Oregon renewal happens online, by mail, or in person — which route you take depends on how much time you have and whether your license has restrictions
Oregon lets you renew your driver's license or ID card online through the DMV website if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that require a new photo. If either of those explore, or if you prefer to renew in person, you can visit a DMV office or use the mail. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal at a DMV office usually takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the location is.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for it to start the process, but it contains your renewal code, which speeds things up if you renew online. If you have lost the notice, you can still renew — you will just need your driver's license number and date of birth instead.
Key Takeaways
- Oregon offers online renewal for most people, which takes 10 minutes and costs $80 for a five-year license or $160 for an eight-year license.
- You cannot renew online if your license is already expired, if you have medical restrictions, or if you need a new photo for any reason.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks total and requires you to send in your current license along with the renewal form and payment.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is the fastest way to get a new photo and handle any changes to your address, name, or license class.
- Oregon licenses are valid for five or eight years depending on which option you choose at renewal.
Online renewal through the Oregon DMV website
Go to the Oregon DMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your renewal notice (or you can use your Social Security number if you do not have the code). The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer a few security questions. You cannot change your address, name, or photo online — if any of those need updating, you must renew in person or by mail.
Payment is by debit card or credit card. A five-year renewal costs $80 and an eight-year renewal costs $160. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new card is mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license is already expired, if you have medical restrictions or conditions noted on your license, or if you are changing your name or address. It is also not available if you need a new photo — Oregon requires a new photo every time you renew, but the online system uses your existing photo from your current license.
Mail renewal with a paper form
Request a renewal form from the Oregon DMV by calling 503-945-6353 or visiting a DMV office. You can also read the form from the Oregon DMV website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license (or a copy of both sides if you want to keep the original). Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $80 for five years or $160 for eight years — made payable to "Oregon DMV".
Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. You will receive a temporary paper license in the mail while you wait for your card. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not allow you to change your photo, address, or name — those changes require an in-person visit.
Mail renewal is useful if you are out of state, prefer not to visit an office, or need time to gather documents. However, if your license is already expired or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Visit any Oregon DMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works). Bring a debit card or credit card for payment. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but you can check the Oregon DMV website to see wait times before you go. Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card or tax return.
At the office, you will have your photo taken, confirm your address and personal information, and pay the renewal fee. The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. Your new card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you have medical restrictions or conditions on your license, if you are changing your name or address, or if you need a new photo for any reason. It is also the fastest way to handle any corrections to your license information.
What to bring and what it costs
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, date of birth, renewal code or Social Security number | $80 (5 years) or $160 (8 years) | 7–10 business days |
| Current license (or copy), completed form, payment | $80 (5 years) or $160 (8 years) | 2–3 weeks | |
| In-person | Current license, proof of address, payment method, Social Security number or document showing it | $80 (5 years) or $160 (8 years) | 30 minutes to 1 hour (card arrives in 7–10 days) |
Oregon does not charge a separate fee for renewing an ID card — the cost is the same as renewing a driver's license. If you are renewing a REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star), the cost is the same and the new card will also be REAL ID-compliant.
Renewing when your license is expired or has restrictions
If your license is already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must visit a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of address, payment, and proof of your Social Security number. The DMV will treat this as a renewal rather than a new process, so the process is the same and the cost does not change.
If your license has medical restrictions or conditions noted on it (such as corrective lenses required or a medical alert), you must renew in person. The DMV may ask you to provide updated medical documentation or a letter from your doctor, depending on the restriction. Call the DMV ahead of time at 503-945-6353 to ask what documents you need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Oregon license before the renewal notice arrives?
Yes. You do not have to wait for the renewal notice. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at any time during the validity of your current license. The renewal notice straightforward provides your renewal code, which makes online renewal faster — but you can renew online without it by using your Social Security number instead.
What happens if I drive after my license expires?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Oregon and can result in a traffic citation. If your license has expired and you need to drive, visit a DMV office in person to renew when ready. Do not attempt to renew by mail or online — those methods are not available once your license is expired.
Can I change my address or name during renewal?
You can change your address or name during in-person renewal at a DMV office. Online and mail renewal do not allow address or name changes — if you need to update either, you must visit an office. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and proof of a name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it. It allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail. Once your new card arrives, the temporary license is no longer needed.
What if I lose my renewal notice?
You do not need the renewal notice to renew. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The renewal notice straightforward contains your renewal code, which speeds up online renewal — but it is not required.