Verified October 10, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What optometrists miss in Idaho
- Optometrists who dispense drugs need a separate prescriber drug outlet registration from the Idaho Board of Pharmacy.
- A license lapsed more than five years requires a new application.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a Idaho license?
Licensure by endorsement requires a complete application, good standing in every state or country, and documentation of the education, training and exams behind diagnostic and therapeutic privileges in the other state, which the board must approve. The rule sets no years-of-practice minimum.
- By endorsement
- Board: Idaho State Board of Optometry (Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses)
Citation: IDAPA 24.10.01.100.04
Which NBEO exams does Idaho require?
NBEO Parts I to III serve as the written and practical portions of the Idaho examination.
- NBEO: I, II, III
What scope does a Idaho license carry?
The license prefix shows the level: OD has neither diagnostic nor therapeutic privileges, ODD has diagnostic only, and ODP has both.
- Tiers: OD, ODD (diagnostic), ODP (diagnostic and therapeutic)
- Applicants from other states: Board approval of the education, training and exams behind the other state's privileges
Citation: DOPL optometry page
Can optometrists perform laser procedures in Idaho?
The Idaho practice act states that optometry does not include the use of therapeutic lasers.
- Laser procedures not authorized
Citation: Idaho Code § 54-1501(4)
What does a Idaho optometry license cost?
- Application: $200 (as of Oct 2026)
- Renewal: $75 a year or $150 every 2 years (as of Oct 2026)
Citation: DOPL optometry page
How often does a Idaho license renew?
18 hours each calendar year, no more than 9 asynchronous. The board began moving from annual to biennial licensure on May 19, 2025.
- Renews every two years
- 18 CE hours
Licensing in Idaho?
We prepare every supporting document and a question-by-question guide, order your verifications and NBEO scores, and track the file to a decision; you answer, sign, pay the board and sit every exam. A license is $699 per state, or $799 where the state gives its own exam or interview.