Oregon driver's license renewal basics

You can renew your Oregon driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you'll get a temporary digital license when ready and your physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at an Oregon DMV office is the only option if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your photo, or if you've had a name change.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Oregon sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through Oregon's DMV website is available if your license expired less than five years ago and you haven't had a name change.
  • You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
  • Mail renewal requires the renewal notice that Oregon sends you, a check or money order, and takes about two weeks.
  • In-person renewal at an Oregon DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a new photo, or you've changed your name.
  • Oregon charges a renewal fee that varies based on your license type and whether you choose a standard or REAL ID-compliant card.

Online renewal through Oregon's DMV website

Go to oregon.gov/odot/dmv and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current Oregon driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. The system will verify your identity using information from your license record.

If the system approves your renewal, you'll receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready that you can use right away. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You don't need to visit an office or mail anything in.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your photo, if you've had a legal name change, or if your address on file is outside the United States. In those cases, you'll need to renew in person or by mail.

Mail renewal with your renewal notice

Oregon sends renewal notices to the address on file about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (the amount is printed on the notice), and mail it back in the prepaid envelope.

Processing takes about two weeks from the time Oregon receives your envelope. Your new physical card will arrive by mail. If you don't receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the Oregon DMV at 503-945-6353 or visiting an office in person.

Mail renewal works if your license expired less than five years ago and you don't need to change your photo or name. If either of those applies to you, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at an Oregon DMV office

Visit any Oregon DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Bring a payment method — cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you want to update your photo, or if you've had a legal name change. You'll also need to take a new photo at the office. Processing is usually when ready, and you'll receive a temporary paper license to use right away while your physical card is mailed to you.

Oregon DMV offices are located in Salem, Portland, Eugene, Medford, Bend, Klamath Falls, and Pendleton. You can find hours and locations at oregon.gov/odot/dmv. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require you to book an appointment online first.

Oregon renewal fees and REAL ID options

Renewal fees depend on your license type and whether you choose a standard Oregon driver's license or a REAL ID-compliant card. Standard licenses cost less but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. REAL ID cards meet federal security standards and can be used for those purposes.

The exact fee amount varies and changes periodically. The renewal notice you receive will show the current fee for your license type. You can also find current fees on the Oregon DMV website. If you're renewing online or by mail, the fee is included in your notice or displayed during the online process.

What to do if your license is expired or expiring soon

If your license is expired, you can still drive legally while your renewal is being processed — Oregon allows a grace period. However, you should renew as soon as possible. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail; you must visit an Oregon DMV office in person.

If your license is expiring within the next month, start your renewal now. Online renewal is fastest if you're may be able to access. If you're not may be able to access for online renewal, mail your renewal notice when ready or book an appointment at a DMV office. Processing times can vary during busy periods, so don't wait until the expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Oregon license if I've moved out of state?

You can renew online or by mail if you moved out of state and your license expired less than five years ago. However, you cannot use online renewal if your address on file is outside the United States. If that's your situation, renew by mail using your renewal notice or visit an Oregon DMV office in person.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

Call the Oregon DMV at 503-945-6353 and request a replacement notice, or visit an Oregon DMV office. You can also renew in person at any office without the notice — bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.

How long does a temporary digital license work?

Your temporary digital license is valid when ready after online renewal and works until your physical card arrives. Once your physical card arrives in the mail, use that instead. The temporary digital license is displayed on your phone through the Oregon DMV app or website.

Can I change my photo during renewal?

You can only change your photo by renewing in person at an Oregon DMV office. Online and mail renewal keep your current photo. If you want a new photo, book an appointment at an office and bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at an Oregon DMV office. Bring your current license, legal proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You'll take a new photo during the visit.