Get a replacement license by mail or in person at an Oregon DMV office

Oregon allows you to replace a lost driver's license through the mail or by visiting a DMV office in person. The mail route takes about two weeks and costs $20. The in-person route is faster — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day — but requires a trip to an office and costs $50 for a standard replacement or $75 for an expedited one.

You will need to prove your identity and Oregon residency. A passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card works for identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address. If you do not have these documents, Oregon DMV accepts other forms — the full list is on their website under "Acceptable Documents."

The key difference between the two routes is speed versus convenience. Mail is cheaper and requires no appointment, but you cannot drive legally during the two-week wait unless you request a temporary paper license at the same time. In-person visits let you leave with a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent one is mailed.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail replacement costs $20 and takes about two weeks; in-person replacement costs $50 to $75 and gives you a temporary license the same day.
  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and proof of Oregon residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • Oregon DMV offices do not require appointments for license replacement, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, request a temporary paper license at the time you submit your replacement order.

Replacing your license by mail

To replace by mail, read the process for Oregon Driver License or ID Card (Form DL 43) from the Oregon DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill in your name, date of birth, and current address. Check the box for "Replacement" and write "Lost" as the reason.

Mail the completed form along with a copy of your identity document and residency proof to the address listed on the form. Oregon DMV processes mail requests at a central office in Salem. Include a check or money order for $20 made out to "Oregon DMV." Do not send cash.

Your replacement license will arrive in about two weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license by checking the appropriate box on the form. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for the permanent card.

Replacing your license in person at a DMV office

Walk into any Oregon DMV office with your identity and residency documents. No appointment is needed, but offices have varying hours and wait times. The DMV website lists all office locations, hours, and current wait times by location.

Bring the documents listed above plus your Social Security number (you will need to provide it verbally). Tell the staff member you need a replacement license. They will take a new photo, verify your information, and process the replacement on the spot.

You will pay $50 for a standard replacement or $75 for expedited processing (which mails your license within 5 to 7 business days instead of the standard 2 to 3 weeks). You will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, which allows you to drive legally when ready. Your permanent license will arrive by mail.

What documents you need to bring

For identity, Oregon DMV accepts a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Social Security card, military ID, or tribal ID. You need one document from this list.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If your name on the residency document does not match your identity document exactly, bring both and explain the difference (such as a recent marriage or name change).

If you do not have standard documents, Oregon DMV has a longer list of acceptable alternatives on their website. Call your local DMV office before you visit if you are unsure whether your documents will work.

Replacing a license if you also lost your Social Security card

You do not need your Social Security card to replace your driver's license. You only need to know your Social Security number. If you do not know it, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration separately — that is a different process handled by a different agency.

At the DMV, you will provide your Social Security number verbally or write it on the form. You do not need to show the card itself.

Replacing a license if you also lost your passport or birth certificate

If your lost license was your only form of ID, you will need to get a replacement identity document first. A U.S. passport takes 4 to 6 weeks through the State Department. A certified birth certificate takes 1 to 2 weeks through the Oregon Vital Records office.

Once you have the replacement identity document, you can replace your driver's license using the steps above. If you need to drive before your identity document arrives, some employers and financial institutions will issue a temporary ID for travel or banking purposes — check with them directly.

Replacing a license if you moved out of state

If you moved out of Oregon, you cannot renew or replace an Oregon license by mail or in person. You must get a driver's license from your new state instead. Each state has its own process and requirements.

If you still live in Oregon but moved to a new address, you can replace your license and update your address at the same time. Bring your new residency proof along with your identity document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. Oregon does not offer online replacement for lost licenses. You must use the mail route or visit a DMV office in person. The mail process is the closest option if you want to avoid an office visit.

What if I lost my license and need to drive today?

Visit a DMV office in person. You will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, which allows you to drive legally that same day. The temporary license is free when you pay for the replacement.

Do I need an appointment to replace my license at a DMV office?

No. Oregon DMV offices accept walk-ins for license replacement. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DMV website for current wait times at your nearest office before you go.

What if my identity documents are also lost?

You will need to replace your identity document first. A passport takes 4 to 6 weeks; a birth certificate takes 1 to 2 weeks from the Oregon Vital Records office. Once you have a replacement identity document, you can replace your driver's license.

Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Oregon does not block license replacement for unpaid traffic fines. However, if your license was suspended for a different reason (such as unpaid child support or a DUI conviction), you may not be able to get a replacement until the suspension is lifted. Contact your local DMV office to check your license status before you explore.