The Complete Idaho DMV Document Checklist (for the Star Card)

One of the most common and frustrating experiences at an Idaho driver's license office is waiting for your turn only to be sent away because of a missing or incorrect document. A failed trip wastes your time and delays your goal of getting on the road. The single best way to ensure a successful, one-visit appointment is to arrive fully prepared with all your paperwork in order.

This definitive checklist will ensure you have every document you need. We will focus on the requirements for obtaining a Star Card, which is Idaho's version of the federally compliant REAL ID.

What is a Star Card and Why Do I Need One?

A Star Card is a driver's license or ID card that meets the enhanced security standards set by the federal REAL ID Act. You can identify it by the gold star in the upper-right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Star Card or another federally approved document (like a U.S. passport) to board domestic flights and enter secure federal facilities.

Because it is a federal credential, the document requirements are very strict. All documents must be original or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies or expired documents.

The Core Document Categories for an Idaho Star Card

To get your Star Card license or permit, you must provide documents that prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Idaho residency.

1. Proof of Identity and Lawful Presence (Bring ONE)

This is your primary identity document. It must be an original or a certified copy from the issuing agency.

Original or certified U.S. birth certificate (from a state, county, or U.S. territory vital statistics office; not a hospital certificate).
Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card.
Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship.
Unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and I-94 form.
Valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card.

You must provide a document that shows your full, correct Social Security number (SSN).

Original Social Security card.
W-2 form from the previous year.
SSA-1099 form.
Paystub from an employer showing your full name and full SSN.
If you are not eligible for an SSN, you must provide an official ineligibility letter from the Social Security Administration.

3. Proof of Idaho Residency (Bring TWO)

You must present two separate documents from two different sources to prove you live in Idaho. The documents must show your name and your current physical address. P.O. boxes are not acceptable.

Utility bill (gas, electric, water, cell phone, internet, cable, etc.).
Bank statement or credit card statement.
Mortgage statement or rental/lease agreement.
Idaho motor vehicle registration.
Idaho driver's license or ID card.
Insurance policy documents.
Official mail from a federal, state, or local government agency.
School records or transcript for the current school year.

Important: Both documents must come from different companies. For example, your Intermountain Gas bill and your Idaho Power bill are acceptable. Two bills from the same utility are not.

What If Your Name is Different?

If your current legal name does not match the name on your primary identity document (like your birth certificate), you must provide legal proof of the name change. You must show the entire paper trail linking the names from birth.

Original or certified marriage certificate.
Divorce decree that specifies the name change.
Court-ordered name change or adoption document.

If your name has changed multiple times (e.g., marriage, divorce, another marriage), you must bring the certified document for each and every change.

Additional Forms for Minors (Under 18)

Proof of School Enrollment: A form from your school or your student ID card.
Parental Consent: A parent or legal guardian must be present to sign the application.
Proof of Driver's Education: Your completion certificate.

Final Pre-Appointment Checklist

Before you head to your DMV appointment, organize your documents in a folder and run through this final check:

[ ] Proof of Identity: Do you have ONE original or certified document?
[ ] Proof of SSN: Do you have ONE original document showing your full SSN?
[ ] Proof of Residency: Do you have TWO different documents with your address?
[ ] Name Change Documents? (If applicable, are they certified originals showing the full chain of changes?)
[ ] Minor Forms? (Parent present, driver's ed and school forms)
[ ] Payment: Do you have an accepted form of payment (cash, check, card) for the fees?

Taking 20 minutes to gather and double-check these documents is the best guarantee for a fast, successful, and stress-free trip to the driver's license office.