Suspended license in Idaho: points, other causes, and how to reinstate

How the points system works

Most states assign points to moving violations and suspend the license when the total inside a set window crosses a threshold. The threshold, the window and how long each violation keeps counting are all set by the state.

Idaho's violation point count system assigns 1 to 4 points to each moving violation conviction entered on the driver's record; all driving records are continuously evaluated and the department suspends driving privileges for the accumulation of points (12 to 17 in 12 months, 18 to 23 in 24 months, 24 or more in 36 months).

Points period stated by the agency: 3 years. Points count toward suspension within rolling 12-, 24- and 36-month periods; ITD's guide states an Idaho driving record covers the most recent three years of history for a standard record, and that a defensive driving course removes points from the count but does not remove convictions from the record.

“Twelve Points. When a driver accumulates twelve (12) or more points in any twelve (12) month period of time, the suspension period will be for thirty (30) days.”

“Completion of a DDC does not remove convictions from the driving record.”

Check points or the driving record: itd.idaho.gov

Traffic school and point reduction

Under IDAPA 39.02.71.400, three points may be removed from the violation point count on completion of an ITD-approved defensive driving class; a city-sponsored Traffic Safety Education Course, offered at roadside at the officer's discretion, removes the points (1–4) for that citation. Points may be removed only once every three years, the citation must be paid first, and completion does not remove the conviction from the record. Course costs are set by the provider; ITD lists the approved providers and states tuition ranges from about $18 to $60.

“Three (3) points may be removed from an Idaho driving record upon the driver’s completion of an approved defensive driving class or points may be removed from a traffic violation upon the driver's completion of an approved traffic safety education program. Points may only be removed from a driver’s”

Other reasons a license is suspended, and what ends each one

These are the causes the licensing agency itself lists on its suspension pages, with what it requires to lift each one. Court-imposed suspensions and DUI suspensions are covered on the state's DUI pages.

Reinstating after a non-DUI suspension

Reinstatement fee: $25. Idaho Code § 49-328(2) sets a $25 reinstatement fee; § 49-328(4) adds $60 after conviction for a traffic-related misdemeanor or infraction, which ITD's fee table shows as $85 for no-insurance, leaving the scene, eluding, reckless driving, driving without privileges and court suspensions. Points-based, medical, SR-22-lapse, unsatisfied-judgment and child support actions carry $25; alcohol actions carry $245 or $285. When there are several reasons for a withdrawal, only the single highest fee is collected.

“The application shall be in the form prescribed by the department and accompanied by a reinstatement fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) which shall be deposited in the state highway account.”

1. Wait for the suspension period to end or the reason to be resolved

   The department reinstates on application when the period of suspension has expired or the reason for the suspension no longer exists.

   “When the period of revocation, disqualification or suspension of a driver’s license has expired, or the reason for the revocation, disqualification or suspension no longer exists, the department shall reinstate the driver’s license or driving privileges on application of the driver.”

2. Submit the reinstatement application

   A reinstatement application with any fees and documentation is required whenever the court or the department has taken a withdrawal action; ITD provides a paper reinstatement application and an online DMV portal.

   “A reinstatement application along with any fees and/or documentation is required whenever the court or the department has taken any withdrawal action on a driving record.”

3. Pay the reinstatement fee

   Fees may be paid online at the DMV portal, by mailing a check or money order to the department, or by card by calling Driver Services at (208) 584-4343; if there are multiple withdrawals the highest single fee is owed.

   “Reinstatement fees can be paid by mailing a check or money order to the department or paid online with a credit or debit card at https://www.dmvonline.itd.idaho.gov.”

4. File an SR-22 if the suspension requires one

   Various suspensions require an SR-22 for a length of time; since January 1, 2025 the insurer submits SR-22/26 information through the State of Idaho Insurance Verification System, and ITD offers a free status check.

   “As of January 1, 2025, SR22/26 information must be submitted to the State of Idaho Insurance Verification System .”

Official page: itd.idaho.gov

After a DUI the steps are different: how to get a license back after a DUI in Idaho.

Driving during a non-DUI suspension

Available · Restricted Driving Permit (RDP). ITD's Non-Commercial License Withdrawal Guide shows a Restricted Driving Permit is allowed (non-CMV only) for each tier of points suspension (12–17 in 12 months, 18–23 in 24 months, 24+ in 36 months), while an NRVC out-of-state unpaid-ticket suspension does not allow one. An RDP is issued by ITD on administrative suspensions; a Court Restricted License Permit is issued by the court on court-ordered suspensions.

“RDP Restricted Driving Permit (issued by ITD on administrative suspensions) CRLP Court Restricted License Permit (issued by the Courts on court ordered suspensions)”

For the privilege after a DUI, see driving after a DUI in Idaho.