Are you looking to get your first driver’s license in Oregon? Or are you moving and need help transferring your license to Oregon? It can seem like a lot of work to get your driver’s license, thanks to a long list of required documents, but this guide will help you see it’s not that challenging if you know what to expect in advance.
Here’s how to get an Oregon driver’s license for first-time drivers and after you relocate to Oregon and become an Oregon resident.
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Oregon Driver’s License Document Checklist
Before you visit the Oregon DMV to get a new license, you’ll want to gather all the necessary documents. You won’t get a license if you show up without any of the required documents so go over the list carefully! You’ll need proof of your identification and residency, proof of your legal status, and proof of your Social Security Number.
First, fill out the Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (Form 735-173). Print it out and bring it with you when you visit the DMV. Then you’ll need to gather:
- Proof of your legal name
- Proof of your U.S. legal presence
- Your Social Security Number
- Proof of Oregon address
You will need to bring the original documents or certified copies and you need the same documents whether you are transferring your out-of-state license to Oregon or getting your first driver’s license.
You’ll need additional documents if you plan to get a Real ID. Here’s a list of Real ID compliant document requirements.
Proof of Identity
You must present one original or certified copy of the following to prove your identity and date of birth.
- Birth certificate
- U.S. Passport, not expired more than five years
- U.S. Passport Card, not expired more than five years
- U.S. Territory Passport, not expired more than five years
- Oregon federally recognized Tribal ID Card
- Foreign Passport containing English or with English translation, not expired more than five years
- Certificate of Citizenship (N560 and N561)
- Certificate of Naturalization (N550, N570, and N578)
- U.S. immigration or naturalization documents, not expired more than five years,
- U.S. Military documents:
- Military or Armed Forces ID Card
- Military Common Access Card
- U.S. Uniform Services ID and Privileges Card (DD1173, DD1173-1)
- Oregon driver license, instruction permit, or ID card not expired more than thirteen years (must have a photograph)
- Out-of-state, District of Columbia, U.S. Territorial government or Canadian driver license, instruction permit or ID card, not expired more than one year, must have photograph, cannot be hole-punched or marked “Not Valid as ID
- Non-immigrant visa issued by the U.S. Department of State, not expired more than five years
- Temporary immigrant visa (I-551) issued by the U.S. Department of State, not expired more than five years
- U.S. Department of State driver license or non-driver ID card, not expired more than five years
- Oregon Concealed Weapon Permit/Concealed Handgun License, not expired more than five years
- Social Security Card – an additional document containing both your name and date of birth will be required
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issuance letter from the IRS
- A Mexican Consulate ID Card, not expired more than five years
- A Guatemalan Consulate ID Card, not expired more than five years
- A letter verifying identity provided by an Oregon County Community Corrections agency, approved by Oregon DMV
- A letter verifying identity provided by the U.S. Pretrial Services, approved by Oregon DMV
- A letter verifying identity provided by the Oregon Youth Authority, approved by Oregon DMV
- A letter verifying identity provided by the U.S. District Court Probation Office, approved by Oregon DMV
- Oregon Department of Correction Release Identification Card, issued after April 30, 2005
Proof of Oregon Residency
- Utility bill or statement
- Bank statement
- Item delivered by the USPS, FedEx, or UPS sent by a verifiable business or government agency
- Insurance company documents
- Educational institution documents
- Marriage certificate or license signed by a government official
- Rental/Lease agreement
- Loan agreement or payment voucher or statement
- Pacyheck, paystub, W-2, or 1099 form
- Oregon voter notification card
Medical or health benefits card - Approved letter from Oregon State Hospital, homeless shelter, or transitional service provider or halfway house dated within 60 days of your application certifying your address
Cost of Getting Your Oregon Driver’s License
In addition to filling out the appropriate forms and providing the required documentation, you have to pay the appropriate fees:
| Driver License – Class C (non-commercial) | $60 |
| Endorsement – Motorcycle – Customer Has No Oregon Driver License | $144 |
| Identification Card | $44.50 |
| Instruction Permit – Class C Driver License (non-commercial) (valid for 2 years) | $23 |
| Real ID (add to standard license/permit/ID fee) | $30 |
| Renewal – Driver License – Class C (non-commercial) | $40 |
| Replacement – Driver License – Class C (non-commercial) | $26 |
| Replacement – Instruction Permit – Class C (non-commercial) | $26 |
How to Get an Oregon Driver’s License If You’re Over 18 – Requirements & Steps
If you’re over 18 but you’ve never had a driver’s license, you’ll need to study the Oregon Driver Manual to prepare for the knowledge test. You also need to take the knowledge test if you had a previous Oregon license, but it has been expired for over 2 years, or if you have a license from another state or country that has been expired for over a year.
