What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost driver's license in Oregon, you must visit an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Driver and Motor Vehicle Services office in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online. The replacement license costs $50 and takes about 10 business days to arrive by mail, though you can request a temporary paper license to drive when ready while you wait.

Oregon does not issue a new license number when you report a lost license — you keep your existing number. This matters because your old license is still valid in the system until the replacement arrives, which means you should report the loss to ODOT as soon as possible to prevent someone else from using it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at an ODOT office with a valid ID and proof you live in Oregon; there is no mail-in or online replacement option.
  • The replacement fee is $50, and your new license arrives in about 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to drive when ready.
  • Your license number stays the same, but you should report the loss right away so ODOT can flag your old license in the system.
  • Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report, though it is not required by ODOT to issue a replacement.

Documents You Must Bring to the ODOT Office

Bring one primary form of ID and one proof of Oregon residency. Primary ID options include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you do not have a primary ID, you can use two secondary forms instead — secondary ID includes a Social Security card, birth certificate, or tribal ID.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Oregon address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or bank or credit card statement. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the bill holder confirming you live there.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will need it to complete the process. If you do not know your number, contact the Social Security Administration before your appointment.

How to Find and Schedule an ODOT Office Visit

ODOT has Driver and Motor Vehicle Services offices in most Oregon cities. The main office is in Salem, but you can visit any location. Go to oregon.gov/odot and search for "office locations" to find the office nearest you, including hours and whether appointments are required.

Many ODOT offices now require appointments, especially in larger cities. Check the specific office's page to see if you can book online or if you must call. If appointments are full, some offices hold walk-in hours on specific days — the office page will list those times. Call ahead if you are unsure: the office can tell you what documents to bring and whether you need an appointment.

Plan to arrive early if you are walking in, as wait times vary. Bring all documents with you — staff will not accept documents sent separately or brought later.

What Happens at Your ODOT Appointment

When you arrive, tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost license. They will ask you to complete Form 735-1B (process for Oregon Driver License or Permit). You will provide your name, address, Social Security number, and answer questions about your driving history and any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive.

The staff member will verify your identity and residency documents, take a new photo, and collect the $50 fee. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. Ask for a temporary paper license at this time — it is issued on the spot and lets you drive legally while your replacement license is being printed and mailed.

The replacement license will be mailed to the address you provide. Standard delivery takes about 10 business days. If you need it faster, ask about expedited options when you are at the office, though expedited service may cost extra.

The $50 Replacement Fee and Payment Options

The replacement fee for a lost license in Oregon is $50. This is a flat rate regardless of how long your current license has left before expiration. If your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time rather than replace it, though that would be a separate transaction with a separate fee.

ODOT offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. If you cannot pay the fee at your appointment, you cannot receive the replacement license that day — you will need to return with payment.

Getting a Temporary Paper License to Drive Now

A temporary paper license is issued when ready at the ODOT office and is valid for 30 days. It allows you to drive legally while your replacement license is being printed and mailed. You do not need to request it separately — just ask the staff member for one when you are at your appointment.

The temporary license is a single sheet of paper with your name, license number, photo, and expiration date. Carry it with you whenever you drive. It is valid in all 50 states and Canada. If you are stopped by police, show them the temporary license along with your proof of identity (the same document you brought to ODOT).

If your replacement license arrives before the temporary license expires, the temporary becomes void. Destroy it or keep it for your records — do not attempt to use both.

What to Do If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a police report. This is not required by ODOT to issue a replacement, but it creates an official record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. Contact your local police non-emergency line to file a report.

When you go to ODOT, tell the staff member that your license was stolen. They will note this in the system. Your old license number will be flagged, which means if someone tries to use it, it will be identified as stolen. This does not prevent you from getting your replacement — it just adds a layer of protection.

If you are concerned about identity theft, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freezing your credit. These steps are separate from replacing your license but may help protect you if the thief tries to open accounts in your name.

Timeline: When Your New License Arrives

Your replacement license is mailed to the address you provide at your ODOT appointment. Standard delivery takes about 10 business days from the date of your appointment. This means if you visit ODOT on a Monday, your license should arrive by the following Friday or the Monday after that, depending on mail processing and delivery speed.

If you do not receive your license within 15 business days, contact ODOT to check the status. Have your license number and the date of your appointment ready. ODOT can tell you whether the license has been mailed and provide tracking information if available.

Once your replacement license arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid. Destroy the temporary or keep it for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Oregon requires you to appear in person at an ODOT office to replace a lost license. You cannot do this by mail or online. You must bring proof of identity and residency and pay the $50 fee in person.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease for proof of residency?

You can use a mortgage statement, property tax statement, bank statement, credit card statement, or mail from a government agency — any document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and Oregon address. If the document is in someone else's name, bring a signed letter from that person confirming you live there.

Do I need a police report to replace my lost license?

No. ODOT does not require a police report to issue a replacement. However, if your license was stolen, filing a report creates an official record and allows ODOT to flag your old license number in the system to prevent fraud.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. It allows you to drive legally while your replacement license is being mailed. Once your replacement arrives, the temporary is no longer valid.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact ODOT when ready with photos of the damage or a description of the error. ODOT can issue a corrected license. If the error is ODOT's mistake, there is usually no additional fee. If the damage is your fault, you may be charged another $50 replacement fee.