What to do if your Oregon driver's license goes missing

If your Oregon driver's license is lost, you need to report it to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and request a replacement. You do not need to take a new written or road test — ODOT will issue you a new license with the same number and expiration date as your original. The process takes about two weeks by mail, or you can walk into a DMV office and get a replacement the same day.

The fastest route is an in-person visit to an ODOT Driver and Motor Vehicle Services office. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If you cannot get to an office right away, you can also request a replacement by mail, though this takes longer.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost Oregon driver's license in person at any ODOT office the same day, or by mail in about two weeks.
  • Bring a valid passport, state ID, or birth certificate plus Social Security card or tax return, plus a recent utility bill or lease to prove your address.
  • Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original — you do not retake any tests.
  • The replacement fee is $50 for a standard license and $60 for a REAL ID-compliant license.
  • If your license was stolen, you can request a new license number for a small additional fee.

In-person replacement at an ODOT office

Walking into an ODOT Driver and Motor Vehicle Services office is the fastest way to replace a lost license. You will fill out an process for Oregon Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 43), show your documents, pay the fee, and receive your new license on the spot. The office will take a new photo, so bring yourself looking the way you want to appear on your license.

ODOT offices are located in Portland, Salem, Eugene, Medford, Bend, and Pendleton, plus several smaller towns. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted during business hours, though wait times vary. Check the ODOT website for the office nearest you and its hours before you go.

Bring the documents listed below in the "What documents you need" section. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign the process form.

What documents you need

ODOT requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You do not need to bring your original lost license — in fact, you cannot, since it is lost.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a valid state ID card, a birth certificate, a Tribal ID, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a U.S. visa. A school ID or work ID does not count.

For proof of Social Security number, bring one of these: your Social Security card, a tax return (federal or state), a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. A bank statement does not count.

For proof of current address, bring one of these: a recent utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check, or a piece of mail from a government agency. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count unless it shows your service address.

Replacing your license by mail

If you cannot visit an ODOT office, you can request a replacement by mail. read and print Form DL 43 from the ODOT website, fill it out, and mail it along with copies of your documents and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the address shown on the form.

Processing takes about two weeks from the date ODOT receives your packet. Mail your documents in a way that lets you track delivery — certified mail or a carrier that provides tracking — so you know when ODOT has received them. Keep copies of everything you send.

If ODOT needs more information or your documents are unclear, they will contact you by phone or mail. This can add time to the process, so make sure your copies are legible and all required documents are included before you mail the packet.

The replacement fee and what you get

A standard Oregon driver's license replacement costs $50. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (the kind that works for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings), the fee is $60. Both licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue, and your new license will expire on the same date your original license would have expired.

Your replacement license will have the same license number as your original. If your license was stolen rather than lost, you can request a new license number for an additional $5 fee — this is useful if you are concerned about identity theft. Tell the ODOT staff member or note it on your mail-in form that you want a new number.

If your license was stolen, not just lost

If someone stole your license, consider filing a report with the local police. You do not need a police report to get a replacement license, but having one on file can help if the stolen license is later used fraudulently. Keep a copy of the report for your records.

When you request your replacement, you can ask ODOT to issue a new license number instead of reusing your old one. This makes it harder for someone with your stolen license to use it as a form of ID. The new number costs $5 extra and takes the same amount of time as a standard replacement.

If you are worried about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. These steps are separate from replacing your license but may be worth taking if your license was stolen along with other documents.

What happens to your old license number

Once ODOT issues your replacement, your old license number is deactivated. If someone finds your lost license and tries to use it, it will not work as a valid form of ID. The person at the store, bank, or government office will see that the license is no longer active.

This is why you do not need to worry about someone using your lost license for most purposes — it stops working the moment your replacement is issued. The only exception is if your license was stolen and used before you reported it missing. In that case, a police report and fraud alert become more important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?

Yes. Once you have reported your license lost and requested a replacement, you can drive legally while waiting for the new one to arrive. Keep a record of your replacement request (a receipt from the ODOT office or a tracking number from your mailed packet) in case you are stopped by police. If you received your replacement in person, you have your new license when ready.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail from anywhere. read Form DL 43 from the ODOT website, include copies of your documents, and mail everything to the address on the form. If you are moving to another state, you may want to get your Oregon replacement first, then transfer to your new state's license once you have established residency there.

Do I need to take a new written or road test?

No. A replacement license for a lost or damaged license does not require any testing. ODOT reissues your license with the same number and the same expiration date. You only take tests if you are renewing an expired license or upgrading to a different license class.

How long does a replacement license take if I go in person?

You receive your new license the same day you visit an ODOT office. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is and whether your documents are in order. Arrive early in the day or on a weekday if you want to avoid a long wait.

Can I request a new license number if my license was lost, not stolen?

Yes, but there is no reason to unless you are concerned about identity theft. The $5 fee applies whether your license was lost or stolen. Most people keep their original number when the license is straightforward lost.