Oregon requires you to clear all suspensions before reinstatement, and with two on your record you'll need to address each one separately

After two suspensions, your Oregon driver's license cannot be reinstated until you've resolved the underlying cause of each suspension. Oregon's Department of Transportation (DMV) does not lift multiple suspensions at once — you must satisfy the requirements for the first suspension, then the second, in the order they were issued. The process typically involves paying fines, completing required programs, or waiting out a suspension period, depending on why each suspension occurred.

The specific steps depend on what triggered each suspension. Common reasons include unpaid traffic citations, failure to appear in court, driving under the influence (DUI), accumulating too many points on your driving record, or failure to maintain insurance. Each reason has its own reinstatement pathway, and you cannot move forward until you've completed the requirements for the first suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon DMV must clear suspensions in the order they were issued, so you address the first suspension completely before moving to the second.
  • The reinstatement fee is $100 per suspension in Oregon, meaning you will owe $200 total to reinstate after two suspensions.
  • You can contact the DMV's Suspension and Reinstatement Unit by phone or mail to learn the specific reason for each suspension and what you must do to clear it.
  • Some suspensions require proof of completion (such as a DUI course certificate or insurance documentation) before the DMV will process reinstatement.
  • If either suspension is still active, you cannot legally drive in Oregon, and driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties.

How to find out why each suspension was issued

Before you can resolve either suspension, you need to know exactly why the DMV suspended your license. Oregon DMV sends suspension notices by mail to the address on file, but if you did not receive them or have lost them, you can request this information directly.

Contact the DMV's Suspension and Reinstatement Unit at 503-945-5000 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff member will tell you the reason for each suspension, the date each was issued, and what you must do to clear it. Write down all of this information — you will need it to complete the next steps.

If you prefer to write, send a letter to Oregon DMV, Suspension and Reinstatement Unit, 1905 Lana Avenue NE, Salem, OR 97314. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a request for the reason and status of each suspension. Responses by mail typically take two to three weeks.

Common suspension reasons and what you must do

The most frequent causes of suspension in Oregon are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI conviction, accumulating 12 or more points in 12 months, and failure to maintain insurance. Each has a different resolution path.

Unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear: You must pay the full amount owed, including any late fees or collection costs. Contact the court that issued the citation (the DMV can tell you which court) to confirm the exact amount. Once you pay, the court sends notice to DMV, which can take one to two weeks to process. You cannot reinstate until DMV receives confirmation of payment.

DUI suspension: You must complete an alcohol and drug information school (ADIS) course approved by Oregon. The DMV provides a list of approved providers. After you finish the course, the provider sends your completion certificate directly to DMV. You also must show proof of insurance before reinstatement. The course typically takes four to eight hours and costs between $100 and $300, depending on the provider.

Point accumulation (12 or more points in 12 months): You must wait out the suspension period, which is typically 30 days for the first offense. During this time, you cannot legally drive. Once the suspension period ends, you can proceed to reinstatement if no other suspensions remain active.

Failure to maintain insurance: You must obtain a new insurance policy and provide proof to DMV. Oregon requires a minimum of liability coverage. Your insurance company will send an SR-22 form (proof of financial responsibility) to DMV automatically, or you can submit it yourself. DMV must receive this form before reinstatement can be processed.

The reinstatement process after clearing both suspensions

Once you have resolved the reason for the first suspension, contact DMV again to confirm it has been cleared. Do not assume the suspension is lifted just because you completed the requirement — DMV must process and update your record. This can take one to two weeks after they receive documentation from a court, school, or insurance company.

After the first suspension is cleared, you then address the second suspension using the same process: find out what caused it, complete the required action, and wait for DMV to process the clearance. Only after both suspensions are resolved can you proceed to reinstatement.

To reinstate your license, you must pay a $100 reinstatement fee for each suspension, totaling $200. You can pay by mail, phone, or in person at an Oregon DMV office. Mail payments to Oregon DMV, Suspension and Reinstatement Unit, 1905 Lana Avenue NE, Salem, OR 97314. Include your name, driver's license number, and a check or money order. By phone, call 503-945-5000 and have a credit card ready.

After DMV receives your reinstatement fees and confirms all suspension requirements are met, your license will be reinstated. You will receive a new license in the mail within one to two weeks. You can drive legally once DMV processes your reinstatement, even if your new physical license has not arrived yet.

What to do if you cannot pay fines or complete requirements when ready

If you owe fines but cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court that issued the citation and ask about a payment plan. Oregon courts can set up installment agreements, though you must make regular payments or the suspension remains in place. Some courts also offer community service in place of fines for certain violations.

If you cannot afford the ADIS course required for a DUI suspension, some providers offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Ask the DMV for a list of providers and call each one to ask about reduced-cost options. Some nonprofits also offer financial information for DUI-related programs.

If a suspension is based on failure to maintain insurance and you are uninsured because of cost, contact your insurance company about low-income or high-risk driver programs. These policies cost more but are available to drivers with suspension histories. You cannot legally drive without insurance in Oregon, and you cannot reinstate without proof of coverage.

Driving on a suspended license and penalties

Driving with a suspended license in Oregon is a criminal offense. A first violation is a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in up to 30 days in jail and a $1,250 fine. A second violation within five years is a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in jail and a $6,250 fine. These penalties are separate from the original reason for suspension.

If you are stopped by police while your license is suspended, your vehicle will be impounded, and you will face arrest. Even if you are not stopped, driving on a suspended license can complicate future reinstatement and may result in additional suspensions. It is not worth the legal and financial risk.

If you need to drive before your suspensions are cleared, Oregon offers a hardship permit in limited circumstances. This permit allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs only. You must request a hardship permit from DMV in writing, explaining why you need to drive and providing documentation (such as an employment letter or medical appointment confirmation). Approval is not may provide and depends on the reason for suspension and your driving history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reinstate both suspensions at the same time?

No. Oregon requires you to clear suspensions in the order they were issued. You must fully resolve the first suspension before addressing the second. However, once the first is cleared, you can when ready begin working on the second without waiting.

How long does reinstatement take after I pay the fees?

After DMV receives your reinstatement fees and confirms all suspension requirements are met, processing typically takes one to two weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail within another one to two weeks. You can legally drive once DMV processes your reinstatement, even before the physical license arrives.

What if I do not know which court issued my citation?

The DMV's Suspension and Reinstatement Unit can tell you which court handled your case when you call about the suspension reason. They can also provide the court's phone number and mailing address so you can contact them directly about the amount owed.

Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?

You do not need a lawyer for most reinstatement cases. The process is straightforward: find out what caused each suspension, complete the required action, and pay the reinstatement fee. However, if your suspension is related to a criminal case or if you are unsure about your legal obligations, consulting a lawyer may help clarify your options.

What happens if I move out of Oregon before my suspensions are cleared?

Your Oregon license suspension remains in effect even if you move. If you obtain a license in another state, Oregon's suspension may prevent you from driving legally in Oregon or transferring your license back. You should resolve Oregon suspensions before moving or obtaining an out-of-state license.