV offices across the state. Local sheriff's offices throughout Idaho also expressed frustration with the system and the prolonged course in waiting for problems to be corrected.

NewsBF reported on Idaho's Drivers License difficulties, which had gone on for several excruciating months, in a recent article which you can read by clicking here.

The DMV has focused in on these problems and made their resolution a high priority. The Division recently released updated information regarding progress in solving the ongoing computer problems. In addition, the DMV has authorized extensions for Idaho drivers whose licenses expired in July and August, and those that will expire in September, with certain condtions applying to those extensions. You can read details of the drivers license extensions farther down in this article.

Two weeks after vendor software issues halted the issuance of driver’s licenses in county DMV offices across Idaho, an interim solution is now in place with licenses being successfully processed for customers, according to the Idaho DMV. With the system stabilized, the Idaho Transportation Department will work collaboratively with sheriffs to develop a long-term solution to this problem.

Idaho DMV reports that issuing licenses to Idaho Drivers has been increasingly successful in recent days. During the week of September 3, statewide offices were open witho,ut interruption and the number of licenses issued increased daily. On September 4, 1,724 credentials were processed. That number jumped to 2,023 on September 6. While many offices saw larger volumes of customers, the ITD emergency extension for expired drivers licenses provided a reprieve for customers through October 31, 2018.

Following are the details the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles has provided on emergency extensions for Idaho Drivers licenses:

Idaho Driver’s License and Identification Card Extension Fact Sheet
1. Idahoans whose driver’s license or identification card expired in July and August and have not renewed or those whose license or identification card will expire in September:
• Will automatically have their licenses or identification cards extended until October 31 by the DMV • This extension will be made to the individual’s DMV record and be visible to law enforcement
• The extension will be available to the driver’s vehicle insurance company

2. Idahoans who are flying commercially whose driver’s license or identification card have been extended by the DMV need to:
• Present their current driver’s license or identification card to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• The TSA accepts a driver’s license or identification card that is up to one year past the expiration date as a valid identity document
• If an Idahoan’s license or identification card has been expired for more than one year, he or she will need to renew it at a county Sheriff’s DMV office

IMPORTANT NOTE: The extension does not apply to:
• Drivers whose privileges are currently suspended
• Drivers with Commercial Drivers Licenses who do not have a legal presence document with the DMV
• Drivers with Commercial Drivers Licenses with an expired HazMat endorsement

Idahoans who have questions can contact the DMV at:
Telephone: 1-208-334-8736
E-mail: dlmail@itd.idaho.gov
Questions or comments about this article? Click here to e-mail!