Report your lost license to Oregon DMV and request a replacement

When you lose your Oregon driver's license, you need to report it to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) DMV and request a replacement card. The fastest way is to do this in person at a DMV office, where you can walk out with a temporary permit the same day and receive your permanent card by mail within two weeks. You can also start the process online through the Oregon DMV website, but you will still need to visit an office to verify your identity and pay the replacement fee.

The replacement fee is currently $20 for a standard driver's license. If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you may face additional requirements — those are handled separately and are covered in your suspension or revocation paperwork. A lost license is treated as a straightforward replacement, not a reinstatement.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit an Oregon DMV office in person with your Social Security number and proof of identity to get a replacement license fastest.
  • You will receive a temporary paper permit when ready and your permanent card by mail within two weeks.
  • The replacement fee is $20, and you do not need to retake the written or driving test.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked before you lost it, contact DMV to resolve that status first — a replacement will not clear a suspension.
  • You can start the replacement process online, but you must complete it in person at a DMV office.

What to bring to the DMV office

Bring a document that proves your identity and your Social Security number. Acceptable identity documents include a passport, a birth certificate paired with another document showing your name and address (like a utility bill or lease), or a state ID card. You do not need to bring your old license — in fact, you cannot, because it is lost.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have moved, bring proof of your current address. The DMV office staff will tell you on the spot if your documents are acceptable.

Getting a temporary permit on the same day

When you complete your replacement at the DMV office, you will receive a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days. This permit allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card. You do not need to do anything else — the temporary permit is issued automatically as part of the replacement process.

Your permanent card will arrive by mail. Standard delivery takes about two weeks, though it can vary depending on mail volume. If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives, the temporary permit covers you. If your permanent card does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DMV office where you applied.

Replacing your license if you are out of state

If you are living outside Oregon when you lose your license, you have two options. You can mail in a replacement request with a completed form and copies of your identity documents, though this takes longer and you will not receive a temporary permit. The easier route is to visit an Oregon DMV office the next time you are in the state, or to contact the DMV by phone at 503-945-5000 to ask about your specific situation.

Some people in this situation choose to get a replacement license from their current state instead, then transfer back to Oregon when they return. That is a separate process and depends on your residency status in your current state.

What happens if your lost license is used by someone else

If you believe someone else is using your lost license, report it to the Oregon DMV when ready by calling 503-945-5000. The DMV can flag your license number in the system to prevent it from being used. You should also consider filing a police report, especially if you think the person using it could commit fraud in your name.

Reporting a lost license to the DMV does not automatically cancel it — you must request cancellation when you report it lost. When you explore for your replacement, tell the DMV staff that your old license was lost and you want it cancelled. They will note this in your file.

Replacing your license if it was suspended or revoked

If your Oregon license was suspended or revoked before you lost it, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the DMV. This might involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a driver improvement course, or meeting other requirements depending on why your license was suspended.

Contact the DMV at 503-945-5000 or visit an office to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation. Once that is complete, you can then request a replacement for your lost card. The two processes are separate, and completing one does not complete the other.

Replacing your license if you have an out-of-state address

Oregon allows you to hold a driver's license even if you do not live in the state, as long as you are a U.S. citizen or have a valid visa. When you replace a lost license, you can use an out-of-state address on your new card. Bring proof of that address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement — along with your identity documents.

If you move back to Oregon later, you can update your address at any DMV office without getting a new card. Your current license remains valid until its expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to retake the written or driving test to replace a lost license?

No. A lost license replacement does not require you to retake any test. You are straightforward getting a new card with the same information as your old one. The DMV treats this as a duplicate, not a new license.

Can I replace my license online?

You can start the process online through the Oregon DMV website, but you must finish it in person at a DMV office. The in-person visit is where you verify your identity and receive your temporary permit. Going to the office directly is usually faster.

What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?

You can still replace your license. Bring your passport, birth certificate, or state ID instead of your Social Security card. The DMV needs to verify your identity, not necessarily your Social Security number itself — though you will need to provide your number verbally so they can look up your record.

How long does a temporary permit last?

Your temporary paper permit is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card should arrive by mail within two weeks. If it does not arrive within three weeks, call the DMV office where you applied to check the status.

What if my replacement card arrives damaged or with wrong information?

Contact the DMV office where you applied. If the card is damaged, they will issue a new one at no charge. If the information is wrong, they will correct it and reissue the card. Bring the damaged card and your identity documents.