Oregon driver's licenses renew every eight years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office

Oregon's Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. The method you use depends on whether your address has changed, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you want the renewed license in your hands.

If your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo, you can renew online through the Oregon DMV website or by mail. If your address has changed or you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon licenses are valid for eight years, and the DMV mails renewal notices about two months before expiration.
  • Online and mail renewal are available only if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you have moved or want to update your photo.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency if your address changed, and payment by debit card, credit card, or check.

Renewing online through the Oregon DMV website

The Oregon DMV website lets you renew online if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about 10 minutes.

Online renewal costs $97 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card during the transaction. The DMV mails your renewed license to the address on file, and delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal: your address must not have changed, and you must not need a new photo. The DMV mails you a renewal form with your notice, or you can request one by calling the DMV at 503-945-6353.

Complete the form, include a check or money order for $97, and mail it to the address shown on the form. Include your current license with the envelope. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order received, typically within two to three weeks of arrival. Your current license stays valid during this time.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your address has changed or you want a new photo. You will need your current license, proof of residency at your new address (if applicable), and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address.

The fee for in-person renewal is $97. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or check. The DMV takes your photo during the visit. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while the DMV mails your permanent license, which arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

DMV offices are located throughout Oregon. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Oregon DMV website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others operate by appointment only. Calling ahead or checking online before you go saves time.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This requires in-person process at a DMV office and includes a written test, vision test, and new photo. The process is more involved than renewal.

If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can still renew it using the same methods as a current license holder. Mail it in, renew online, or visit an office in person, depending on whether your address changed or you need a new photo.

Renewing a commercial driver's license in Oregon

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) in Oregon renew every four years, not eight. You must renew in person at a DMV office. The renewal includes a vision test and medical certificate review. You cannot renew a CDL by mail or online.

The fee for CDL renewal is $97. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency if your address changed, and payment. If your medical certificate has expired or will expire within 30 days, you must provide a new one from a certified medical examiner before the DMV will renew your CDL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired while I was out of state?

Yes. Oregon allows renewal of licenses expired for up to three years, regardless of where you were. If your license expired more than three years ago, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing.

What if I moved and my renewal notice went to my old address?

Contact the Oregon DMV at 503-945-6353 to update your address and request a new renewal notice, or visit a DMV office in person to renew. You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

It depends on the DMV office. Some locations accept walk-ins during business hours; others require appointments. Check the Oregon DMV website or call your local office before you go to find out which system they use.

Can I renew my license online if I changed my name?

No. Name changes require in-person renewal at a DMV office. Bring your current license, legal documentation of the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and payment. The DMV will take a new photo.

How long is my temporary paper license valid after in-person renewal?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.