County Division of Motor Vehicle offices across the state will close for half-day increments in late October or early November to install software -- in conjunction with new State driver’s licenses and identification cards.
However, all licensing offices in Ada County -- the most heavily used offices in Idaho -- will implement the software system on weekends in order to minimize inconvenience to customers.
“As system changes occur and as personnel acclimate to the new system, slower service times can be expected at all locations,” said Idaho Transportation Department spokesman Reed Hollinshead.
The new cards will use what the ITD describes as leading-edge security features including:
• Blue/red colors that officials say are the hardest colors to counterfeit
• Translucent window with a ghost image
• Optically Variable Ink image of the state insect
With the new system, “You don’t have to get a card until your current license or ID expires, but you can renew it within 25 months of the expiration date,” Hollinshead stated.
When you go to your local county driver’s licensing location to apply for a new license or ID, you’ll receive a temporary paper document valid for 60 days. “The temporary card is good for driving and identification purposes, and includes your photo and the same information that appears on the permanent plastic license or ID,” Hollinshead explained.
“However, if you plan to fly commercially using the temporary card, you may be asked to provide a second form of photo ID to the airline and the Transportation Security Administration,” he pointed out.
The permanent licenses and ID cards are produced at a central location and mailed to you within ten business days. Mailing may take slightly longer during the initial implementation stages of the new license and ID cards.
“Providing an accurate address is essential to receiving your license in a timely manner. Permanent licenses and ID cards will not be sent to a forwarding address because they are a secure document,” Hollinshead stated.
While the new licenses and ID cards look different, the cost will remain the same: Four-Year Licenses/ID cards are $30; Eight-Year Licenses/ID cards are $55; a duplicate License is $15; and a duplicate ID card is $20.
The Ada County office at 7190 Barrister Drive in Boise will close at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25 to install new software that affects systems for Concealed Weapons Permits and Sex Offender Registration. “The office will reopen at 8 a.m. the following day. Customers may experience longer wait times during the first few days after the system is implemented and should keep that in mind when planning a visit to the office,” Hollinshead said.
The Kootenai County Office, located in the Sheriff’s Office at 5500 N. Government Way in Coeur d'Alene, will do the same from 8 a.m. to noon (local time) on Monday, Oct. 31.
