How to Renew Your Oregon Driver's License

Oregon renewal happens online, by mail, or in person — and which route you take depends on how much time you have and whether your license has restrictions

Oregon lets you renew your driver's license without visiting a DMV office if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions or violations that require an in-person check. Most people renew online through the Oregon DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $80 for a five-year license. If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or go to a DMV office in person.

Your renewal window opens 12 months before your license expires and closes on your expiration date. Oregon will not renew your license after it has expired, so you cannot renew late — if your license lapses, you will have to explore for a new one instead, which costs more and takes longer.

Key Takeaways

Oregon lets you renew online if your license is valid, you have no medical holds, and you have not had certain violations in the past five years.
Online renewal costs $80 for a five-year license and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or visit an Oregon DMV office; mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Your renewal window opens 12 months before your license expires and closes on your expiration date — you cannot renew after expiration.
If your license has expired, you must explore for a new license rather than renew, which requires an in-person visit and costs more.

Renewing online through the Oregon DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and most common route. Go to the Oregon DMV website, select "Renew Driver License," and log in with your Oregon ID number and date of birth. You will answer questions about your address, medical conditions, and driving record. If the system approves you, you pay $80 by credit or debit card and you are done.

Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can renew at any time during your 12-month window.

You cannot renew online if your license has expired, if you have a medical condition or restriction that requires a DMV review, if you have had certain violations (such as a DUI or reckless driving conviction) in the past five years, or if you need to change your name or address on your license. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but does not require a trip to the DMV. read the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL 43) from the Oregon DMV website, fill it out by hand, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $80. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait. If the DMV needs more information from you, they will contact you by mail, which can add time to the process.

Mail renewal is a good option if you live far from a DMV office, if you prefer not to renew online, or if you do not meet the requirements for online renewal but do not have a reason that requires an in-person visit. You cannot renew by mail if your license has expired.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit an Oregon DMV office if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if you prefer to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).

You do not need an appointment at most Oregon DMV offices, but wait times vary. Check the Oregon DMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times. Bring your documents and be ready to answer questions about your address, medical conditions, and driving record. The DMV will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot.

In-person renewal costs $80 for a five-year license. Your new license will be mailed to you in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

What happens if your license expires

If your license expires before you renew it, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license instead. A new license process requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You will also have to take a written test and an eye test, and you may have to take a road test depending on how long your license has been expired.

A new license costs $80 for a five-year license, the same as a renewal, but the process takes much longer because you have to schedule an appointment and complete the testing. To avoid this, renew your license before it expires — your renewal window opens 12 months before your expiration date.

Oregon license types and renewal costs

Oregon offers several license types, and the renewal cost depends on which type you hold. A standard five-year driver's license costs $80 to renew. An eight-year license for drivers age 50 and older costs $128. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $80 for five years or $128 for eight years and requires additional documents at renewal.

If you hold a REAL ID license and want to renew it, you will need to bring proof of your identity and proof of your address to a DMV office or include copies with your mail renewal. You cannot renew a REAL ID license online. If you hold a standard license and want to upgrade to REAL ID at renewal, you can do so in person at a DMV office.

Medical conditions and driving restrictions

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or a condition that causes loss of consciousness — the DMV may place restrictions on your license or require you to renew in person. When you renew online or by mail, you will be asked about medical conditions. If you answer yes to any of these questions, the DMV will review your case and may ask you to visit an office or provide medical documentation.

If you have a restriction on your current license (such as "corrective lenses required" or "automatic transmission only"), that restriction will carry over to your new license unless you have it removed. To remove a restriction, you may need to visit a DMV office or provide documentation to the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Oregon license if I have moved out of state?

No. Oregon requires you to be a resident to hold an Oregon driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should explore for a license in your new state instead. If you still live in Oregon but have moved, you can update your address when you renew online, by mail, or in person.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license. You must explore for a replacement license, which requires an in-person visit to a DMV office. Bring proof of your identity and proof of your address. A replacement license costs $30 and is valid for the remainder of your original license's term.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your new license sooner, you can visit a DMV office in person and request a temporary license while you wait for the permanent one.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, the DMV will use your photo from your current license. If you renew in person at a DMV office, the DMV will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you can visit a DMV office to request a new photo for a small fee.

What if the DMV rejects my online renewal?

If the system denies your online renewal, the Oregon DMV website will tell you why and what to do next. Common reasons include a medical hold, a violation on your record, or an expired license. You can renew by mail or visit a DMV office in person. If you are unsure why you were denied, call the Oregon DMV at 503-945-5000 to speak with someone who can explain.

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.