How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Oregon

Moving within Oregon means updating more than your mailing address and utilities. To stay in good standing as a driver and vehicle owner, you also need to update your address with the state’s driver and vehicle agency.

This guide walks through how the Oregon DMV change of address process works, what you’ll need, and how to avoid common problems.

Oregon State Verification: Who Handles What

In Oregon, driver and vehicle services are handled by the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division, commonly called the Oregon DMV. It is part of Oregon’s Department of Transportation (ODOT).

In Oregon, this single agency handles:

• Driver licenses and identification cards
• Vehicle registration
• Vehicle titles
• Address changes for both driving and vehicle records

That means you do not need to find a separate agency for licensing versus registration. However, you should know:

• Changing your address on your driver license/ID record does not automatically update your vehicle registration or title in every situation.
• You may need to submit address changes for driving records and vehicle records separately, depending on the method you use.

Because procedures can change, it’s smart to start from the main Oregon DMV site (commonly at a .gov address) and search for “change of address” or “online services” to confirm the current options before you begin.

Why Updating Your Address Matters in Oregon

In Oregon, this is typically handled as a routine record update, but it has important consequences if you skip it.

Driver license and ID records

Keeping your address current on your driver license or ID ensures that:

• Your license record reflects where you actually live in Oregon
• Law enforcement and courts have accurate information if they need to contact you
• Certain driving-related notices (such as suspensions or reinstatement notices) go to the right place

Many drivers in Oregon find that if they let their DMV address go out of date, they miss time-sensitive mail that can affect their driving privileges.

Vehicle registration and title

Your vehicle registration and title also tie back to your address:

• Registration cards typically list your mailing address
• Some vehicle-related notices (such as renewal reminders or emissions notices, if applicable to your area) go to the address on file
• If the vehicle is ever stolen or towed, accurate registration information can help with recovery and proper notice

Depending on your county in Oregon, local vehicle or environmental rules may depend on your address (for example, requirements that apply in the Portland metro area but not in rural parts of the state). Having an outdated address can create confusion about what rules apply to you.

Official notices and legal consequences

Oregon DMV uses your address on file for:

• Suspension or revocation notices
• Court-related or administrative mail tied to your driving record
• Insurance verification or compliance requests

If mail goes to an old address, you may miss a deadline or fail to respond, even though the state considers you to have been notified. Keeping your address up to date reduces the risk of unexpected suspensions or fees.

What You’ll Need for an Oregon DMV Change of Address

You generally do not need a large stack of documents just to update your address, but having the right information ready helps your request go through smoothly.

Common information to have on hand

For most DMV change of address Oregon requests, you should be ready with:

• Your full name, as it appears on your Oregon license or registration
• Oregon driver license, permit, or ID number, if you have one
• Date of birth
• Old address currently on file (or at least city and ZIP, if you don’t recall the full street address)
• New residential address in Oregon
• New mailing address, if different from the physical address
• Vehicle information if you’re updating registration:
  • License plate number
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), if requested
  • Year, make, and model of your vehicle

In Oregon, this is typically handled through standardized change-of-address processes, either online, by mail, or at a DMV field office, but the specific details may vary over time.

Supporting details that may be requested

Depending on how you submit your Oregon DMV change of address, you may also need:

• Contact information such as a phone number or email
• Last four digits of your Social Security number to help verify identity (if requested online or on certain forms)

You usually do not need to show full proof of residency just for a simple address change if you already have an Oregon license, but requirements can differ when you:

• Are new to Oregon
• Are changing your name and address together
• Are transferring an out-of-state license or vehicle

Why Oregon DMV address change requests get rejected

Oregon DMV can reject or delay an address change request for common reasons such as:

• Mismatched information (name, date of birth, or license number not lining up with their records)
• Illegible handwriting or incomplete fields on a paper form
• Using a type of address the system will not accept (for example, trying to list only a P.O. Box as a residential address when a physical address is required)
• Unclear ownership on a vehicle record (for instance, if the name on the vehicle title doesn’t match the name on the request)

To reduce problems, make sure information is complete and consistent with what’s already on file, and double-check every field before you submit.

Step-by-Step Options to Change Your Address in Oregon

Depending on your situation, you may be able to complete an Oregon DMV change of address:

• Online
• In person
• By mail

In Oregon, many standard moves within the state can be handled online, but some address changes still require a trip or a written form. If you are unsure, start from the Oregon DMV official website and look for their “Change of Address” or “Online Services” section.

1. Oregon DMV change of address online (if eligible)

Oregon often allows online address changes for many drivers and vehicles, especially if you already have an Oregon license and your name and date of birth can be confirmed in their system.

Online options typically work best if you:

• Already have an unexpired Oregon driver license, permit, or ID
• Are making a routine move within Oregon
• Are using a standard residential address that can be validated

General steps for online address change

1. Go to the official Oregon DMV website

   • Use a trusted search engine to find the Oregon DMV (look for a .gov domain).
   • On the site, navigate to Online Services or search for “change of address.”

2. Log in or access the change-of-address tool

   • You may be asked for your driver license or ID number, date of birth, and other identifying details.

3. Enter your old and new addresses

   • Provide both residential and mailing addresses, if they are different.
   • Some online forms allow you to update driver record and vehicle registration at the same time. Read each screen carefully.

4. Select what you are updating

   • Indicate whether you want to:
     • Update your driver license/ID record
     • Update vehicle registration records
     • Or both, if the system allows combined updates

5. Review and submit

   • Confirm everything is correct before submitting.
   • The system may provide a confirmation page or reference number. Save or print it for your records.

6. Check your mail and email

   • Oregon DMV may send a confirmation by mail or electronically.
   • In Oregon, many drivers find that while their record updates quickly, any replacement card or document can arrive later, so keep your old card in the meantime unless instructed otherwise.

If the Oregon DMV website indicates that your situation is not eligible for online change (for example, due to a mismatch or a special status such as CDL), you will need to use an in-person or mail option.

2. In-person address change at an Oregon DMV office

In some cases, you might need or prefer to change your address in person:

• You want a replacement license or ID card printed with your new address right away
• You also need to renew your license or registration at the same time
• You have a Commercial Driver License (CDL)
• The online system will not accept your address or flags your record

Depending on your county in Oregon, the nearest full-service DMV office may be in a different city, so it’s smart to check office locations and possible appointment requirements before you go.

General steps for in-person changes

1. Locate an Oregon DMV office

   • Visit the Oregon DMV’s official site and use their office locator feature or search by your city or ZIP code.
   • Check current hours and any appointment policies for that office.

2. Gather basic information and identification

   • Bring your current Oregon driver license, permit, or ID, if you have one.
   • If you’re updating vehicle records, bring your registration card or license plate number and basic vehicle details.

3. Ask for the appropriate address change form or process

   • Let staff know whether you are:
     • Updating only your driver record
     • Updating only vehicle registration
     • Or doing both

4. Complete and sign the form

   • Fill in your old and new addresses clearly.
   • Double-check spelling, apartment numbers, and ZIP codes.

5. Decide whether to order a replacement card

   • Even if your record is updated, your physical license or ID may still show your old address.
   • Ask staff how to replace your card if you want one with your new address and whether there is a fee.

6. Pay any applicable fees

   • There is generally no charge just to update records, but there may be a fee for a replacement document.
   • Ask staff to clarify current fees before you decide on a replacement.

7. Get a receipt or confirmation

   • Request proof that your address was updated, especially if you rely on that new address for upcoming DMV or court-related matters.

3. Oregon DMV change of address by mail

In Oregon, this is typically handled through a specific change-of-address form if you prefer or need to update by mail. The Oregon DMV change of address form may allow you to update:

• Your driver record
• Your vehicle registration record
• Or both, depending on the form’s options and current policies

Because mailing addresses and form numbers can change, do not guess at a form name or PO Box. Instead:

• Visit the official Oregon DMV site
• Search for “change of address form”
• Download and print the most recent version and mailing instructions

General steps for mail-in address changes

1. Download the official Oregon DMV change of address form

   • Use the Oregon DMV site’s forms section.
   • Confirm the form is current and clearly indicates address change options.

