Question 1

Can I get a hardship license in Idaho after a DUI?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Idaho offers a Restricted License for DUI suspensions, but only after you complete a mandatory 30-day absolute suspension period under Idaho Code § 18-8005. You must petition the court directly — not ITD — and the court will require ignition interlock device installation for the entire restricted license period, which can run concurrent with or follow the suspension depending on your offense count. The court sets all route, time, and purpose restrictions individually, and violation of any condition triggers immediate revocation and potential criminal charges.

Question 2

How much does it cost to reinstate a suspended license in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

Idaho Transportation Department charges a $25 base reinstatement fee for most suspension types, but DUI-related suspensions carry higher fees and require completion of a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment program before ITD will process your reinstatement. You must also maintain SR-22 filing continuously for 3 years, and if your suspension involved a DUI with a Restricted License, add monthly ignition interlock lease and service costs typically between $70–$150/month for the entire restricted period.

Question 3

Which insurance companies file SR-22 in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

Geico, Progressive, Dairyland, GAINSCO, The General, Bristol West, and National General all write SR-22 policies in Idaho and accept suspended drivers. State Farm files SR-22 but has stricter underwriting for DUI and multiple-violation cases. For non-owner SR-22 policies, Geico, Progressive, Dairyland, GAINSCO, The General, and USAA all write in Idaho and provide the liability-only coverage needed to satisfy ITD reinstatement requirements without owning a vehicle.

Question 4

Do I need insurance if my license is suspended in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if Idaho Transportation Department has ordered SR-22 filing as a reinstatement condition. The SR-22 is proof of insurance filed electronically by your carrier to ITD through the Idaho Insurance Verification System, and ITD will not lift the suspension or process reinstatement until you maintain continuous SR-22 coverage for the required 3-year period. If you do not currently own a vehicle, a non-owner SR-22 policy satisfies this requirement and costs substantially less than a standard owner policy.

Question 5

How long is SR-22 required in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

3 years of continuous filing for most suspension types. Idaho Transportation Department monitors your SR-22 electronically, and if your carrier cancels your policy or you allow it to lapse at any point during the 3-year period, ITD receives immediate notification through IIVS and will re-impose suspension, restarting your filing clock from zero. The 3-year period begins on the date your carrier files the SR-22 with ITD, not the suspension date or conviction date.

Question 6

Can I drive on a Restricted License in Idaho while my regular license is suspended?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the court grants your petition and you meet all conditions including ignition interlock installation for DUI cases. Idaho's Restricted License is issued by the court, not by Idaho Transportation Department, and allows driving only for court-approved purposes such as work, school, medical appointments, and mandated programs during specific hours. You must complete the mandatory hard suspension period first — 30 days for a first DUI under Idaho Code § 18-8005 — and you must maintain SR-22 insurance continuously throughout the restricted period and the full 3-year filing period that follows.

Question 7

What happens if my SR-22 lapses in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

Idaho Transportation Department receives immediate electronic notification through the Idaho Insurance Verification System when your carrier cancels coverage or your SR-22 policy lapses. ITD will re-impose suspension the same day, mail you a notice, and restart your 3-year SR-22 filing requirement from zero. You must pay a new reinstatement fee, re-file SR-22, and begin the 3-year continuous coverage period again from the new filing date, even if you were one month away from completing the original 3-year term.

Coverage	Minimum
Bodily Injury (per person)	$25,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)	$50,000
Property Damage	$15,000

Suspended License Insurance — Idaho

Idaho Minimum Coverage

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Coverage Types

SR-22 Insurance

Non-Owner SR-22

Restricted License (Hardship)

High-Risk Auto Insurance

Ignition Interlock Coverage

Liability Insurance

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