What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Oregon driver's license, you must visit an Oregon DMV office in person. Oregon does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost or stolen licenses. You will need to bring specific documents, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the counter, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, you should also report the theft to local police and get a case number. This protects you from identity theft and is required by some DMV staff, though not always. If your license is damaged but you still have it, bring it with you—Oregon may waive the replacement fee in that case.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an Oregon DMV office in person; there is no online or mail option for lost or stolen licenses.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license if you have it.
  • The replacement fee is $50 for a standard license or $70 for a REAL ID-compliant license, unless your license is damaged and you bring it with you.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the case number to the DMV.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Oregon requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring originals of everything, but you do need to bring certain documents in person.

Proof of identity can be a passport, passport card, birth certificate, tribal ID, military ID, or a previous Oregon driver's license or ID card. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed seal. A photocopy will not work.

Proof of residency must show your current Oregon address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a recent bank or credit card statement. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a voter registration card and an insurance policy.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number verbally or in writing. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Replacement Fees and What You Will Receive

The replacement fee depends on the type of license you want. A standard Oregon driver's license replacement costs $50. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $70. REAL ID licenses are required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building; standard licenses are not.

If your original license is damaged and you bring it with you, Oregon may waive the replacement fee entirely. Bring the damaged card even if it is torn, faded, or warped. The DMV staff will decide whether to waive the fee based on the condition.

You will receive two things at the counter: a temporary paper license that is valid when ready and a receipt showing your transaction. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that timeframe, contact the DMV to request a replacement.

Finding an Oregon DMV Office and Making an Appointment

Oregon has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the nearest office and check hours on the official Oregon DMV website at oregon.gov/odot/dmv. The website lists all office locations, phone numbers, and current wait times.

You do not need an appointment to replace a lost or stolen license, but Oregon strongly recommends scheduling one online through the DMV website. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. If you schedule an appointment, you will be seen at your reserved time and avoid the general queue.

Some DMV offices are busier than others. Rural offices typically have shorter waits than offices in Portland, Salem, or Eugene. If you have flexibility, visiting a smaller office or going early in the morning on a weekday can reduce your wait time.

If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office before or after visiting the DMV. You do not have to file the report first, but doing so creates an official record that protects you if someone tries to use your license fraudulently.

Bring your police report case number to the DMV if you have it. Some DMV staff will ask for it; others will not. Having the number on hand prevents delays. If you file the report after your DMV visit, keep the case number for your records.

Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft. This is a free service that makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. You can initiate a fraud alert by calling any one of the three bureaus, and they will notify the other two.

What Happens If You Cannot Visit the DMV in Person

Oregon does not offer exceptions to the in-person requirement for lost or stolen licenses. If you are unable to visit an office due to a disability or medical condition, you may be able to request a home visit or alternative accommodation. Call the DMV office you plan to visit and explain your situation. Staff can tell you whether an accommodation is possible.

If you are temporarily out of state, you will need to return to Oregon to replace your license in person. You cannot do this by mail or through a DMV office in another state. If you are a member of the military stationed outside Oregon, contact your nearest military DMV office to ask about options; some military bases have DMV services.

If you are incarcerated, you can request a replacement through the facility's administrative office. Contact the DMV directly at the office nearest to your location to ask about the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, bring documentation of that. The DMV will work with you to complete the replacement.

What if my proof of residency is older than 60 days?

Oregon will not accept it. Bring a document dated within the last 60 days, or bring two documents showing your name and address (such as a voter registration card and an insurance policy). If you have just moved and do not have a recent document yet, a lease agreement or mortgage statement with your new address will work.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent plastic card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you will have overlap. If your permanent card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DMV office where you applied and request a replacement card.

Do I need to take a new photo for a replacement license?

Yes. The DMV will take a new photo of you at the counter during your visit. You cannot use a photo from your old license. Wear clear glasses if you normally wear them, and avoid hats or head coverings unless they are for religious reasons.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You must return to Oregon to replace it in person. You cannot replace an Oregon license through a DMV office in another state or by mail. If you are traveling and need to drive, you can use your temporary paper license for 30 days, which gives you time to return to Oregon.