2. Fill out the form completely

   • Provide all personal information requested (name, DOB, license/ID number).
   • List every vehicle you want to update, if the form covers registrations.
   • Clearly write your old and new addresses.

3. Check for signatures and dates

   • Many mailed forms require your signature and a date.
   • Unsigned forms are a common reason for delays.

4. Mail to the address shown on the form

   • Use the official mailing address printed on the form.
   • Consider using a mailing option that provides tracking or proof of delivery if the change is time-sensitive.

5. Allow processing time and then verify

   • After a reasonable period, you can:
     • Check your address via any available online tools
     • Call or visit an Oregon DMV office to make sure your records show the new address

Do license and registration update together in Oregon?

In Oregon, driver and vehicle records are handled by the same agency, but they are separate records in the system. That means:

• If you only update your driver license/ID record, your vehicle registration might still show the old address, and vice versa.
• When you use an online tool or form, carefully read whether it applies to:
  • Drivers only
  • Vehicles only
  • Or both driver and vehicle records

Many drivers in Oregon find it easiest to handle both at once when they move, so they don’t have conflicting addresses on different DMV documents.

What Happens After You Submit Your Address Change

After you submit your address change to Oregon DMV, a few things normally happen behind the scenes.

Record updates

• Your driver record should be updated to show your new address.
• Your vehicle registration record(s) should also update if you requested it and provided the right vehicle information.

Once the records are updated, future mail related to those records should go to the new address.

New cards, stickers, or documents

Whether you receive new physical documents depends on what you requested:

• Driver license/ID card

  • If you only updated your address in the record, your existing card may remain valid but still show the old address.
  • If you request a replacement card, DMV will generally print the new address on the card and mail it to you.

• Vehicle registration card and stickers

  • In some cases, Oregon DMV may issue an updated registration card if the address changes.
  • You may or may not get a new sticker, depending on current policy and whether only the address changed.

Avoid discarding your existing card or sticker until you have clear guidance or a replacement in hand.

How to confirm your address change

In Oregon, this is typically handled by allowing you to:

• Review online via DMV tools, if available
• Call or visit a DMV office with your license/ID number and vehicle plate number
• Check any confirmation notice or letter mailed to you after the change

If you have court dates, insurance verifications, or other time-sensitive matters pending, consider confirming your address change went through before relying on DMV mail.

Special Situations for Oregon Address Changes

Some groups in Oregon have extra considerations or slightly different options when changing an address.

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

If you hold a CDL in Oregon:

• Federal and state rules can be stricter for CDL holders.
• Some CDL address changes may require in-person visits to verify identity or meet federal requirements.
• If you use a separate mailing address for CDL-related documents, make sure both your residential and mailing addresses are correctly reflected.

Check the Oregon DMV site and look specifically for CDL address change guidance, as CDL records are subject to additional rules.

Active-duty military and their families

For Oregon residents on active duty, especially those stationed temporarily outside Oregon:

• You may still need to maintain a valid Oregon address on DMV records if you consider Oregon your home state.
• Some military members use a family or permanent residence address in Oregon for their DMV records while stationed elsewhere.
• Address change options may include mail or online if you cannot appear in person.

Search the Oregon DMV site for “military” or “armed forces” sections to see any current allowances or special procedures.

College and university students

Students in Oregon often have:

• A home address (for example, in another Oregon city or another state)
• A campus address or off-campus apartment near their school

If you are a student:

• Decide which Oregon address you want DMV to use for official notices.
• If you move apartments during the school year, update your DMV records so renewal notices and important mail don’t go to an old address.
• Out-of-state students attending school in Oregon should look at both residency rules and vehicle registration requirements, which may differ from long-term Oregon residents.

New residents of Oregon

If you have just moved to Oregon from another state, you are not just changing an address; you are:

• Applying for an Oregon driver license or ID
• Registering and titling your vehicle in Oregon, if you bring it with you

In this situation, your “address change” is part of becoming an Oregon driver. Requirements will be more extensive than a simple in-state move, including proof of identity, legal presence, and possibly proof of Oregon residence. Look for the “New Residents” or “Moving to Oregon” section of the Oregon DMV site for complete steps.

