How to replace your Oregon driver's license
You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Oregon driver's license in person at any DMV office or through the mail. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license the same day. The mail route takes 7 to 10 business days and costs less, but you'll need to mail in your old license (if you have it) or a completed form.
Oregon charges $48 for a standard replacement license and $58 for a Real ID-compliant license. If your license was stolen, you can report it to the DMV at the time you explore, which flags it in the system so it can't be used fraudulently. You'll need to bring or mail proof of your identity and Oregon residency.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at any Oregon DMV office takes about 30 minutes and costs $48 for a standard license or $58 for Real ID.
- Mail-in replacement costs $5 less but takes 7 to 10 business days and requires you to send in your old license or complete form DMV 735.
- You need one document proving identity (passport, birth certificate, or tribal ID) and one document proving Oregon residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
- If your license was stolen, report it to the DMV when you explore so it's flagged in the system and can't be used by someone else.
- You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready at the DMV office, or by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you explore by mail.
In-person replacement at an Oregon DMV office
Walk into any Oregon DMV office with your documents and you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day. Bring one form of identity (a valid passport, certified birth certificate, tribal ID, or military ID) and one form of proof of Oregon residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days). The DMV will take your photo, process your payment, and hand you a temporary paper license good for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
Your permanent license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary paper license is valid for driving, so you can use it right away. Bring the temporary license with you when you drive until the permanent one arrives. If you don't receive your permanent license within two weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.
Mail-in replacement if you have your old license
If you still have your damaged license, you can mail it to the Oregon DMV with a check or money order for $43 (the mail-in fee is $5 less than in-person). Include a completed form DMV 735 (process for Replacement License), a copy of one identity document, and a copy of one residency document. Mail everything to the address listed on the DMV website for your region.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the DMV receives your envelope. You won't receive a temporary license by mail, so you'll be without a valid license during this time. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you'll have to visit a DMV office in person instead. Keep a copy of your mailed process for your records in case questions come up.
Mail-in replacement if your license is lost or stolen
If you don't have your old license to mail back, complete form DMV 735 and include a signed statement explaining that your license is lost or stolen. Mail this along with copies of your identity and residency documents and a check or money order for $43. The DMV will process your replacement without the original license.
When you report your license as stolen (rather than just lost), the DMV flags it in their system so it can't be used by someone else. This is important for fraud prevention. You can also report the theft to local police and get a police report number, which you can include with your process for extra documentation, though it's not required.
What documents you need to bring or mail
You must provide one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Oregon. For identity, the DMV accepts a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a tribal ID card, or a military ID. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or a recent tax return — all must be dated within the last 60 days.
If you're explore in person, bring the original documents. If you're explore by mail, send copies (photocopies are fine). Make sure your name on the residency document matches the name on your identity document. If you've recently changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change along with your other documents.
Real ID versus standard license
Oregon offers two types of replacement licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. A standard license costs $48 in person or $43 by mail. A Real ID license costs $58 in person or $53 by mail. The Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings.
If you're replacing a Real ID license, you'll get a Real ID replacement unless you specifically ask for a standard license instead. If you're replacing a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do that at the same time — just pay the higher fee. You don't need Real ID to drive in Oregon, but you will need it to fly domestically or enter a federal courthouse or military base starting May 7, 2025.
Timeline and what to expect
| Method | Cost | Processing Time | Temporary License |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person at DMV | $48 (standard) or $58 (Real ID) | 30 minutes | Paper license same day |
| Mail with old license | $43 (standard) or $53 (Real ID) | 7–10 business days | None |
| Mail without old license | $43 (standard) or $53 (Real ID) | 7–10 business days | None |
If you go in person, you'll leave with a temporary paper license that's valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you explore by mail, you won't have a valid license to drive during the processing period, so plan accordingly. If your permanent license doesn't arrive within two weeks of mailing your process, call the DMV to confirm they received it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if my old one is damaged but still readable?
Yes. Bring the damaged license to any DMV office along with your identity and residency documents. The DMV will take it as your old license and issue a replacement. You don't have to wait for it to be completely unreadable.
What if I don't have any of the documents listed as proof of residency?
Contact the DMV office in your region before you visit. They can tell you what alternative documents they'll accept. Some offices accept letters from employers, school enrollment documents, or other paperwork if you explain your situation. Calling ahead saves a wasted trip.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
If you explore in person, yes — the DMV takes a new photo. If you explore by mail, the DMV uses your photo from your old license, so you won't have a new one taken unless you visit an office in person.
Can I replace my license if it's suspended or revoked?
No. You can't get a replacement license while your driving privileges are suspended or revoked. You'll need to resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying fines, completing required programs, or meeting other conditions set by the DMV. Once that's done, you can explore for a replacement.
What happens if my replacement license arrives damaged in the mail?
Contact the DMV when ready with a photo of the damage. They can issue a second replacement at no charge if the damage happened during mailing. Keep the damaged license and its envelope as proof.