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If you plan on operating a motor vehicle in Oregon, you’ll need a driver’s license. If you don’t have a driver’s license, you must apply for one at your local Oregon Department of Transportation (OR DOT). This article will teach you everything you need to know about getting your Oregon driver’s license, and commercial, and motorcycle license.

Types of Oregon Driver’s Licenses

You can obtain different types of driver’s licenses in Oregon. You can apply for the following Oregon driver’s licenses:

  • Class C – required to operate a standard motor vehicle
  • Instruction permit – required for individuals who are 15 to 17 years of age
  • Provisional driver’s license – required for individuals who are 16 to 17 years of age
  • Commercial driver’s license (CDL) – a driver’s license that has various endorsements and required to operate commercial vehicles
  • Motorcycle endorsement – required to operate a motorcycle and some vehicles that have 2 to 3 wheels

Oregon Driver’s License Requirements

You must have an Oregon driver’s license if any of the following apply:

  • You are a current OR resident who’s never been licensed
  • You are a new resident of OR and want to apply for an Oregon driver’s license or transfer an out-of-state driver’s license
  • You plan to operate a non-commercial vehicle
  • You have a legal presence in the state of Oregon and the U.S. (you are NOT required to have an OR driver’s license if you have a diplomatic driver’s license that has been issued by the U.S. Department of State.)

You are NOT required to have an Oregon driver’s license if the following applies:

  • You’re at least 18 years old and visiting Oregon with a valid out-of-state driver’s license
  • You are an active military member or dependent who is stationed in Oregon, as long as you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, and you haven’t established residency in Oregon
  • You operate farm vehicles off public highways
  • You only operate registered off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles without accessing public roads (other than crossing the roads)

Applying for an Oregon Driver’s License

To receive your Oregon driver’s license, you’ll need to apply in person at your local OR DOT branch. You must submit the following documents and payment(s):

  • A completed Application for Driving Privileges or an ID Card (Form 735-173) – must complete at the DOT office
  • Proof of your full legal name
  • Proof of your U.S. legal presence
  • