How to Renew Your Oregon Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in Oregon

Oregon lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office — you only go in person if your license has expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if the DMV asks you to.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains a code you'll need for online renewal. If you've moved and didn't get the notice, you can still renew, but you'll need to do it by mail or in person instead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $70 for an eight-year license if you don't need a new photo.
You must renew before your license expires, or you'll have to renew in person at a DMV office.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license and a check or money order.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is the only option if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need a new photo.
Oregon charges different fees depending on whether you renew for four years or eight years.

Renewing online through the Oregon DMV website

Go to oregon.gov/odot/dmv and look for the "Renew Your License" link on the homepage. You'll need your renewal notice (which has a code on it), your current license number, and your Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your address and whether anything on your license has changed — your name, height, or vision correction needs.

Online renewal works only if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo. If you want to update your photo, you must renew in person. The fee is $70 for an eight-year renewal or $50 for a four-year renewal, paid by debit or credit card. Once you complete the transaction, you'll get a confirmation number. Your new license arrives by mail in about 10 business days.

If you've lost your renewal notice, call the Oregon DMV at 503-945-6353 before you try to renew online. They can look up your information and help you proceed without the notice code.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but doesn't require you to visit an office. Fill out the renewal form that came with your notice, or read Form DL 43 from the Oregon DMV website. Sign the form, enclose your current license, and send a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

The Oregon DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Expect your new license to arrive two to three weeks after the DMV receives your envelope. Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo. If your license expired more than five years ago, the DMV will reject your mail renewal and send it back with instructions to renew in person.

Keep a copy of your check or money order number in case you need to track your renewal. If your new license doesn't arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV to confirm they received your envelope.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if the DMV asks you to. Bring your current license (or expired license if you don't have it), 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 the last 60 days).

Visit oregon.gov/odot/dmv and use the office locator to find the DMV office nearest you and check their hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. You can make an appointment online or walk in, though wait times are usually shorter with an appointment. The in-person renewal fee is $70 for eight years or $50 for four years, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

The DMV will take your photo during your visit. Your new license is mailed to you within 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary paper license at the end of your visit.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process described above. The DMV doesn't charge a penalty for renewing a recently expired license — the fee is the same as renewing before expiration.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person and bring the documents listed in the "Renewing in person" section above. The DMV treats this as a new license process rather than a renewal, so the process takes longer and the fee may be higher. Call the DMV at 503-945-6353 to ask about the current fee for your situation.

Fees and what they cover

Oregon charges $70 for an eight-year license renewal or $50 for a four-year renewal. These fees explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. Oregon does not charge a penalty if you renew after your license expires, as long as the expiration was less than five years ago.

If you need to change your address, update your name, or add a Real ID star to your license, those changes may affect the fee or the documents you need to bring. Check the Oregon DMV website or call 503-945-6353 before you renew if you're making any changes beyond a straightforward renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different state?

No. You must renew your Oregon license while you still live in Oregon, or switch to a license in your new state. If you've already moved, contact the Oregon DMV to find out whether you can renew by mail or whether you need to renew in person before you leave the state.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

Call the Oregon DMV at 503-945-6353 and they can look up your information and provide the code you need for online renewal. You can also renew by mail without the notice — just read Form DL 43 from the DMV website and mail it with your current license and payment.

Do I need a Real ID to renew my license?

No. A standard Oregon driver's license renewal does not include a Real ID. If you want to add the Real ID star to your license, you must bring additional documents (a birth certificate and proof of citizenship or legal residency) and pay an extra fee. Ask the DMV whether you need Real ID for your situation.

How long does my new license take to arrive?

Online and in-person renewals usually arrive within 10 business days. Mail renewals take two to three weeks because the DMV processes them in the order they arrive. If your new license doesn't arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV with your confirmation number or check number.

Can I drive while I wait for my new license?

Yes, your current license remains valid until it expires. If you renewed in person and your license has already expired, ask the DMV for a temporary paper license before you leave the office. The paper license is valid for 30 days while you wait for your new card to arrive.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.