Oregon driver's license renewal steps and timelines
Oregon renews driver's licenses by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. The method you use depends on whether your license is expired, expiring soon, or still valid, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, which takes two to three weeks by mail or a few minutes online.
Your Oregon license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Oregon sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, which means you do not have to wait until the last minute.
If your license is already expired, you can still renew by mail or online, but Oregon charges a late fee. The fee varies depending on how long your license has been expired. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office and may need to retake the written test.
Key Takeaways
- Oregon allows online renewal for most drivers, which takes minutes and costs less than mail or in-person renewal.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires mailing your current license and a completed form to the DMV.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need a new photo.
- Oregon charges a late fee if you renew after your license expires, and the fee increases the longer you wait.
- You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to renew close to the expiration date.
Renewing online through Oregon's DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option for most Oregon drivers. You go to the Oregon DMV website, create an account or log in, and complete the renewal form. The process takes about five to ten minutes. Oregon charges $80 for an eight-year renewal completed online.
You can renew online if your current license is valid (not expired), your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. If you have changed your address or want a new photo, you must renew by mail or in person. Oregon does not allow address changes online.
After you complete the online renewal, Oregon mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery takes about two weeks. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. Online renewal does not require you to mail anything or visit an office.
Renewing by mail with the DMV
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address or photo. Oregon sends renewal notices to your mailing address about 60 days before expiration. The notice includes a form and instructions. You sign the form, include your current license, and mail both to the address listed on the notice.
The renewal fee by mail is $85 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time Oregon receives your envelope. Oregon recommends mailing your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid late fees.
If you lose the renewal notice, you can read the form from the Oregon DMV website or request a new notice by phone. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to request a form.
In-person renewal at an Oregon DMV office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address. In-person renewal also applies if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or if you need to update your name or gender marker.
Oregon DMV offices are located in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times on the Oregon DMV website. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
In-person renewal at an Oregon DMV office costs $85 for an eight-year license. The office takes a new photo and issues your license on the spot or mails it within two weeks, depending on the office. Some offices issue licenses when ready; others mail them. Ask when you arrive.
Late fees and expired license penalties
Oregon charges a late fee if you renew after your license expires. The fee depends on how long your license has been expired. If your license expired less than one year ago, the late fee is $20. If it expired one to five years ago, the fee is $40. If it expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to a DMV office in person.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Oregon, even if you have submitted a renewal. You can be stopped and cited. If you are pulled over, tell the officer that your renewal is in process and show proof if you have it (such as a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from mailing your renewal).
If your license has been expired for more than five years, Oregon treats it as a new license process. You may need to retake the written test and vision test. Contact your local DMV office to find out what tests you will need before you go in.
Changing your address or photo during renewal
If you have moved, you must update your address when you renew. Oregon does not allow address changes online. You can change your address by mail or in person. If you are renewing by mail, include a note with your new address and a piece of mail showing your new address (such as a utility bill). Oregon will update your address and mail your new license to the new address.
If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Oregon does not offer photo updates by mail or online. The office will take a new photo at no extra charge when you renew.
If you are changing your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. Oregon updates your name on your license at the same time you renew.
What to do if you lose your license before renewal
If your license is lost or stolen before it expires, you can get a replacement at any Oregon DMV office. A replacement costs $30 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. You can also request a replacement online through the Oregon DMV website if your license was not stolen (if it was stolen, you should report it to police first).
When you get a replacement, your expiration date stays the same as your original license. You do not have to renew again until that date. If your original license was expiring soon, you can renew at the same time you replace it, which costs $85 instead of $30 plus a later renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Oregon license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew by mail or online from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you can visit any Oregon DMV office when you are in the state, or you can contact the DMV to ask about options for your situation.
What happens if I renew online but my address changed?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. Oregon will reject your online renewal if the address does not match the one on file. You will need to renew by mail or in person instead. If you have already submitted an online renewal with the wrong address, contact the Oregon DMV to cancel it and start over.
Do I need to take a new written test when I renew?
No, unless your license expired more than five years ago. If your license is current or expired less than five years, you do not retake any tests. You only renew your existing license.
How much does Oregon driver's license renewal cost?
An eight-year renewal costs $80 online, $85 by mail, or $85 in person. Late fees add $20 if your license expired less than one year ago, or $40 if it expired one to five years ago. A replacement license (if lost or stolen) costs $30.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Oregon DMV to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can renew it normally.