Idaho DMV Services Restored After Statewide Network Outage; Residents Encouraged to Use Online Tools

In early September 2025, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles experienced a statewide network outage that temporarily halted many critical transactions. On Tuesday, Sept. 2, the agency announced that network issues affecting multiple state offices were preventing county motor vehicle departments and online portals from connecting to essential databases. Residents trying to renew vehicle registrations, obtain Real ID-compliant credentials or replace lost licenses found that systems were down, and ITD staff urged customers to postpone non‑urgent visits【449500092634352†L27-L60】.

Engineers from the ITD and the state Office of Information Technology Services worked through the day to diagnose and repair the problem. Officials stressed that the disruption was caused by hardware failure rather than a cyber‑security breach and that no personal data were compromised. By late Wednesday, Sept. 3, ITD reported that the statewide network was fully operational again, allowing county DMV offices and the department’s website to process transactions normally. The department thanked its technology partners for restoring service and apologized for the inconvenience caused by the outage.

With normal operations resumed, the Idaho DMV is encouraging customers to take advantage of its suite of digital services. Many routine tasks—such as renewing vehicle tags, ordering replacement titles and updating addresses—can be completed at dmv.idaho.gov without visiting a local office. Customers who do need to appear in person should contact their county motor vehicle office to confirm hours and wait times, since some locations may still be catching up after the outage. ITD’s customer service line at 208-334-8000 and the agency’s website provide the latest information on office hours and service availability.

The department also reminds Idahoans that now is a good time to ensure they have a federally compliant Real ID. Beginning May 7 2025, standard Idaho driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel or entry to federal facilities. Obtaining a Real ID requires proof of identity, Social Security number and residence, and applicants can begin the process online before visiting a county DMV office. ITD notes that the recent network outage did not affect Real ID data and urges residents not to wait until the deadline approaches. By using online services and preparing necessary documents ahead of time, customers can minimize the need for in‑office visits and reduce wait times. For more information on available services, office locations and Real ID requirements, visit dmv.idaho.gov.