How to Get Your License Back After a DUI in Idaho

An Idaho DUI describes the offense of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. In Idaho, a DUI offense carries severe consequences, including heavy fines, jail time, and suspension of the driver's license. The official agency in charge of driver's licensing and DUI offenses in Idaho is the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD).

Step 1: Know the Terms of Your Suspension

In Idaho, DUI offenses result in several penalties, including suspended licenses, heavy fines, and even jail time. The severity of these penalties may be determined by how many previous offenses the driver has on their record.

First-Time Offenders: A first-time DUI offence in Idaho is considered a misdemeanor. Drivers' licenses will be suspended for 90 to 180 days. An Ignition Interlock Device may also be required for a year after the suspension ends.

Second-Time Offenders: A second-time DUI is counted as such if there has been a previous offense in the last 10 years. For a second offense, the offender will have their license suspended for over a year. If the driver's BAC was. 20% or higher, the suspension time is increased to between 2 and 5 years. Drivers must install and maintain an IID for at least a year after the suspension ends.

Third-Time and Subsequent Offenders: Third-time offenders are drivers with two previous DUI offenses in the last 10 years. Third-time offenders will have their licenses suspended for at least 2 years,

Factors that may affect the penalties of a DUI offender include a high Blood Alcohol Content, refusal to take a test, and the number of offenses on the driver's record. These factors will also result in additional penalties, including extended suspension time and larger fines.

Step 2: Fulfill Court and DMV Requirements

A DUI conviction in Idaho typically initiates two processes: administrative actions from the DMV and a court case, each with separate hearings and penalties. These agencies operate independently, with the court focusing mainly on criminal proceedings and penalties, and the DMV handling licensing and administrative penalties.

Penalties from the administrative hearings at the DMV that must be completed include the following:

• License suspensions for periods ranging from 90 days to 3 years. High BAC levels, previous offenses, and refusal to take tests may increase suspensions.
• Attending mandatory DUI programs and rehabilitation
• Installation and maintenance of an Ignition Interlock Device after license reinstatement

Penalties from the court case may include a combination of the following:

• Fines between $1,000 and $10,000, a high BAC may raise the fine amount
• Jail time from between 6 months and 10 years, depending on previous offenses
• Mandatory attendance at DUI/drug education or treatment programs
• Community service hours

Step 3: Complete a DUI Education or Treatment Program

In Idaho, both the courts and the DMV mandate DUI offenders to attend DUI programs to discipline and educate people about the dangers of driving while intoxicated, and help prevent future offenses. DUI programs available in Idaho include the following.

Level I Alcohol Education Program

The level I alcohol education program is typically a 30-hour course for first-time offenders. It is designed to educate the offenders on the results and consequences of driving under the influence. It also aims to promote positive behavior and explain the physical and psychological effects of excessive alcohol and drugs. Interested parties may find the courses for between $149 and $175 for 8-hour courses. Longer courses with longer hours are available for higher prices.

Level II Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Individuals with a history of multiple DUI convictions or alcohol and drug abuse must enter this course if convicted. It is typically a full course lasting either 90 or 180 days and aims to address problems stemming from regular drug and alcohol use and change this dangerous behavior.

Outpatient DUI counseling

These are substance use disorder evaluation and treatment programs mandated as part of the process after a DUI conviction. They involve evaluations to assess the extent of the substance use and select the appropriate course of treatment. The treatment typically includes educating and counseling to address substance abuse and prevent relapses. Outpatient rehab and counseling in Idaho may cost around $1,745 for a 30-day program.

Online DUI classes are also available in several different durations. These classes may last between 10 and 45 hours, and prices vary from $159 to $589.

To register for a course, the applicant must obtain a DUI evaluation from the courts. The evaluation will determine the extent of the problem and recommend the correct treatment. The court typically has some preferred agencies for evaluations and DUI programs. Interested parties may contact their local district court for a selection of approved providers and ensure the courts and DMV will accept the program's results, especially if they are online courses. At the end of the course, the applicant must ensure they obtain a valid completion certificate that must be submitted to the courts and DMV.

