ITD rolls out multiple changes

Idaho's Division of Motor Vehicles rolled out several changes July 1, aimed at improving customer service and expanding options for residents.

Drivers eligible for online license renewal will receive a $5 discount. The state has also eased requirements for free voting ID cards, eliminating the six-month waiting period for those who previously held a valid driver's license.

Commercial drivers will now enjoy eight-year licenses, double the previous duration. These licenses will be checked against the National Drug and Alcohol Clearing House.

The DMV will issue two-year weighted registrations for commercial and non-commercial vehicles up to 60,000 pounds, extending the previous one-year limit.

New license plates include a Space Force design and free Purple Heart plates for all recipients, not just disabled veterans. A Gadsden Flag "Don't Tread on Me" plate will be available by Jan. 1, 2025, funding firearms safety education grants.

In rural areas lacking driver's education programs, parents can now teach the on-road portion, maintaining logs of drive time and skills. Students will complete classroom work through the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance.

The residency requirement for various DMV services has been reduced from 90 to 30 days. Owners selling unregistered vehicles can now obtain up to two 30-day temporary registrations.

These changes reflect Idaho's efforts to streamline DMV processes and accommodate diverse needs across the state.