Oregon driver's license renewal by mail or online

Oregon lets you renew your driver's license by mail or online, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal. Most people under 62 can renew online through the Oregon DMV website without visiting an office. If you are 62 or older, or if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for an eight-year license. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Oregon mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Mail renewal is also available for some drivers, though it is slower than online renewal. The DMV sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. If you receive this notice and meet the requirements, you can mail it back with payment and your old license. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Drivers under 62 with a valid license can renew online at oregondmv.org without visiting an office.
  • Online renewal costs $72 for an eight-year license and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
  • Drivers 62 and older, or those whose license expired more than five years ago, must renew in person at a DMV office.
  • Oregon mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after you complete online renewal.
  • Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but available if you receive a renewal notice from the DMV.

What you need to renew online

To renew online, you will need your current Oregon driver's license, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card for payment. The DMV website will ask you to enter your license number and personal details to verify your identity. You do not need to upload documents or take a new photo for online renewal.

Your address on file must be current. If you have moved since your last renewal, you should update your address before you renew your license. You can change your address online through the DMV website, or you can update it during the renewal process itself.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If your driving privileges are restricted in any way, you must visit a DMV office in person to renew.

In-person renewal at an Oregon DMV office

If you are 62 or older, or if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will also need to pass a vision test.

Oregon DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times and book an appointment online at oregondmv.org. Booking an appointment is not required but can reduce your wait time significantly.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you are called. The DMV will take a new photo and issue your license on the spot. You can drive home with a temporary paper license while your permanent card is mailed to you.

Renewing by mail

The DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. If you receive a notice and your license is still valid, you can mail it back with your old license and a check or money order for $72. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail your renewal packet to the address shown on the notice. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and current address if it differs from what is on your license. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet.

If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the DMV at 503-945-6353 or visiting oregondmv.org. You cannot start a mail renewal without the official notice from the DMV.

License renewal costs and validity periods

An eight-year Oregon driver's license costs $72 for online or mail renewal. This is the standard renewal period for most drivers. If you are renewing in person at a DMV office, the cost is the same.

Drivers 62 and older can renew for four years instead of eight years. A four-year license costs $36. Some older drivers prefer the shorter renewal period because it requires fewer years of commitment, though it means renewing more often.

Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal (or four years if you are 62 or older), even if you renew before your current license expires. The expiration date is printed on your new card.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for fewer than five years, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as a current license holder. You will need to provide the same documents and pay the same fee.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You will need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address, just as if you were renewing for the first time. You will also take a vision test and have a new photo taken.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Oregon, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are pulled over, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but this does not may provide you will not be cited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Oregon license if I have moved out of state?

No. Oregon requires you to have a current Oregon address on file to renew your license. If you have moved out of state, you must surrender your Oregon license and obtain a license from your new state. You cannot renew an Oregon license remotely if you no longer live in Oregon.

How long does it take to get my license after I renew online?

Oregon mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after your online renewal is approved. Mailing time varies depending on where you live in Oregon, but most people receive their license within 2 weeks total from the date they renew online.

Do I need a new photo when I renew online?

No. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. You only get a new photo if you renew in person at a DMV office. If you want a new photo during an online renewal, you must visit an office instead.

What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

You can request a replacement license at any DMV office. Bring your Social Security proof and address proof, and pay a $20 replacement fee. The DMV will issue a temporary paper license you can use when ready while your permanent card is mailed.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. Oregon allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date, so renewing early does not extend the total time your license is valid.