Step 4: Get SR-22 Insurance or Equivalent

The SR-22 is a form that proves that a person has secured the appropriate personal liability auto insurance. Idaho requires that this form be filed with the DMV when a driver is trying to reinstate a license after a suspension. To obtain an SR-22, the driver must have a valid auto insurance policy that meets the state requirements. With the insurance, the driver may contact their insurance provider and ask them to file the SR-22 with the DMV. The driver will need to pay a fee of about $25. In Idaho, a DUI offender must maintain the SR-22 for at least three years as part of the conditions to reinstate a suspended license.

Step 5: Pay Reinstatement Fees

In Idaho, drivers are required to pay a non-refundable reinstatement fee to reinstate driving privileges after a license suspension. The total amount of the fees may vary depending on the circumstances of the case.

• General reinstatement fees: $25
• Further infractions, including no insurance, underage drivers, and fleeing the scene: $85
• Refusal to test, license suspension from refusal: $245
• Convictions from DUI in Idaho: $285

A comprehensive list is available on the application form. The driver is expected to pay the highest fee if they have multiple infractions.

Payment is acceptable in the form of a check or money order in U.S. funds made payable to the Idaho Transportation Department. This payment and the form may be mailed to the office at:

Driver Services
P.O. Box 34
Boise, ID 83707

Credit and debit cards are acceptable in person or online. Online payments may be made via the Pay Reinstatement Fees section of the DMV website. Applicants must create an account on the website to do so. Card payments are all subject to an ITD service charge.

Step 6: Submit Your License Reinstatement Application

The Idaho Reinstatement Application form is available from Driver Services (DMV) of the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). Applications may be made by submitting the form and payment in person or by mail to the Local DMV office.
Applications and payments may also be mailed to:

Driver Services
P.O. Box 34
Boise, ID 83707

Subscribers who register an account on the DMV website may check their Driver's Status and view or purchase their driving records. Appointments may also be scheduled online on the website.

What If You're Denied License Reinstatement in Idaho?

Drivers denied license reinstatement in Idaho have the right to review and may appeal the decision. A written request for an administrative hearing regarding the denial must be filed within 20 days of receiving notice of the denial. If the applicant shows good cause, the request may be received in 30 days. The following are steps to be taken if reinstatement is denied in Idaho:

• Understand the reason for the denial. Reasons for the denial may include lack of insurance, not attending or completing DUI programs, or being caught driving without a license during the suspension.
• Request an administrative hearing by a written request within the 20-day deadline. The quest may be submitted to the Idaho Transportation Department, Legal Section, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, Idaho 83707. Include all relevant information such as contact details, relevant documentation(proof of insurance, certificate of completion from DUI programs, etc), and apply before the deadline.
• Be prepared to speak at the hearing and present reasons and evidence that will address the hearing and show that the license should be reinstated. Consider hiring an Idaho DUI attorney if unsure about the process.
• After the hearing, the applicant will receive a decision within 90 days. If the hearing is in the applicant's favor, they may have their full driving license reinstated with their full privileges.

When the appeal is denied, the applicant will usually need to apply for reinstatement again after a waiting period of about a year or more.

Hardship Licenses: Driving with Limited Privileges

A hardship license in Idaho is also referred to as a restricted driving permit. This is typically issued to persons with a revoked or suspended license after a DUI and allows them to drive under specific conditions. These are usually granted to allow driving only to important places, including medical appointments, school, court dates, and work. Eligibility criteria for a restricted license in Idaho include the following:

• Applicants must have completed the minimum suspension period provided by law and all associated penalties.
• Driving must be restricted to the specific purposes in the law and verified by the application form(work, school, hospital visits, etc)
• The driver must provide an up-to-date SR-22 as proof of valid insurance
• Any additional penalties imposed by the courts must be completed
• The driver must install an ignition interlock device (IID)
• All license reinstatement fees and any court-imposed fines must have been paid in full

Interested parties may apply for a restricted permit by filling out the Restricted Driving Permit Application form and submitting it to:

Idaho Transportation Department
DMV Operations —Restricted Permits
P.O. Box 34
Boise, ID 83707-0034

Forms may also be submitted by email to RDPermits@itd.idaho.gov.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your License Back After a DUI?

In Idaho, the time it will take to get a license back after a DUI conviction will depend on several factors. These include whether the driver refused an alcohol test, if there are any previous DUI convictions, and if the driver has complied with all requirements from the courts and DMV.