Where to find the issue date

The issue date on an Oregon driver's license appears in the lower left corner of the front of the card, printed just above the expiration date. It shows the month and year when the DMV issued your current license — for example, 03/2021 means March 2021. The format is always month/year, with two digits for the month and four for the year.

On older Oregon licenses (before 2008), the issue date may be positioned slightly differently or printed in a smaller font, but it will still be on the front of the card in the lower section. If you have a very old license and cannot locate it, the Oregon DMV can print a replacement card or tell you the date over the phone by looking it up in their system.

The issue date is different from your birth date, which appears elsewhere on the card. It is also different from your expiration date, which sits directly below it. The expiration date tells you when your license stops being valid; the issue date tells you when this particular card was created by the DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • The issue date is printed in the lower left corner of the front of your Oregon driver's license, above the expiration date, in month/year format.
  • Older licenses may have the issue date in a slightly different location but will still be on the front of the card in the lower section.
  • You can contact the Oregon DMV by phone at 503-945-5000 or visit a local office if you cannot read the date on your card.
  • The issue date changes each time you renew your license, so it reflects when your current card was issued, not when you first got a license.

Why you might need the issue date

Banks, employers, and government agencies sometimes ask for your license issue date when verifying your identity or checking the age of your ID. Some background check processes require it. If you are renewing your license or replacing a lost card, the DMV may ask for this information to pull up your record in their system.

The issue date also matters if you are checking whether your license is still valid. Oregon licenses expire every eight years for adults. If your issue date was 03/2015, your license expired in 03/2023. Knowing when it was issued helps you calculate the expiration without having to read the smaller print, and it tells you whether you need to renew soon.

What to do if you cannot read the date

If the printing is faded, smudged, or worn, you have two options. First, contact the Oregon DMV directly at 503-945-5000 (Salem office) or visit oregon.gov/odot/dmv to find your local DMV office. They can tell you the issue date over the phone if you provide your license number and date of birth. This is the fastest way to get the information without leaving home.

Second, you can request a replacement card. Oregon charges a fee for a duplicate license, but a new card will have clear, readable printing. The DMV can issue a replacement at any local office, and you will receive it by mail within two weeks in most cases. A replacement is worth considering if your current card is difficult to read in other ways as well.

Differences between issue date and expiration date

The issue date is when the DMV created your current license card. The expiration date is when that card stops being valid for identification or driving. Oregon adds eight years to the issue date to calculate the expiration date for adult licenses, so the math is straightforward once you know the issue date.

For example, if your issue date is 06/2020, your expiration date will be 06/2028. Both dates appear on the front of your card in the lower left area, with the issue date above the expiration date. This matters because you cannot legally drive or use your license as ID after the expiration date, even if the card itself is in good condition and the information is still accurate.

How to read your Oregon license at a glance

The front of your Oregon driver's license contains several key pieces of information in specific locations. Your name appears at the top. Your photograph is in the upper right. Your date of birth is on the left side, roughly in the middle of the card. Below that, in the lower left corner, you will find the issue date and expiration date printed close together in small type.

The back of the card contains your address and signature. If you need to show your license to someone, the front side is what they will check first — that is where all the identification details are located, including the issue date. Knowing the layout helps you find the date quickly without fumbling with the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the issue date the same as my birthday?

No. Your issue date is when you received this particular license card from the DMV. Your birthday is your date of birth, which appears separately on the card. You may have received your license on any day of the year, not necessarily on your birthday.

What if my license is laminated and I cannot read the date?

Contact the Oregon DMV at 503-945-5000 or visit a local office with your license. They can look up the issue date in their system using your license number and date of birth. If the card is too damaged to read, you can request a replacement with clear printing.

Do I need the issue date to renew my license?

Not usually. When you renew your Oregon license, the DMV will have your information on file. However, if you are asked for it during the renewal process, the date appears in the lower left corner of your current card, above the expiration date.

Can the issue date change if I renew my license?

Yes. When you renew your license, you receive a new card with a new issue date — the date you completed the renewal. Your old card's issue date becomes irrelevant once the new license is active.