What Oregon Requires for a Driver License if You're Not a U.S. Citizen

Oregon issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency. The state accepts several forms of identification to prove who you are, and you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number if you don't have one.

The process is the same as for any Oregon resident: pass a written test, pass a driving test, and provide the documents Oregon's Department of Transportation (DMV) requires. The main difference is which documents you can use to prove your identity and residency.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon accepts a passport, consular ID, or other government-issued photo ID as proof of identity, even if it's from another country.
  • You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number to get a license.
  • You must prove Oregon residency with documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your name.
  • You will take a written knowledge test and a driving test at an Oregon DMV office, just like any other applicant.
  • Oregon's driver license does not affect your immigration status or create a record that immigration authorities can access.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your ITIN or Social Security number. For identity, Oregon accepts a valid passport, a consular ID card (matrícula consular), a national ID from your home country, or a foreign driver license. The document must have your photo and signature.

For residency, bring one document that shows your name and an Oregon address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have a document in your name yet, bring two documents showing your address — for example, a lease and a letter from your employer.

Bring your ITIN if you have one. If you don't have an ITIN or a Social Security number, you can still get a license; Oregon will issue you a number during the process process. Bring any documents related to your immigration status if you have them, though Oregon does not require this.

How to Schedule and Complete Your DMV Visit

Go to oregon.gov/odot and use the online scheduler to book an appointment at an Oregon DMV office. You can also call 503-945-5000 to schedule by phone. Walk-ins are accepted but expect longer wait times, especially in Portland and other large cities.

At your appointment, bring all documents listed above, plus your current driver license if you have one from another state or country. You will fill out an process form (Form DL 43). A DMV staff member will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your signature.

You will then take a written knowledge test on Oregon traffic laws and road signs. The test is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Chinese. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

Scheduling and Passing Your Driving Test

After you pass the written test, the DMV will schedule your driving test at the same office or a nearby one. The test usually happens within two to four weeks. You will drive a vehicle with a DMV examiner for about 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered and insured in Oregon. If you don't own a car, you can borrow one from a friend or family member — the vehicle does not have to be registered in your name. The vehicle must pass a safety inspection: working brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and seat belts.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can test.

Cost and Timeline

An Oregon driver license costs $50 and is valid for eight years. The written test and driving test are free. Your license will arrive by mail within two weeks of passing both tests.

From your first DMV appointment to receiving your license in the mail usually takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you schedule your driving test and pass it. If you need to drive before your license arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary paper permit at your appointment — this is valid for 30 days.

What Happens After You Get Your License

Your Oregon driver license is a valid form of identification for driving, banking, and other everyday purposes. It does not change your immigration status or create any record that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can access. Oregon law protects your DMV records from immigration authorities unless they have a warrant.

You can renew your license by mail or online before it expires. Renewals cost $50 and take about two weeks to arrive. If your address changes, you can update it online at oregon.gov/odot or at any DMV office.

If You Already Have a License from Another State or Country

If you have a valid driver license from another U.S. state, you can exchange it for an Oregon license without retaking the written or driving test. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your ITIN or Social Security number to any DMV office. The exchange takes about 30 minutes.

If you have a license from another country, you must take both the written and driving tests, just like a first-time applicant. However, some countries have reciprocal agreements with Oregon that waive the written test — ask the DMV when you call to schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver license if I'm undocumented?

Yes. Oregon does not ask about immigration status when you explore for a driver license. You only need to prove who you are and where you live in Oregon. Your immigration status does not disqualify you.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can use an ITIN instead. If you don't have either, the DMV will issue you an Oregon driver license number during your process. You do not need a Social Security number to drive legally in Oregon.

Is my DMV information shared with immigration authorities?

No. Oregon law prohibits the DMV from sharing your records with ICE or other immigration agencies without a warrant. Your driver license does not create any immigration record.

Can I take the written test in my language?

Yes. Oregon offers the written test in Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and several other languages. Tell the DMV which language you need when you schedule your appointment.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can test. You only pay the $50 license fee once, not each time you test.