Traffic & Transportation

Can you get pulled over by police for driving with expired tags in Idaho? Here’s the law

Keeping on top of a car can sometimes feel like a lot. From rotating out seasonal tires to dealing with repairs or faulty fuses, other issues can often slip between the cracks and be seen as less important.

One of those tasks is updating your vehicle registration — also known as a tag, tab or sticker — annually.

But how important is it to renew your registration every year? Is it illegal to drive with an expired tag? Here’s the law in Idaho.

Can I drive in Idaho with expired tags?

Although the process and rules can vary from state to state, Idaho is no different from any other state in that updated tags are required on your vehicle.

An Idaho police officer can pull you over for expired tags and give you a warning or a ticket.

The fine for expired tabs in Idaho is an infraction and $101 ticket, according to the Idaho Supreme Court’s infraction guide. If you borrow or steal a tag that isn’t your own and it’s discovered during a stop, you can be issued a $115 ticket.

To avoid forgetting about updating your tags, you can sign up for email reminders from the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles when it’s time to update your registration or address any other car needs.

Updating tags in Idaho

Fortunately, getting your tags updated in Idaho is a simple process.

If you’re registering in Idaho for the first time, you’ll need to provide your Idaho driver’s license number, Idaho ID Card, social security number, or your individual taxpayer identification number. You’ll also need to provide your full legal name, physical address, and mailing address if they are different from your physical address.

Those registering a car for a business will also have to provide their employee identification number.

If you purchased your vehicle from a licensed Idaho dealership, you can apply for a new tag online. If the car is from out-of-state, you’ll likely need to visit your local DMV.

If you’re simply renewing your registration, you can also do this online by providing your vehicle identification number, plate number, and a form of identification listed above.

This story was originally published June 4, 2024 at 1:06 PM.

Shaun Goodwin
Idaho Statesman
Shaun Goodwin is the Boise State Athletics reporter for the Idaho Statesman, covering Broncos football, basketball and more. If you like stories like this, please consider supporting our work with a digital subscription. Support my work with a digital subscription
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER