Oregon replaces lost driver's licenses through the DMV, either in person or by mail, and the process takes different amounts of time depending on which route you choose
If your Oregon driver's license is lost, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division handles replacements. You can request a replacement in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the ODOT website. The in-person route is fastest — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent card by mail within two weeks. The mail-in process takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office.
You will need to prove your identity and Oregon residency. Acceptable identity documents include a passport, birth certificate, or military ID. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address. If your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of the new address.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Oregon DMV office in person to get a temporary license when ready and a permanent replacement within two weeks.
- Mail-in replacement requires the same documents but takes four to six weeks total.
- Online replacement through the ODOT website is available if your license has not expired and you have not had it suspended or revoked.
- The replacement fee is the same whether you go in person or by mail — you pay only for the new license, not a penalty.
- If your license was lost in Oregon, you do not need to report it to police unless you suspect identity theft.
In-person replacement at an Oregon DMV office
Walk into any DMV office with your identity and residency documents. Tell the staff member you lost your license and need a replacement. They will take your information, verify your identity, and take a new photo. You will pay the replacement fee on the spot.
You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to your address on file. The permanent license arrives within two weeks in most cases. If your address has changed, update it before you leave the office so the card goes to the right place.
DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment for a replacement — it is a walk-in service. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early morning and mid-week visits tend to be shorter.
Mail-in replacement through ODOT
read the process for Replacement Driver License form from the ODOT website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, and current address. Attach a photocopy of your identity document and residency proof.
Mail the completed form and copies to the address listed on the form — currently the ODOT office in Salem. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee. Do not send cash. The entire process takes four to six weeks from the time ODOT receives your envelope.
You will not receive a temporary license through the mail route. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can visit a DMV office in person to get a temporary paper license instead.
Online replacement through the ODOT website
The ODOT website offers online replacement if your license is still valid (not expired), has not been suspended or revoked, and you have not reported it stolen. You will need to create an account, upload photos of your identity document and residency proof, and pay the fee with a debit or credit card.
Online replacement takes the same amount of time as in-person — your permanent license arrives within two weeks. You will not receive a temporary license online, so if you need to drive when ready, the in-person route is your only option.
If your license has expired or been suspended, you cannot use the online system. You must go in person or use the mail-in form.
What documents you need and what they must show
For identity, ODOT accepts a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or tribal ID. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth. If you do not have any of these, call your local DMV office before you visit — staff can tell you what other documents might work.
For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Oregon address. Utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, and insurance policies all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring both the old document and proof of your new address — a lease, utility bill, or change-of-address confirmation from the post office.
Bring originals, not copies, to a DMV office. If you are mailing your replacement request, send photocopies of both documents, not originals.
Replacement fees and what affects the cost
Oregon charges a single fee for a replacement driver's license whether you lost it, it was stolen, or it was damaged. The fee covers both the temporary paper license and the permanent card. As of 2024, the fee is set by state law, but you should confirm the current amount by calling your local DMV office or checking the ODOT website, as fees can change.
There is no additional penalty for losing your license. You pay only the standard replacement fee. If your license has expired, you will pay a renewal fee in addition to the replacement fee, but that is separate from the loss itself.
Payment methods vary by location. In-person visits accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Mail-in requests require a check or money order. Online payment is by debit or credit card only.
If you suspect your lost license was stolen or used fraudulently
If you believe someone else has your license or is using it, contact your local police department and file a report. Provide them with the license number if you know it — you can find it on old documents, insurance cards, or bank records. The police report creates an official record that protects you if the license is used for fraud.
After filing a police report, proceed with your replacement as normal. Tell the DMV staff that the license was stolen when you explore. This flag does not change the replacement process, but it documents the theft in case questions arise later.
If you are concerned about identity theft beyond the lost license, contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file. This is separate from replacing your license but protects you against someone opening accounts in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?
If you have a temporary paper license from the DMV, yes — it is valid for 30 days and counts as proof of licensure. If you are using the mail-in or online route and do not have a temporary, you cannot legally drive. Visit a DMV office in person to get a temporary license if you need to drive before your permanent card arrives.
What if my address has changed since I got my current license?
Bring proof of your new address to the DMV along with your identity document. The staff will update your address in the system, and your new license will be mailed to the correct location. If you are mailing your replacement request, include proof of your new address with the form.
How do I find my license number if I need it for something while waiting for my replacement?
Check old documents — insurance cards, bank records, or previous tax returns often list your license number. You can also call your local DMV office and provide your name and date of birth; staff can look up your number in the system. Some employers or financial institutions also have your license number on file.
Do I need to report a lost license to the police?
No, not unless you suspect it was stolen or used fraudulently. A lost license is a civil matter between you and the DMV. If you straightforward misplaced it, replacing it through the DMV is all you need to do.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Oregon requires you to pick up your temporary license in person at the DMV office. Your permanent license is mailed to your address on file, so you do not need to pick that up — it arrives by mail automatically.