What you need to know about Oregon driver licenses
An Oregon driver license is issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and serves as your legal permission to drive in Oregon and most other states. You will need one before you can legally operate a vehicle on public roads. The process differs depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or damaged card.
Oregon offers several types of licenses: a standard driver license for people 16 and older, a commercial driver license (CDL) for operating large trucks or buses, and a motorcycle endorsement if you want to ride motorcycles. Each type has different testing and documentation requirements.
You can complete much of the process online or by mail, but you will need to visit an ODOT office in person at least once to pass the driving test and have your photo taken. ODOT has offices in most Oregon cities and counties, and you can find your nearest location on their website.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ODOT office in person to take the driving test and have your photo taken, even if you complete other steps online.
- A standard Oregon driver license costs $60 and is valid for eight years, or until age 70 if you are over 62.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of Oregon residency, and proof of your Social Security number before you can get a license.
- If you already have a valid license from another state, you can transfer it to Oregon without retaking the written and driving tests.
- Renewal by mail or online is available if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations.
Documents you need to bring to the ODOT office
ODOT requires three types of documents before issuing a license. First, you need proof of identity: a valid passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. A school ID or work badge will not work on its own.
Second, you need proof of Oregon residency. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your Oregon address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A PO box does not count as proof of residency.
Third, you need proof of your Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS and use that instead.
Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation.
Getting your first Oregon driver license
If you have never held a driver license in any state, you will need to pass both a written test and a driving test. The written test covers Oregon traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Oregon Driver Manual, which ODOT publishes free online.
You can take the written test at any ODOT office. There is no fee for the test itself, but you will pay the $60 license fee when you pass. The test is available in English and several other languages. You must score at least 80 percent to pass.
After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test at the same office or another location. During the driving test, an ODOT examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you arrange) and evaluate your ability to handle basic driving tasks. You must bring a valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance. The driving test takes about 30 minutes.
Once you pass both tests, ODOT takes your photo and issues your license on the spot or mails it to you within 5 to 10 business days, depending on the office.
Transferring a license from another state
If you hold a valid driver license from another state and you move to Oregon, you can transfer it without retaking the written and driving tests. You will still need to visit an ODOT office in person with your out-of-state license and the three required documents (proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number).
ODOT will check your driving record with your previous state. If you have serious violations like a DUI or suspended license, Oregon may refuse to transfer your license or may impose restrictions. You can contact ODOT before your visit to ask about your record.
The transfer fee is $60, the same as a new license. Your new Oregon license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue.
Renewing your Oregon driver license
If your license is expiring soon, you have three options: renew online, renew by mail, or renew in person at an ODOT office.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are under 62 years old and your license is not suspended. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date. You will need to pay the $60 renewal fee by credit or debit card. ODOT will mail your new license within 5 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office or have a new photo taken.
Mail renewal is available under the same conditions as online renewal. You mail your current license and a check or money order for $60 to the ODOT address listed on their website. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if you have had certain violations, or if you are over 62. You will need to visit an ODOT office, bring your documents, and have a new photo taken. The fee is still $60.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license and retake the written and driving tests.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can request a replacement at any ODOT office or by mail. The replacement fee is $20. You do not need to retake any tests.
If you report your license as stolen, ODOT will flag it in their system so it cannot be used fraudulently. You can report a stolen license by phone, online, or in person at an ODOT office.
A replacement license takes 5 to 10 business days by mail or is issued on the spot if you visit an office in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online?
No. You must take the written test in person at an ODOT office. However, you can study the test material online using the free Oregon Driver Manual on ODOT's website before you go.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test. There is a fee each time you take it, which varies by office but is typically $15 to $25. You can schedule another test as soon as the next day at most offices.
Do I need to take a new photo every time I renew?
No, not if you renew online or by mail. You only need a new photo if you renew in person at an ODOT office, which is required for drivers over 62 or those with certain violations on their record.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?
ODOT issues your license on the spot if you visit an office in person, or mails it within 5 to 10 business days. Mail processing times vary by office location.
What if I moved to Oregon but my out-of-state license is not valid yet?
You can drive on your valid out-of-state license while you are transferring it to Oregon. However, you should complete the transfer within a reasonable time—Oregon law requires you to transfer your license within 30 days of establishing residency.