Getting a replacement Oregon driver's license after losing yours
You can replace a lost Oregon driver's license by visiting a DMV office in person with proof of identity and residency, paying a replacement fee (currently $20 for a standard license), and having your photo taken. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the counter, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot do this online or by mail — Oregon requires you to appear in person.
The fastest route is to go to your nearest DMV office during off-peak hours (typically mid-morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday) rather than during lunch or after work. If you don't have a current address on file with Oregon DMV, bring a piece of mail or utility bill showing where you live now, because the DMV will update your address at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an Oregon DMV office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address to replace a lost license.
- The replacement fee is $20 for a standard driver's license, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you need to drive before then.
- Bring documents that prove both who you are (passport, birth certificate, or another state ID) and where you live (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
What documents you need to bring
Oregon DMV requires two types of proof: one document showing your identity and one showing your current address. For identity, bring a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Social Security card, or a valid ID from another state. If you're bringing a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy from the state where you were born — a photocopy won't work.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Oregon address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a bill in your new name yet, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord stating your move-in date will work. A piece of mail from a government agency (like a tax notice or voter registration card) also counts.
If you don't have a Social Security card, you can still get a replacement license, but you'll need to bring additional identity documents. Bring your passport or birth certificate plus one more form of ID, such as a school ID, employee badge, or tribal ID card.
Finding your nearest DMV office and making an appointment
Oregon DMV has offices in most counties. You can find the location nearest you and check current wait times on the Oregon DMV website at oregon.gov/odot/dmv. The website also shows each office's hours — many are open Monday through Friday, though some have limited Saturday hours.
You do not need an appointment to replace a lost license at most Oregon DMV offices, but you can make one online if you prefer to avoid waiting. Making an appointment typically reserves you a time slot within the same week. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. If you go without an appointment, arrive early in the day or mid-week for shorter lines.
Some smaller county offices have limited hours or may close for lunch. Check the specific office's schedule before you go, especially if you're traveling outside your home county.
The replacement fee and payment methods
Oregon charges $20 to replace a lost standard driver's license. If your license is expiring soon (within 6 months), you may want to renew it at the same time instead of just replacing it, which costs $50 but gives you a fresh 8-year license. Ask the DMV staff which option makes sense for your situation when you arrive.
Oregon DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at the counter. Some offices may also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location is wise. You'll pay at the time you submit your documents, before your photo is taken.
What happens after you pay and get your temporary license
After you pay the fee, a DMV staff member will take a new photo of you for your license. You'll be asked to remove hats, glasses, and headwear (except for religious reasons), and to face the camera directly. The photo is taken on the spot and printed onto your temporary paper license, which you receive when ready.
Your temporary license is valid for driving right away and works the same as your plastic license for all purposes — traffic stops, age verification, and identification. Keep it in your wallet or purse because you'll need it if you're pulled over. The temporary license is good until your permanent plastic license arrives.
Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provided at the DMV office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, your temporary paper license is no longer needed, though you can keep it as a backup. If your permanent license doesn't arrive within 14 days, contact the Oregon DMV office where you applied to check on the status.
If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives
Your temporary paper license is a valid form of identification for driving in Oregon and in all other states. You can use it when ready after leaving the DMV office. Keep it somewhere safe — if you lose the temporary license before your permanent one arrives, you'll need to return to the DMV office and pay another $20 replacement fee.
If you're concerned about the temporary license getting damaged or lost, take a photo of it with your phone as a backup. While a photo isn't an official document, it can help you remember the details if you need to contact the DMV.
Replacing your license if you've moved out of state
If you've moved to another state since your Oregon license was issued, you still need to visit an Oregon DMV office to replace it. You cannot do this remotely or through another state's DMV. If you're no longer in Oregon, you have two options: return to Oregon to visit a DMV office in person, or contact the Oregon DMV by phone at 503-945-5000 to ask about mailing options (though Oregon typically does not process replacements by mail).
If you've moved permanently and no longer plan to return to Oregon, consider getting a driver's license from your new state instead. Most states will issue you a new license if you provide proof of residency and pass a vision test. You won't need to keep your Oregon license active.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I don't have a Social Security number?
Yes. Bring your passport or certified birth certificate plus one additional form of ID, such as a school ID, employee badge, or tribal ID. You'll also need proof of your current address. The process is the same, and the $20 fee applies.
What if I lost my license and my wallet at the same time?
Bring whatever identity documents you still have — your passport, birth certificate, or another state ID. If you don't have any of these, contact the Oregon DMV office before you go to ask what documents they can accept. You'll still need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
No, reporting a lost license to police is not required in Oregon. However, if you're concerned someone might use your license fraudulently, you can file a report with the police for your own records. This is optional and does not affect the replacement process at the DMV.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must appear in person at the DMV office to have your photo taken and receive your temporary license. The permanent license is mailed to your address, so no one needs to pick it up — it will arrive at your home.
What if my address changes after I get my replacement license?
You can update your address online through the Oregon DMV website, by mail, or by visiting a DMV office. You do not need to pay another fee to change your address. Your plastic license will still be valid; the address on the card itself won't change until you renew your license in 8 years.