Idaho ditches registration stickers, introduces 2 new license plates starting July 1
Curtis Jackson
BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho drivers will have new license plate options and significant changes to vehicle registration requirements beginning July 1, 2026. These updates include eliminating physical registration stickers and removing the mandatory 10-year license plate replacement cycle, aiming to offer convenience and cost savings.
The elimination of registration stickers, passed through House Bill 533 during the 2026 legislative session, is projected to save approximately $300,000 annually in materials and production costs for the Idaho Transportation Department. These savings will be reinvested to enhance DMV services for Idaho residents. Drivers will no longer need to apply new stickers for renewals, nor pay sticker fees for replacement registration documents, while still being required to maintain active vehicle registration.
Two new license plate designs will be available to Idaho drivers. ITD updated the Idaho Agriculture plate, which features a sunrise over farm fields, grazing cattle, and Idaho crops. Its tagline is “Harvest the Future.” Proceeds from this specialty plate support “Idaho Ag in the Classroom” with agricultural education and outreach.
The second option is a new standard white-and-black Idaho plate, which offers high-contrast lettering for improved readability and a minimalist design. Both plate options can be obtained at county offices and through the Idaho Transportation Department’s DMV portal.
Although registration stickers will no longer be required, drivers must still carry active vehicle registration and present related documents if requested by law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies can use multiple electronic systems to verify a vehicle’s current, valid registration status. ITD has informed local, state and other jurisdictions about this change, noting that law enforcement agencies nationwide can access the department’s database to confirm registration.
Drivers are not required to remove any registration stickers currently on their license plates. After July 1, 2026, individuals can choose to remove existing stickers if they prefer.
House Bill 577 eliminated the requirement to replace license plates every 10 years, allowing plates to remain in use as long as they are readable and legible. This change allows car owners to delay replacement costs until new plates are genuinely needed. A license plate will require replacement if it is stolen, damaged to the point it cannot be properly displayed, or is no longer clearly legible. The base fee to replace license plates is $11.80.