Oregon Driver's License Renewal: The Basic Process

Oregon lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Most people can renew online through the Oregon DMV website without visiting an office or paying a visit fee. You'll need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a payment method. The online process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you can't renew online—because your license is expired by more than five years, you need to update your photo, or your address changed—you'll renew by mail or in person instead. Each method has different requirements and timelines, which we'll walk through below.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon residents can renew online through the DMV website for most standard renewals, with no office visit required.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago or you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
  • Oregon driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so you'll renew every eight years unless you choose a shorter validity period.
  • The renewal fee is $70 for an eight-year license, or you can choose a four-year license for $35.

When You Can Renew Online

You can renew online if your current Oregon driver's license is still valid or expired no more than five years ago. You also need to have a Social Security number on file with the DMV. The online system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Online renewal does not include a new photo. Your new license will show the same photo as your current one. If you want a new photo or if your current license shows an address that no longer matches where you live, you cannot renew online—you'll need to renew in person instead.

After you complete the online renewal, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. If you've moved recently and updated your address through the online system, your new license goes to your new address. Check your address before you submit your renewal.

Renewing in Person at a DMV Office

Visit a DMV office if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, if you want to change your address, or if the online system tells you that you cannot renew online. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Oregon DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. You can check wait times and book an appointment on the Oregon DMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster. The office will take a new photo and issue your license the same day if you pass the vision screening.

Bring your payment method—cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The fee is $70 for an eight-year license or $35 for a four-year license. If you're over 50, you can choose a four-year license at no extra cost.

Renewing by Mail

You can renew by mail if your license is expired but not more than five years old and you don't need a new photo or address change. read the Driver License/Permit Renewal process (Form DL 43) from the Oregon DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with your payment to the address listed on the form.

Include a check or money order for $70 (eight-year license) or $35 (four-year license). Do not send cash. Mail your completed form and payment to the DMV address shown on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your mail, plus the time it takes for mail to arrive. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license unless you've notified the DMV of a change.

If you're renewing by mail and need to change your address at the same time, you must renew in person instead. The mail-in process does not allow address changes.

License Validity and Renewal Timing

Oregon driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date they're issued. Your license will show an expiration date on the front. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it as long as it expired no more than five years ago (for online or mail renewal) or at any time (for in-person renewal). Driving with an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.

Drivers over 50 can choose a four-year license instead of the standard eight-year license. This costs $35 instead of $70. Some people choose the shorter term if they expect their address or appearance to change significantly.

What Happens After You Renew

If you renewed online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive with your current license until the new one arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a DMV office.

If you renewed in person, you receive your new license when ready after your appointment. The DMV will take your old license and destroy it. You can drive with your new license right away.

If you don't receive your new license within 14 business days of renewing online or by mail, contact the Oregon DMV. Have your renewal confirmation number ready. The DMV can check the status of your license and remail it if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must have an Oregon address to hold an Oregon driver's license. If you've moved to another state, you'll need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's DMV to learn what documents you need.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person. Bring your current license and a document showing your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew online or by mail with a name change.

Do I need a new photo if I renew online?

No. Online renewal uses your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The office will take a new photo as part of your in-person renewal.

How much does it cost to renew in Oregon?

An eight-year license costs $70. A four-year license costs $35. Drivers over 50 can choose the four-year option at the same $35 price. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

You'll need to replace it rather than renew it. Visit a DMV office with proof of your identity and address. Replacement costs $20. Once you replace your license, your new expiration date will be eight years from the replacement date.