How to Renew Your Drivers License in Oregon

Requests for a drivers license renewal in Oregon must be submitted in person through a Driver & Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) office, which is administered by the state’s Department of Transportation (DOT). The state allows residents to renew a driver’s license prior to the card’s expiration date, as well as within a few months after it has expired.

As a general rule, OR DMV license renewal fees must be paid in full at the time of processing. Moreover, certain motorists who find themselves temporarily out of state may qualify for methods to renew their credentials differently. On the other hand, the DOT does not allow licensed residents to renew a drivers license online or by mail. Thus, eligible applicants must visit a DMV office in person and submit the correct documentation.

Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in Oregon

Oregon Drivers License

Note: The expiration date can be found on the front of the driver’s license card, right next to the driver’s license number.

Certain Oregon drivers license renewal requirements must be met before a new card can be issued. For instance, a license is only eligible for renewal if it is currently valid or has been expired for less than 12 months. Furthermore, applicants must surrender their current OR license to the DMV before receiving a new one.

OR DMV license renewals require the correct identification documents to be submitted. The DMV has the right to request additional proof of identification or refuse an application altogether. In addition, it is important to note that identification documents must be original versions or certified copies in order to qualify.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in Oregon

Renewing a drivers license in Oregon is not possible if you hold a canceled, revoked or suspended driving credential. Furthermore, expired driver’s licenses cannot be renewed if they have been invalid for more than 12 months. If you are deemed ineligible to request a renewal, you will need to apply for a new license and take all of the applicable tests. Additional fees may apply.

In addition, DMV renewal requests cannot be processed for lost licenses. Instead, a replacement license card must be purchased in person at a DMV office.

How early can you renew your drivers license in Oregon?

Residents are allowed to submit an Oregon DMV license renewal application as early as 12 months before the credential expires. Furthermore, it is important to note that renewing your license early will not affect the duration of your new card.

Where to Renew Drivers Licenses in Oregon

DMV license renewals must be submitted in person at one of the state’s local DMV offices. As a general rule, the OR DMV does not allow online renewals or applications by mail. Overall, residents may check online the wait times and operation hours regarding their local drivers license office.

How do I renew my license in person?

OR drivers license renewals must be submitted in person at a state DMV office. To do so, you must visit your local branch and provide the following documents:

  1. A completed drivers license renewal form.
  2. Proof of residency in Oregon, such as a vehicle registration card or a certificate of title.
  3. Proof of identity, such as your current state-issued driving license.
  4. Proof of legal name if it has changed, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

Additional driver’s license renewal requirements may be applicable to certain Oregon residents. For instance, if you are older than 50 years of age, you will be required to pass a vision screening every time you renew your driving credential.

After completing the abovementioned steps and renewing your OR drivers license, you will be issued an interim credential. While these temporary licenses are not recognized by certain state organizations, they may be used to prove that you are allowed to operate a vehicle while you wait for your renewed permanent credential. Your new license will be sent to the address on file at the DMV.

Military & Out of State Renewal in Oregon

If you are out of state and have an expired drivers license from Oregon, you must call the state DMV and let them know about your circumstances. If your license expires while you are away, you will be able to return to Oregon within the year to renew the card without taking additional tests. In addition, active duty service members of the military may renew a driver’s license up to six months after they have been released from service.

A DMV license renewal may also be used to apply a designation to your card. For example, military service members may apply for a veteran designation when renewing their credentials. To do so, eligible applicants must provide the OR DMV with a DD214 of DD215 military form during the application process.

Oregon REAL ID Drivers License Renewal

Oregon does not currently offer REAL ID cards during DMV license renewals. However, these new federally-compliant credentials will be available to OR residents in 2020. Once they become available, applicants will have the choice to renew their standard licenses and upgrade them to REAL ID documents.

Oregon Drivers License Renewal Fees

As a general rule, drivers license offices in Oregon accept cash, checks, credit and debit cards. Below is a breakdown of DMV licensing fees in the state.

Oregon Drivers License Renewal Forms

Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 3 2020.

Sources

  1. Renewing or Replacing a Driver License from Oregon.gov