BOISE, Idaho (CBS 2) — The long, long lines at DMV offices across the state continue to be long.
"It's just a shame you know. You have greater luck winning the lottery at this point than getting your driver's license," said Ada County DMV customer Carlyn Stubbs.
While it's not quite that unlikely, many customers told CBS2 that they were on their second or third trip to the DMV because the wait times are just too long.
To help, the Idaho Transportation Department said Thursday that it's allowing residents who have a driver's license that expire in November or December to renew by mail.
ITD has been exploring potential solutions to assist county DMV offices after vendor technical issues forced statewide driver’s license offices to close for nearly a week in August. Offices reopened in late August, but long lines of customers seeking driver’s license services continue in many counties.
The DMV will send a form to all affected drivers highlighting their options. Drivers will also be able to pick the form up at their local driver's license office.
Some people are still trying to renew an already expired license.
ITD's spokesperson Vincent Tremboli says the mail in option is meant for those facing a future expiration date but there will likely be exceptions.
"I think if you get one in your hands and you go down there then I think we will allow you to do that," Tremboli said. "But we're not mailing them to anyone other than November and December, so if you want to do mail-in and you don't expire in November and December you'll have to go down to the office."
There are some specifics associated with the mail-in driver’s license renewal process. Some highlights include:
- The Star Card, Idaho’s Real ID, will NOT be available by mail. Citizens seeking the Star Card must present required documents in person at DMV offices to meet federal requirements. Click here for a full list of items that are accepted to obtain the Star Card
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders cannot renew by mail.
ITD says it will track the number of mail-in renewals and work with the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association to decide whether there’s a need to extend the process past the end of the year.
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