What You Pay for an Oregon Driver's License

An Oregon driver's license costs $50 for a five-year license or $100 for an eight-year license. These are the standard fees charged by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) when you get a new license or renew an existing one. The fee is the same whether you are 16 or 65, and it does not change based on license class (standard, commercial, or motorcycle).

If you are renewing by mail or online, you pay the same fee as you would in person at a DMV office. If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license, the replacement fee is $20. A duplicate license (an extra copy of your current license) costs $10.

Oregon does not charge separate fees for different license types or endorsements. If you add a motorcycle endorsement to an existing license, you pay only the endorsement processing fee, which is included in the renewal or new-license fee — there is no additional charge on top of the base cost.

Key Takeaways

  • A new five-year Oregon driver's license costs $50; an eight-year license costs $100, with no additional fees for license class or endorsements.
  • Replacing a lost or damaged license costs $20; a duplicate costs $10; changing your name on your license costs $20.
  • Renewal fees are the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online — Oregon charges no processing or convenience fees.
  • You can renew up to six months before your license expires, and the fee does not change based on when you renew during that window.
  • Oregon does not offer discounts by age, military status, or any other factor — all drivers pay the same fee statewide.

Payment Methods and Where to Pay

Oregon DMV offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). If you renew online through the Oregon DMV website, you must use a credit or debit card. If you renew by mail, you can send a check or money order; do not send cash through the mail.

You can pay your fee at any Oregon DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can also pay online if you are renewing a license that is still valid or will expire within six months. Payment by mail is accepted only for renewals sent through the postal service.

If you are under 18 and explore for your first license, you must appear in person at a DMV office with a parent or guardian. Payment is made at that time. There is no online or mail option for first-time applicants under 18.

When Your License Expires and Renewal important date

Oregon driver's licenses expire on your birthday in the year shown on your card. If you chose a five-year license, it expires five years from the date you received it. If you chose an eight-year license, it expires eight years from that date. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, and you can continue to drive legally until the expiration date on your current license.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face additional requirements. An expired license that has been expired for less than one year can usually be renewed by mail or online. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Oregon does not charge a late fee for renewing after your license expires, but driving with an expired license is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited even if you have already submitted your renewal process.

Additional Fees You May Encounter

If you need to change your name on your license (due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), Oregon charges $20 for a name-change replacement. You must bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This is treated as a replacement, not a renewal, so you pay the replacement fee rather than the full renewal fee.

If you fail the written test or vision screening during your renewal appointment, you do not pay an additional fee to retake the test. You can schedule another appointment and pay only when you pass. However, if you need to take a behind-the-wheel driving test (required if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you are upgrading to a commercial license), that test costs $30.

If you request a Real ID-compliant license, there is no additional fee — the $50 or $100 covers the Real ID version. However, you must bring additional documents to prove your identity and residency. Failure to bring the correct documents means you will need to return for another appointment, and you will need to pay the fee again.

Differences Between Five-Year and Eight-Year Licenses

The choice between a five-year and eight-year license is yours, and the only difference is cost and how long the license remains valid. A five-year license costs $50 and is valid for five years from the date of issue. An eight-year license costs $100 and is valid for eight years. Both licenses look identical and carry the same driving privileges.

The eight-year license is more expensive upfront but works out to a lower annual cost: roughly $12.50 per year for the eight-year license versus $10 per year for the five-year license. If you plan to keep your license for the full term without major changes (such as a name change or address change that requires a replacement), the eight-year license may be more cost-effective. If you expect to move out of Oregon or change your license status within five years, the five-year license may be the better choice.

You can choose which term you prefer when you renew. There is no requirement to stick with the same term you chose last time. If you initially chose a five-year license and want to switch to eight years at your next renewal, you straightforward pay the $100 fee instead of $50.

Fees for Commercial and Motorcycle Licenses

A commercial driver's license (CDL) in Oregon costs the same as a standard license: $50 for five years or $100 for eight years. However, you must pass additional written tests and a behind-the-wheel driving test specific to commercial vehicles. The behind-the-wheel test costs $30 and is not included in the license fee.

A motorcycle endorsement added to an existing standard license does not increase the renewal fee. You pay the standard $50 or $100 for the renewal, and the endorsement is added at no extra cost. However, you must pass the motorcycle written test and skills test. The skills test costs $30. If you are getting your first motorcycle endorsement, you must take the test in person at a DMV office.

If you hold a CDL and want to add a motorcycle endorsement, you pay only the standard CDL renewal fee ($50 or $100) plus the $30 motorcycle skills test. You do not pay two separate license fees.

Online and Mail Renewal Costs

Renewing online or by mail costs exactly the same as renewing in person: $50 for five years or $100 for eight years. Oregon does not charge a processing fee or convenience fee for online or mail renewals. The only difference is the method of payment and delivery.

Online renewal is available if your current license is valid or will expire within six months. You complete the renewal process on the Oregon DMV website, pay by credit or debit card, and your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal works the same way: you send in the renewal form, a check or money order, and proof of residency, and your new license arrives by mail.

If you renew online or by mail and your process is rejected (for example, because your address could not be verified), you will be notified by mail and asked to renew in person. You do not lose your fee in this case — you will be given the option to resubmit or visit a DMV office. If you must visit in person after an online or mail rejection, you pay the same renewal fee; there is no additional charge for the in-person appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full renewal fee if I renew early?

Yes. Oregon charges the full $50 or $100 renewal fee regardless of when you renew, as long as your current license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. You can renew up to six months before your license expires, but the fee does not change. The new expiration date is calculated from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

What if I move to another state before my license expires?

You do not get a refund. Once you pay for your Oregon license, the fee is non-refundable. If you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state and pay their fee. Your Oregon license remains valid until it expires, even if you no longer live in Oregon.

Is there a fee to change my address on my license?

No. Changing your address is free if your license is still valid. You can update your address online through the Oregon DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. You do not need to pay a fee or get a new card unless you also need a replacement for another reason (such as a lost or damaged license).

Can I get a refund if I don't use my license for the full term?

No. Oregon does not issue refunds for unused license terms. The fee is charged when you receive your license, and it covers the full five or eight years, regardless of whether you use it for the entire period.

Are there any discounts for seniors or military members?

No. Oregon charges the same license fee to all drivers, regardless of age, military status, or other factors. The $50 or $100 fee applies uniformly to all standard, commercial, and motorcycle licenses.