Boise-area DMVs close for coronavirus concerns. Idaho issues driving license extensions
The Idaho Transportation Department says it has started issuing automatic extensions for expiring driver’s licenses and noncommercial registrations.
The 90-day extension only applies to driver’s licenses and noncommercial registration, the department said Monday. Any license or registration that expires between March 1 and May 31 will have until June 30 to renew.
ITD also said it would not mandate statewide closure of all 88 county DMV offices as concerns grow over the global coronavirus pandemic, saying the authority to close them fell to county sheriffs and assessors. Instead, the department urged Idaho residents to use online services in an effort to “reduce large gatherings of people.”
All Ada County DMV offices will be closed starting Tuesday, the county announced late Monday night. On Tuesday, Sheriff Stephen Bartlett said Ada County DMVs will be closed through the end of March. Payette offices also closed indefinitely on Tuesday.
Canyon County’s Motor Vehicle Registration office closed to the public at noon Tuesday, spokesman Joe Decker said, but the driver’s license office remained open.
Alberto Gonzalez, the Division of Motor Vehicles administrator, said the goal is to preserve public safety with while keeping essential government services active.
“As each county office decides the best way to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic, ITD is committed to providing remote services online, by mail or over the phone,” Gonzalez said in a news release. “Much of the business the public needs to do with the DMV can be done through one of those methods.”
According to ITD, the following services will be available online, by phone and mail:
- Driver’s license renewal (not for first-time Star Card)
- Acquiring a replacement driver’s license or identification card
- Paying driver’s license reinstatement fees
- Purchasing a driving record
- Vehicle registration renewal
- Ordering personalized license plates
- Checking status of vehicle plates and titles
- Commercial vehicle oversize/overweight permits
- Commercial vehicle registrations
None of the changes applies to the Star Card, Idaho’s Real ID. The federal deadline is still Oct. 1.
“ITD and the Governor’s Office is in communication with our congressional delegation, the Department of Homeland Security, and the White House regarding this matter in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the statement.
This story was originally published March 16, 2020 at 6:50 PM.
