What you need to do to get an Oregon driver's license
To get an Oregon driver's license, you will visit your local DMV office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. Oregon requires you to bring specific documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process usually takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your license to arrive in the mail.
Oregon issues licenses valid for eight years. If you are under 21, your license will have different rules than an adult license — you will face restrictions on when you can drive and who can ride with you during your first year.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your Oregon address before you can test.
- Oregon requires you to pass both a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test administered by the DMV.
- You can drive when ready after passing your tests on a temporary permit while your physical license is mailed to you, which takes about two weeks.
- Drivers under 21 face graduated restrictions: a permit phase, a restricted license phase, and a full license phase, each lasting at least six months.
- The total cost is $80 for an eight-year license, plus the cost of your permit test if you take one before your driving test.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Oregon requires you to bring an original or certified birth certificate as your primary identity document. A photocopy will not work. If you do not have your birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the Oregon Health Authority's Vital Records office or the state where you were born.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. A tax return also works.
Finally, you need two documents showing your current Oregon address. These can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you. Both documents must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from the DMV itself counts as one of these two.
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies of address documents are acceptable, but photocopies of your birth certificate are not.
The permit test and driving test
Before you can take your driving test, Oregon requires you to pass a written knowledge test about traffic laws and road signs. You can take this test at any DMV office. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can study using the Oregon Driver Manual, which is free on the DMV website.
After you pass the knowledge test, you receive a learner's permit that lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car. You must hold this permit for at least 14 days before you can take your driving test. During this time, you practice driving and prepare for the behind-the-wheel exam.
The driving test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must use your own vehicle or a vehicle borrowed from someone else — the DMV does not provide test vehicles. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. You must pass this test to get your license.
Costs and how long it takes
An Oregon driver's license costs $80 and is valid for eight years. This fee covers both the knowledge test and the driving test. If you fail either test, you pay a retest fee of $20 each time you try again.
The timeline works like this: you can take your knowledge test as soon as you have your documents. If you pass, you wait at least 14 days, then schedule your driving test. After you pass the driving test, the DMV issues you a temporary permit on the spot that lets you drive when ready. Your physical license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
If you are scheduling during a busy season or in a large city, wait times for driving test appointments can be several weeks. You can check available appointment times on the Oregon DMV website before you go in.
Rules for drivers under 21
Oregon has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 21. This means you go through three phases, each with different rules, before you get a full license.
Phase 1: Learner's Permit. You must be at least 15 years old. You can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must follow all traffic laws and cannot use a cell phone while driving.
Phase 2: Restricted License. After holding your permit for at least six months and passing your driving test, you get a restricted license. You can drive alone, but you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a court-ordered activity. You can have no more than one passenger under 20 years old in the car unless a licensed adult 21 or older is also in the vehicle. You still cannot use a cell phone while driving.
Phase 3: Full License. After holding your restricted license for at least six months without a violation, you get a full license with no driving time restrictions. You can use a hands-free cell phone while driving.
What to do if you have a suspended or revoked license
If your Oregon license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first contact the Oregon DMV to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to restore it.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or driving under the influence. Each reason has different requirements to get your license back. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines. If it was suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete a treatment program and install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
You can call the Oregon DMV at 503-945-6353 or visit an office in person to learn what steps you need to take. Once you have met all requirements, you can pay a reinstatement fee and get your license restored.
Renewing or replacing your Oregon license
If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option and costs $80 for an eight-year license. You can renew online up to one year before your license expires.
If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DMV office. A replacement costs $20 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. You can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait.
If you change your name or address, you must update your license. You can do this online for free if you are only changing your address. If you are changing your name, you must visit a DMV office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my driving test in a language other than English?
Yes. Oregon offers the written knowledge test in Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese, and several other languages. You must request an interpreter when you schedule your test. The driving test itself does not have a written component during the drive, but the examiner will speak to you in English and you must understand basic driving instructions.
What happens if I fail my driving test?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. You pay a $20 retest fee each time. You must wait at least one day before retesting. Many people schedule their next attempt right away while they are at the DMV office.
Do I need car insurance before I take my driving test?
Yes. Oregon law requires all vehicles on the road to have liability insurance. The vehicle you use for your driving test must be insured. You do not need to be the owner of the vehicle, but the owner's insurance must cover you as a driver.
Can I get a Real ID compliant Oregon license?
Yes. Oregon issues Real ID compliant licenses that meet federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. You get a Real ID license automatically when you renew or get a new license, as long as you bring the required documents. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner.
What if I move to Oregon from another state?
You must get an Oregon license within 30 days of moving to the state. You can transfer your out-of-state license by visiting a DMV office and bringing your current license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your Oregon address. You do not have to retake the written test or driving test if your out-of-state license is valid, but you will pay the $80 fee for a new Oregon license.