How to Renew Your Oregon Driver's License

Renewing Your Oregon License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Oregon lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online through the Oregon DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

Your license is may be able to access for online renewal if it has not expired more than five years ago, you have no medical conditions that need to be reviewed, and your address has not changed since your last renewal. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must renew in person or by mail.

Oregon sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The reminder includes your renewal notice number, which you will need if you renew online. If you lose the notice, you can still renew online using your driver's license number and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Oregon DMV website is the fastest option and works if your license is not expired more than five years and your address has not changed.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DMV office in Salem.
In-person renewal at an Oregon DMV office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license has expired more than five years ago or you need a new photo.
Oregon charges different fees for online renewal ($50), mail renewal ($50), and in-person renewal ($60 for a standard license), and fees vary slightly for commercial licenses.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after online or mail renewal, or you receive it when ready if you renew in person.

Online Renewal Through the Oregon DMV Website

To renew online, go to the Oregon DMV website and select the renewal option. You will need your renewal notice number (from the reminder letter) or your driver's license number and date of birth. You will also need a valid payment method — Oregon accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

The online system will ask you to confirm your address, emergency contact, and organ donor status. If your address has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online; you must renew by mail or in person instead. Once you submit your information and payment, you will receive a confirmation number by email.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Oregon does not issue a temporary license during online renewal, so if you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can print a temporary renewal receipt from the DMV website and carry it with your current license.

Mail Renewal: What to Send and Where

To renew by mail, you need to complete Form DL 43 (process for Oregon Driver License or Permit), which you can read from the Oregon DMV website or request by phone. You will also need to send in your current driver's license, a check or money order for $50, and proof of your current address if it has changed since your last renewal.

Mail your completed form, license, and payment to the Oregon DMV office in Salem. The address is on the form and on the DMV website. Do not use certified mail or require a signature; regular mail works fine. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope.

If your address has changed, include a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement showing your new address. If you are renewing a commercial license or have medical restrictions on your current license, mail renewal may not be an option; contact the DMV to confirm before sending in your documents.

In-Person Renewal at an Oregon DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a new photo, your medical restrictions have changed, or you want to update your address and did not receive a renewal notice. In-person renewal also takes about 30 minutes and costs $60 for a standard driver's license (fees are higher for commercial licenses).

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Oregon DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some offices have extended hours on certain days. You can check wait times and book an appointment online through the Oregon DMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If your license expired more than five years ago, Oregon treats it as a new process, not a renewal. You must explore in person at a DMV office, bring all the documents required for a new license (proof of identity, Social Security number, and address), and pay the full process fee of $60.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Oregon, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by police, you can show your renewal confirmation number or temporary receipt as proof that you have applied, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this situation.

Fees, Processing Times, and What You Receive

Oregon's renewal fees depend on the method and license type. Standard driver's license renewal costs $50 online or by mail, and $60 in person. Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal costs $75 regardless of method. If you are renewing a license that includes a Real ID endorsement (the gold star in the corner), the fee is the same.

Processing times vary: online renewal produces a temporary receipt you can print when ready, and your physical license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from receipt. In-person renewal gives you your new license on the spot if you renew at a full-service DMV office, though some satellite offices may mail it to you instead.

Your new license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal (or until age 70 if you are over 62). Oregon does not issue a paper temporary license during online or mail renewal, so the printed receipt is your proof of renewal if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

Updating Your Address or Other Information

If you have moved and your address is not current on your license, you have two options: renew your license and update your address at the same time, or update your address without renewing. To update your address without renewing, you can do so online through the Oregon DMV website for free, or in person at any DMV office for free. You cannot update your address by mail without renewing.

If you update your address online, your current license remains valid, but your record at the DMV is updated when ready. If you update in person, you can request a new license with your updated address for $60, or straightforward update your record without a new license.

If you are renewing your license and your address has changed, you must include proof of your new address with your mail renewal, or update it in person. You cannot complete an online renewal if your address has changed; the system will direct you to renew by mail or in person instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Oregon license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal works if your license is not expired more than five years and your address has not changed. If you have moved out of state, you must renew by mail or in person, and you will need to provide your new out-of-state address as proof.

What if I lost my renewal notice letter?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew online. Use your driver's license number and date of birth instead. If you prefer to renew by mail, you can request a new form by calling the Oregon DMV or downloading it from their website.

Do I need a Real ID to renew my Oregon license?

No. A Real ID is optional in Oregon. Your current license may or may not have the Real ID gold star. If you want to add Real ID to your renewed license, you must renew in person and bring additional proof of identity and citizenship. The fee is the same whether you add Real ID or not.

How long can I drive on my old license after I renew?

Your old license remains valid until your new license arrives. Once your new license arrives, your old license is no longer valid and should be destroyed. Do not carry both licenses at the same time.

What if my vision or medical condition has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person so the DMV can review your medical status and possibly require a vision test. Call the Oregon DMV before your appointment to ask whether you need to bring documentation from your doctor or take a vision screening at the office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.