Steps to get a license:
- Fill out the pre-application online if you have not been issued an Oregon license before
- Schedule an appointment or visit the DMV to provide the required documents listed above.
- You’ll need to pass a vision test
- You may need to pass a drive test if you have an out-of-state license expired over a year or if you have never had a license before. You can waive the driver test if you have completed an ODOT-Approved Driver Education Course within the past two years.
- Get your picture taken
How to Get an Oregon Driver’s License if You’re Under 18 – Requirements & Steps
For first time drivers ages 16 and 17, you need to have had your instruction permit for at least six months and complete 100 hours of supervised driving experience (or 50 hours if you also took and passed an approved Driver Education course).
Steps to get a license:
- Fill out the pre-application online if you have not been issued an Oregon license before
- Schedule an appointment or visit the DMV to provide the required documents listed above.
- You’ll need to pass a vision test
- Get your picture taken
If you’re 16 or 17 with an out-of-state driver’s license, you may not need to take the drive test. You’ll need to complete the pre-application as described above, and bring your proof of identity and required documents as described above.
How to Transfer Your License to Oregon – Requirements & Steps
Moving to Oregon to become a resident? Transferring your license to Oregon is easy with just a few basic requirements. The steps are almost identical to getting your license for the first time, except you probably won’t need to take the knowledge test or driver test again.
Documents Needed to Transfer a Driver’s License to Oregon
- Current driver’s license
- Completed Oregon driver license application form
- Proof of identity (see above)
- Proof of residency (see above)
- Social Security verification
Steps to Transfer Your Out-of-State License
Once you’ve relocated to the state you’ll have proof of residency in the home you’ve purchased or rented. You will have to surrender your out-of-state license to get an Oregon license.
- Fill out the pre-application online if you have not been issued an Oregon license before
- Schedule an appointment or visit the DMV to provide the required documents listed above.
- You’ll need to pass a vision test
- Get your picture taken
If you have already been a licensed driver in another state or country, you don’t typically need to pass the Oregon driver test unless your license has been expired for over a year.
After completing these steps, you’ll receive a temporary paper license and your new Oregon driver’s license will be mailed to your Oregon address.
Oregon DMV Locations – Make an Appointment at the Agency
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has locations throughout the state. You can find a list of Oregon DMV offices near me here: Oregon DMV map and alphabetical list. You can reduce your wait times for many DMV services, including getting an Oregon license, by scheduling your appointment ahead of time.
It may seem like you need a large number of documents to get an Oregon driver’s license, but once you’ve double checked you have everything required and you’ve studied for the knowledge test (if required to take it) you should have no issue transferring your license to Oregon from another state in a single appointment at the DMV.
Oregon Driver’s License FAQ
How do I change my address on my Oregon driver’s license?
There is no fee to update your address and you don’t even have to visit the DMV in person to do so. Addresses can be updated online.
How much does an Oregon Driver License cost?
- $60 for Driver’s license
- $23 for instruction permit
- $5 for knowledge test
- $9 for road test
How long does it take to get an Oregon driver’s license in the mail?
Please allow up to 20 days for your driver’s license to arrive.
How do I change my name on my Oregon driver’s license?
If you got married or otherwise changed your legal name, you can update your license by doing the following:
- Make an appointment at a DMV office
- Present proof of your legal name change
- Present proof of identity and address and
- Pay the applicable fee
How do I replace my driver’s license?
The Oregon DMV will issue a replacement driver’s license if your original was lost, stolen, or damaged, or if you’ve had a change of name, address, or sex. You can also replace your license if your current license has an error, you are re-instating your license, or upgrading to a Real ID compliant card.
Can I renew my Oregon driver’s license online?
You can renew your license online if:
- Your current license is on file with DMV and is less than 9 years old
- Want to keep your current photo, weight, and height
- Do not need or want a Real ID
- Do not want to add or remove restrictions or endorsements (like motorcycle)
- Have changed your address and can provide proof of your current address
- Do not hold a limited term license
- Do not have a suspended, cancelled, or revoked license in Oregon or any other state
- Can pay your renewal fee online with a credit or debit card
Still in the early stages of planning a move to Oregon? Give us a call at PDX Movers for a no-obligation moving quote. You’re already dealing with transferring your driver’s license, setting up utilities, registering for school, and everything else involved with a relocation – let us take the stress out of your moving day!