P.O. Boxes and rural routes

Many drivers in rural Oregon use P.O. Boxes or rural routes instead of standard street addresses.

In Oregon, this is typically handled by separating:

• Your residential (physical) address, which may be required for your driver record
• Your mailing address, which may be a P.O. Box or rural route where you actually receive mail

When completing any Oregon DMV change of address form:

• List your physical address exactly as requested, even if you do not receive mail there.
• Use your P.O. Box or rural route in the mailing address section, if available, so DMV mail reaches you.

Changing your name and address together

If you have changed your name (for example, due to marriage or a court order) and also moved:

• You likely cannot complete both changes with a simple online address update.
• Oregon DMV typically requires in-person visits and documentation for name changes.
• After your name change is processed, you can update your address in the same visit or via additional steps as directed.

Search the DMV site for “change name on driver license” or similar and follow that guidance, then confirm your address during the same process.

Troubleshooting: When Your Oregon Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

Sometimes an Oregon DMV change of address does not work on the first try. Here’s how to handle common issues.

Online address change rejected

If you try an online Oregon DMV change of address and it does not go through, the system might show an error such as:

• Information does not match their records
• Address cannot be validated
• You are not eligible for online change of address

To fix this:

1. Double-check your inputs

   • Ensure your name matches DMV records (no nicknames or missing middle names if theirs includes one).
   • Confirm you used the correct license/ID number and date of birth.

2. Verify your new address format

   • Make sure you entered the street type (Road, Avenue, Lane) and apartment or unit number if applicable.
   • Try the address exactly as it appears in other official mail or on the USPS lookup tool.

3. Look for eligibility notes on the DMV site

   • Some people (such as CDL holders, certain noncitizen licenses, or records with holds) may not be allowed to change addresses online.

If problems continue, you likely need to submit your change in person or by mail.

Submitted but not updated

If you submitted an address change (online, by mail, or at an office) and later see that DMV still shows your old address:

1. Allow reasonable processing time

   • Mailed forms and in-person visits may not update instantly in every system.

2. Contact Oregon DMV

   • Use the contact information on the official DMV site.
   • Have your license/ID number, plate number, and any confirmation numbers handy.

3. Ask if additional information is needed

   • There may have been a data mismatch or a missing signature.
   • Clarify whether you need to resubmit the address change.

Rejected request by mail

If DMV rejects or appears not to process your mail-in address change:

• Check whether you:
  • Signed and dated the form
  • Used the correct address printed on the form
  • Clearly listed all vehicles you wanted to update

If needed, fill out a new, current version of the form from the official site and resubmit, ensuring every field is complete and legible.

License updated but registration didn’t (or vice versa)

It is not unusual in Oregon for one record to update while the other remains unchanged if:

• You only included driver information on an online form and did not list your vehicles
• You submitted a vehicle-only address change form but did not update your driver record

To fix this:

• Check both records separately:

  • Verify your driver license/ID record via DMV tools or by calling.
  • Review your vehicle registration documents to see what address is printed.

• If one is outdated:

  • Submit a second address change specifically for the record that did not update (driver or vehicle).

Many drivers in Oregon find it easier to confirm both their driver and vehicle addresses each time they move, rather than assuming they updated together.

Moving out of Oregon

If you move out of Oregon:

• You generally need to obtain a new license from your new state of residence and register your vehicle there, following that state’s rules.
• Once your vehicle is registered elsewhere, Oregon registration may no longer be valid, and you may ultimately surrender your Oregon plates (if required).

For any outstanding Oregon-related issues (such as a suspension, ticket, or unpaid fee), it may still be helpful to ensure Oregon DMV has your current mailing address until everything is resolved. You can contact the Oregon DMV to ask how to keep contact information accurate after leaving the state.

Quick Reference Table: Ways to Change Your Address in Oregon

Keeping your information current with the Oregon DMV protects your driving privileges and helps ensure that critical notices reach you. Before you move—or as soon as possible after—decide which method (online, in person, or by mail) fits your situation, gather your license and vehicle details, and update both your driver and vehicle records.

If you’re unsure about any step, start from the official Oregon DMV website (look for the .gov domain) and search for “change of address” or “online services” to confirm current instructions and forms before you proceed.