Renew Your Oregon License Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Oregon driver license through three routes: online at the DMV website, by mail using a renewal notice, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office. The method you use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photo.
Oregon sends renewal notices 60 days before your license expires. If you have that notice, you can renew by mail when ready. If you do not have the notice or your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person or contact the DMV to request a replacement notice.
Key Takeaways
- Oregon licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration by mail or online.
- Online renewal takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs $96 for a five-year license; the new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal requires your renewal notice and a check or money order; processing takes 10 to 15 business days after the DMV receives it.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a photo update, or you are changing your address and have no recent utility bill.
- Oregon does not charge a separate fee for address changes, but you must provide proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Option
The Oregon DMV website allows you to renew online if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address or photo. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
After you complete the online renewal, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. The cost is $96 for a five-year license or $48 for a one-year license if you are over 50.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your photo, or if you are changing your address. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail Renewal Using Your Renewal Notice
If you received a renewal notice from the DMV, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. The notice includes a form and instructions. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order to the address shown on the notice. Do not send cash.
The DMV processes mail renewals in 10 to 15 business days after receiving your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. During processing, you can continue to use your current license.
Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address or photo. If you lost your renewal notice, you can request a replacement by calling the DMV at 503-945-6353 or visiting an office in person. The DMV can also mail you a replacement notice if you provide your driver license number and date of birth.
In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to update your photo, or if you are changing your address and do not have a recent utility bill or other proof of residency. Bring your current license (or expired license if you no longer have the current one), proof of residency, and payment.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are changing your address, bring the document that shows your new address. If you do not have a recent document, the DMV may accept a letter from your employer or a government agency on official letterhead that includes your name and current address.
Oregon DMV offices are located in Portland, Salem, Eugene, Medford, Bend, Klamath Falls, and Pendleton. You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV website shows current wait times for each office. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes and costs $96 for a five-year license.
Fees and Payment Methods
A five-year Oregon driver license renewal costs $96. If you are 50 or older, you can renew for one year at a cost of $48. The DMV accepts cash, check, money order, debit card, and credit card at offices. For online renewal, you must use a debit or credit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order only — do not send cash.
If you renew online or by mail, the fee is charged when you submit your renewal. If you renew in person, you pay at the counter. There are no additional fees for address changes or name changes due to marriage or court order, but you must provide the required documents.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew online or by mail using your renewal notice. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license in person at a DMV office. This requires your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Oregon, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you submitted your renewal, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew before your license expires to avoid this risk.
Address Changes and Name Changes
If you are changing your address, you can update it during renewal at no extra cost. For online renewal, you can change your address if you have not moved. For mail renewal, you cannot change your address — you must renew in person or contact the DMV to request a new renewal notice with your updated address.
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring the document that proves the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will issue a new license with your current name at no extra charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Oregon license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your license expires. The DMV typically sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice. If you want to renew early, call the DMV at 503-945-6353 to request a renewal notice or to ask about early online renewal.
What if I moved and did not update my address before renewing?
If you renewed online or by mail without updating your address, your new license will be mailed to your old address. Contact the DMV when ready at 503-945-6353 to report the address change and ask them to hold your license at a local office for pickup, or to remail it to your new address. Bring proof of your new address when you pick it up.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail. Mail renewal takes 10 to 15 business days after the DMV receives your envelope. In-person renewal is when ready — you receive a temporary paper license at the counter and the plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew if my license was suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Call 503-945-6353 or visit an office in person to learn about reinstatement requirements and fees.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Call the DMV at 503-945-6353 or visit an office in person to request a replacement renewal notice. Have your driver license number and date of birth ready. The DMV will mail the notice to your address on file, or you can pick it up at an office. You can also renew in person without the notice if you bring your current license and payment.