What is a License Plate Replacement in Idaho?
The replacement issues a license plate (or pair of plates) outside the annual registration renewal cycle. The Idaho Department of Transportation processes the replacement when plates are lost, stolen, damaged, or illegible (Idaho Code § 49-443(5)). New residents surrendering out-of-state plates upon registration also receive Idaho plates through the related process.
- The replacement has its own base fee of $11.80, separate from the annual registration fee. Renewal and replacement are separate transactions, although they can be combined in one visit or online session.
- The same number is retained. The department issues new plates with the same registration number. The owner may request the next available number instead (Idaho Code § 49-443(2)).
- Most motor vehicles have two plates, one in front and one in the rear. Motorcycles, trailers, semitrailers, and tractors receive one rear plate (Idaho Code § 49-428).
- Standard plates cost $3.75 each, so a vehicle with two plates pays $7.50 for plates alone before additional county fees and statutory add-ons apply.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Idaho License Plate?
Owners must apply for a duplicate or replacement plate when the original is lost, stolen, damaged, or illegible. As of July 1, 2026, Idaho no longer requires automatic replacement every ten years; plates remain valid as long as they remain readable and legible (ITD Permanent Plates FAQ).
- Stolen plates: a police report is recommended but not required by law. Idaho Code § 49-443(5) only requires the owner to apply for a replacement.
- Plates that are damaged, faded, or peeling must be replaced when they can no longer be clearly read from 75 feet in daylight, a standard set in § 49-443(1)(b). The law does not set a specific timeframe for completing the replacement.
- New residents must register and title within 90 days of moving to Idaho (ITD Registration Fact Sheet). Out-of-state plates are surrendered at this time.
How to Get a Replacement License Plate in Idaho
Idaho offers both online and in-person channels for replacing plates. Plates are made to order and mailed via USPS; allow approximately six weeks for delivery.
- Gather your current registration card, valid ID, and (for stolen plates) the police report number. If damaged plates are still in your possession, bring them to surrender at the counter.
- Online: the Idaho DMV online portal lists “Order Replacement Plates” as an available service. Registered users can also track plate orders through the portal.
- At any of the 44 Idaho county vehicle assessor offices, complete an application for duplicate or replacement plates and stickers, pay the fee, and surrender any damaged plates. New plates are mailed; they are not issued on-site.
- Phone renewal is available at 208-584-4343, where calls are routed to the next available ITD or county agent. The online channel described below offers the same replacement capability without waiting.
Can You Replace Idaho License Plates Online?
Yes. The Idaho DMV online portal accepts orders for replacement plates. The portal covers lost, stolen, damaged, and illegible plates through the “Order Replacement Plates” service. Replacement plates are manufactured and delivered via USPS with an approximate six-week turnaround.
The portal accepts credit and debit cards. Registered users can track plate shipments directly from their account dashboard. Replacement requires login; the limited “No Login Services” page does not include plate replacement.
An in-person alternative goes through any of the 44 county vehicle assessor offices statewide (ITD DMV Locations). County administrative fees, which vary by county, apply to both in-person and phone transactions.
Order replacement plates online through the portal if you do not need to surrender damaged plates at the counter.
How Much is License Plate Replacement in Idaho?
The base replacement fee is $11.80, as published in the ITD Permanent Plates FAQ; county administrative fees and mandatory statutory add-ons raise the actual total depending on the vehicle’s registration location.
- Standard plates cost $3.75 each (ITD Plates Page). A vehicle with two plates pays $7.50 for plate manufacturing; a vehicle with one plate (motorcycle, trailer) pays $3.75.
- County registration administrative fees range from $3.00 (Lewis County) to $14.00 (Kootenai County), which are added to the base replacement (ITD Vehicle Registrations Page).
- Mandatory statutory add-ons include a $1.25 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) fee and a $3.00 Idaho State Police fee, charged with each registration transaction.
- Specialty or personalized plates require additional program fees if replaced: $35.00 initially or $25.00 for renewal for most specialty designs, $25.00 initially or $15.00 for renewal for personalized plates. These fees are added to the $11.80 base fee.
- Plates are mailed via USPS with no separately stated shipping fee through the online portal, as currently published.