How to Replace Your Oregon Driver's License

What you need to do to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Oregon driver's license

You can replace an Oregon driver's license through the DMV in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is online through the Oregon DMV website if your license is lost or damaged and you have a valid Social Security number on file. If your license was stolen, you must report it to the police first and bring the report number when you explore. The replacement fee is $20, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online requests, or when ready if you go in person.

The process differs slightly based on whether you are replacing a standard license, a commercial driver's license (CDL), or a permit. Standard licenses can be replaced online or by mail; CDLs require an in-person visit. Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original, so you do not need to retake the written or driving test.

Key Takeaways

Online replacement through the Oregon DMV website takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $20, and works only if your license is lost or damaged and you have a valid Social Security number on file.
If your license was stolen, you must file a police report first and provide the report number when you request a replacement.
In-person replacement at any Oregon DMV office takes about 30 minutes and you receive your new license the same day, but you must bring your original documents and proof of identity.
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be replaced online and must be handled in person at a DMV office.
Your replacement license keeps the same number and expiration date as your original, so you do not need to pass any tests again.

Replacing your license online through the Oregon DMV website

The online replacement process is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Oregon DMV website and select "Replace a Lost or Damaged License." You will need your current Oregon driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number as it appears in the DMV database. The system will verify your identity using these details. This method works only for standard driver's licenses that are lost or damaged—not for stolen licenses or CDLs.

After you submit your request online, pay the $20 replacement fee by credit card or debit card. The Oregon DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. If your address has changed since your license was issued, update it before you submit your replacement request, or your new license will arrive at the old address. You can track the status of your replacement license on the Oregon DMV website using your license number.

If the online system cannot verify your identity, you will need to replace your license in person or by mail instead. This sometimes happens if your Social Security number does not match the DMV record or if there is a discrepancy in your personal information.

Replacing your license in person at a DMV office

Visit any Oregon DMV office to replace your license the same day. Bring your original documents: a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your license was stolen, bring the police report number or a copy of the report itself.

The DMV office will take a new photo and issue your replacement license on the spot. The process takes about 30 minutes. You will pay the $20 replacement fee in cash, by check, or by card, depending on the office. Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your original.

Oregon DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can find your nearest office and check hours on the Oregon DMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

Replacing your license by mail

If you cannot go online or visit an office in person, you can mail your replacement request to the Oregon DMV. read the "Replace a Lost or Damaged License" form from the Oregon DMV website, or call 503-945-6353 to request a form by mail. Fill out the form completely and include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of address (the same documents you would bring in person).

Mail the completed form, copies of your documents, and a check or money order for $20 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a note with your current mailing address if it differs from the address on your license. The Oregon DMV will process your request and mail your new license within 10 to 14 business days from the date they receive your form.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your replacement license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Oregon DMV to check the status of your request.

What to do if your license was stolen

Report the theft to the local police department and obtain a police report number or a copy of the report. You will need this when you request your replacement. File the police report before you contact the DMV, because the DMV will ask for proof that you reported the theft.

Once you have the police report, you can replace your license online (if you meet the other requirements), in person, or by mail. When you explore, provide the police report number or attach a copy of the report. Some DMV offices may also place a flag on your license to alert you if someone tries to use your stolen license number fraudulently, though this is not automatic—ask the DMV staff whether they can add this protection.

If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting one of them. The alert will last for one year and will prompt creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Replacing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be replaced online or by mail. You must visit an Oregon DMV office in person. Bring the same documents as you would for a standard license replacement: a valid photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your CDL was stolen, bring the police report number or a copy of the report.

The DMV will take a new photo and issue your replacement CDL on the spot. Your replacement CDL will have the same number and expiration date as your original, and you will not need to retake the CDL written or skills test. The replacement fee is $20. Processing takes about 30 minutes.

What happens if your address has changed

If you have moved since your license was issued, update your address before you request a replacement. If you replace your license online, update your address in the Oregon DMV system before you submit your replacement request, or your new license will be mailed to your old address. If you replace your license in person or by mail, bring or include proof of your new address with your process.

If your new license was already mailed to your old address and you no longer live there, contact the new resident or the postal service to retrieve it. You can also request that the Oregon DMV remail your license to your correct address, though this may take additional time. Call 503-945-6353 to arrange this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

Online replacement takes 7 to 10 business days by mail. In-person replacement is when ready—you receive your license the same day. Mail-in replacement takes 10 to 14 business days from the date the DMV receives your form.

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?

If you replaced your license in person, you receive it when ready and can drive right away. If you replaced it online or by mail, you can drive using your old license until the new one arrives, as long as your old license was not suspended or revoked. If your license was stolen, check with the DMV about whether you need a temporary permit.

What if I need my license before the replacement arrives?

Go to an Oregon DMV office in person. You will receive your replacement license the same day. This is the only way to get your license faster than the 7 to 10 day mail timeline.

Do I have to retake the written or driving test to get a replacement?

No. Your replacement license has the same number and expiration date as your original, so you do not need to retake any tests. A replacement is not the same as renewing your license.

What if the DMV says my Social Security number does not match their records?

Call the Oregon DMV at 503-945-6353 to verify the number they have on file. If there is an error, you may need to bring your Social Security card and other documents to an office in person to correct it before you can replace your license online.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.