License Renewal in Oregon

Renew Your Oregon Driver's License

In Oregon, your driver's license will be valid for a specific period of time. You'll need to make sure you renew your driver's license with the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV) before it expires.

Continue reading this page to find out exactly when and how to renew your OR driver's license.

If you need information about another type of driver's license or permit, see our following pages:

Check Your OR Driver's License Status

Is your driver's license valid or suspended in Oregon? Find out by ordering your driving record online today.

When to Renew Your OR Driver's License

NOTE: If you need to update your address or name with the DMV, you may want to handle these transactions first. Please see our Changing Your Address and Changing Your Name pages for more information.

Your OR driver's license is valid for 8 years at a time. To continue to drive legally in the state, you'll need to renew it before it expires.

The Oregon DMV will send you a renewal postcard before your driver's license expires; however, you can renew up to 12 months before the expiration date.

If you do not receive the reminder, you can still renew your driver's license.

If you've already renewed your license, you can check its status by contacting the OR DMV.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License

If you happen to misplace your driver's license and it will be expiring within the next 12 months, the Oregon DMV may ask you if you would prefer to simply renew your license instead of replacing it.

For information on the next steps to apply for a duplicate driver's license, visit our page about Replacing a Lost License.

Expired Driver's License

If your driver's license has expired, you have 1 year after the expiration date to go to an Oregon DMV office and renew without having to re-take the knowledge and road tests.

If you are volunteering outside of the U.S. (with a charity, religious organization, or other non-profit) when your license expires, you will have a grace period of 90 days after your return to the United States in which to obtain a renewed license. Keep proof of your overseas volunteering with you at all times during this period.

In the event that you are charged with driving without a valid license, submit proof of your volunteering to the court, and your charge will be dismissed.

To see your driver's license status, you can order a copy of your Oregon driving record.

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Renew Your Oregon Driver's License

To renew a valid driver's license, you must appear in person at an Oregon DMV office. You'll need:

  • Your current OR driver's license, as you'll need to surrender it.
  • Proof of your:
  • A completed Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (Form 735-173), which will also include a series of medical questions to answer.
  • To provide your Social Security number (SSN).
  • Payment for your driver's license renewal fee of $64 for a regular Class C non-commercial driver's license.
    • Payment must be made by cash or check.

You may also need to:

  • Have your photograph taken.
  • Pass a DMV vision screening, if you are 65 years old or older.
  • Pass the written and driving tests, if your driver's license has been expired for longer than 2 year.

Out-of-State Residents & Military

Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.

If you are an Oregon resident temporarily out of the state and cannot visit your local Oregon DMV office to process your renewal, you may request a "Valid Without Photo" driver's license packet by calling the DMV at (503) 945-5000.

Follow the instructions included in the packet to renew your driver's license by mail.

Active-Duty Military Members

If you are stationed outside of Oregon serving on active duty in the military (including a spouse or dependent), you can request a Valid-With-Previous-Photo (VWPP) driver's license.

To start, you'll need to send an online inquiry to the Oregon DMV. You'll need to provide the address you would like the VWPP sent to, a phone number, and e-mail address. Once you receive your VWPP packet, you'll need to complete and sign the included forms:

Next, you'll need to gather the following:

  • A copy of your current Leave Earning Statement (LES) that displays Oregon as your home residence.
  • A copy of your valid Military ID card (front and back).
  • Proof of your Social Security number (SSN).
  • Payment for the $64 renewal fee (by check or money order).

Finally, mail the above documents and payment to:

DMV Headquarters
1905 Lana Ave NE
Salem, OR 97314

Fees to Renew Your OR Driver's License

The fee to renew your regular Class C driver's license in Oregon is $64.

Oregon DMV offices only accept the following payment methods:

  • Cash.
  • Check.
  • Debit cards.
  • Credit cards.

Checks must be made payable to Oregon DMV. Be sure to contact your local Oregon DMV office for more information.

Forms

735-173
Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card
DMV application for an original, replacement, OR renewed Oregon driver's license, instruction permit, motorcycle or farm endorsement, OR identification card.
735-24
Certificate of Vision
Submit this form to the DMV if you need a special vision exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist as part of applying for your Oregon driver's license. Form must be completed by a vision specialist.
735-7182
Certification of Oregon Residency and Domicile
Use this form to certify that you're a resident of Oregon or domiciled in the state if you need further proof of your presence in the state while applying for a title, registration, driver's license, etc.
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