You can replace a lost Oregon driver's license in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online through Oregon's DMV website

The fastest way to replace a lost license is to visit an Oregon DMV office in person with your identification documents. You'll fill out an process for Oregon Driver License or Permit (Form DL 43), pay a replacement fee, and have your new license printed on the spot. If you cannot go in person, you can mail your process and documents to the DMV, though this takes longer. Oregon also offers online renewal for some drivers, but only if your license is not expired and you have not had a major change in your information.

The entire process costs between $50 and $60 depending on your license type and how long you want it to be valid. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If you're replacing a license that was lost or stolen, you do not need a new photo taken — the DMV will use your existing photo from your records.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at any Oregon DMV office takes about 30 minutes and gives you a new license the same day.
  • By-mail replacement requires Form DL 43, copies of your ID documents, and the replacement fee sent to the DMV address; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • You must bring one document proving identity, one proving your Social Security number, and one proving your current address.
  • The replacement fee is $50 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license; you choose the term when you explore.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though this is not required to replace it.

What documents you need to bring

Oregon requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You do not need all three to be separate documents — some documents count for more than one category.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a valid military ID, a birth certificate, a tribal ID, or a state ID from another state. A Social Security card by itself does not count as identity proof.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

For proof of your current address, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a piece of mail from a government agency dated within the last 60 days. A credit card bill does not count.

Replacing your license in person at a DMV office

Walk into any Oregon DMV office during business hours with your documents and completed Form DL 43. You can read the form from the Oregon DMV website before you go, or fill it out at the office. Tell the staff member at the counter that you are replacing a lost license.

The DMV will verify your documents, confirm your information in their system, and take a new photo if you request one (though you do not have to). You will then pay the replacement fee — $50 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license — and your new license will be printed and handed to you before you leave. The whole visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

To find the DMV office nearest you and check its hours, visit the Oregon DMV website and use their office locator tool. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead can tell you whether it is a good time to visit.

Replacing your license by mail

If you cannot visit a DMV office, you can mail your replacement request to the Oregon DMV. read and complete Form DL 43, make copies of your identity documents, and include a check or money order for the replacement fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license in the mail, so if you need to drive before your new license arrives, you should visit an office in person instead. The DMV will mail your new license to the address you list on Form DL 43.

Do not mail your original documents — send copies only. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Replacing your license online

Oregon's online renewal system works only if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your name, address, or other key information since your last license was issued. If you meet these conditions, you can renew online through the Oregon DMV website without visiting an office or mailing anything.

However, online renewal is for renewing a license that is still valid — not for replacing one that is lost. If your license is lost, you must either visit an office in person or mail your process. Once your replacement license arrives, you can use the online system for future renewals.

If your license was stolen

Reporting a stolen license to local police is not required to replace it, but it can be useful if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report creates an official record that your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, which may help if someone tries to use it fraudulently.

To report a stolen license, contact your local police non-emergency line and ask to file a report. You do not need the report to replace your license at the DMV — you can do that at the same time or separately. If you are worried about identity theft beyond the license itself, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

How long your new license will be valid

When you replace your license, you choose whether you want a four-year or eight-year license. A four-year license costs $50 and an eight-year license costs $60. Your new license will expire on the date you choose, not on the date your lost license would have expired.

Most people choose the eight-year option because the extra cost is small and you will not have to replace it as often. However, if your address or other information is likely to change soon, a four-year license might make more sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

If you visit a DMV office in person, you receive your new license the same day and do not need a temporary one. If you mail your process, the DMV does not issue a temporary license. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives by mail, you should visit an office instead.

Do I need a new photo for my replacement license?

No. The DMV will use your existing photo from your records unless you ask for a new one. If you want a new photo, you can request one when you explore, but it is not required for a lost license replacement.

What if I lost my license and do not have a copy of my Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2, a 1099, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a verification letter before you go to the DMV.

How much does it cost to replace a lost Oregon license?

A four-year replacement license costs $50 and an eight-year license costs $60. You choose which term you want when you explore. Payment must be by check or money order if you mail your process, or by cash, check, debit card, or credit card if you visit in person.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

If you visit in person, you must be present to receive your license. If you mail your process, the DMV will mail the license to the address you provide on the form, so you do not have to be there to receive it.