Get a replacement license by visiting an Oregon DMV office in person with proof of identity and residency

Oregon requires you to replace a lost driver's license in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles office. You cannot do this by mail or online. The process takes about 30 minutes at the counter, and you'll leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

You'll need two documents: one for identity (your passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and one for current Oregon residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring your old license if you still have it, though it's not required. The replacement fee is $20 as of 2024, though this may change—call ahead to confirm the current amount.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an Oregon DMV office in person with proof of identity and proof of residency dated within the last 60 days.
  • The replacement fee is $20, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Oregon DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations offer extended hours on certain days—check your local office's schedule before you go.
  • If you've moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address; if your name has changed, bring a court order or marriage certificate.

Find the nearest Oregon DMV office and check hours before you go

Oregon has DMV offices in most counties. The main office is in Salem, but you can visit any location in the state—you don't have to go to the one that issued your original license. Use the DMV office locator on the Oregon Department of Transportation website to find the address, phone number, and hours for the office nearest you.

Hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have extended hours on certain days or close for lunch. Call the office directly before you go, especially if you're planning to visit on a Friday or near a holiday. Some offices get busy in the afternoon, so arriving in the morning usually means a shorter wait.

Gather your identity and residency documents

Bring one document that proves who you are and one that proves you live in Oregon. For identity, the DMV accepts a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID. For residency, bring a recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, or a property tax bill. The residency document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you've moved since your last license was issued, the address on your residency document must match the address you want on your new license. If your name has changed since your last license—through marriage, divorce, or court order—bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not issue a license with a name change without this paperwork.

Visit the DMV office and complete the replacement at the counter

Walk in with your documents and tell the staff member you need to replace a lost license. They will ask you to fill out a short form (DMV Form 735-1, the Driver License/Permit process). The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and whether you want to be an organ donor. You'll also be asked about any medical conditions that might affect your driving, such as vision problems or seizure disorders.

The staff member will take a new photo for your license. Wear something you're comfortable being photographed in—the photo will be on your license for eight years. You'll pay the $20 fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. The office will give you a temporary paper license printed on the spot, valid for 30 days. Your plastic license will be mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days.

Use your temporary paper license while you wait for your plastic card

The temporary license is a full, legal driver's license for 30 days. You can drive, rent a car, and use it as ID at bars or airports during this time. Keep it in your wallet or purse—if you lose it before your plastic card arrives, you'll need to return to the DMV for another temporary license.

Your plastic license will arrive by mail. If it doesn't show up within 14 business days, call the DMV office where you applied. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if there was a problem with the mailing. Once your plastic card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid, though you don't need to do anything with it—just throw it away.

Handle name changes or address updates at the same time

If your name has changed since your last license, the DMV will update it during the replacement process—just bring the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. If you've moved to a new address in Oregon, the DMV will print your new address on your replacement license automatically. You don't need to file a separate change-of-address form.

If you've moved out of Oregon, you cannot replace your Oregon license at an Oregon DMV office. You'll need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact the DMV in your new state for their replacement process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail if I'm out of state?

No. Oregon requires all license replacements to happen in person at a DMV office. If you're temporarily out of state, you can return to any Oregon DMV office when you're back. If you've moved permanently, you'll need to get a license from your new state's DMV.

What if I don't have a recent utility bill or lease for proof of residency?

The DMV accepts bank statements, credit card statements, property tax bills, insurance bills, and government correspondence (like a tax return or court document) dated within the last 60 days. If you have none of these, call your local DMV office to ask what other documents they'll accept—some offices have flexibility for people in unusual situations.

Do I need to bring my old license if I still have it?

No, but it helps. If you have it, bring it—the DMV can look up your record faster. If you don't have it, the staff can still find your information in the system and issue a replacement.

How long does the plastic license take to arrive?

Most plastic licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If yours hasn't arrived after 14 business days, contact the DMV office where you applied. They can check whether it was mailed and reissue it if needed.

What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen?

Bring your temporary paper license and proof of residency to the DMV. If your wallet was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police and contact your bank and credit card companies. The DMV replacement process is the same whether your license was lost or stolen.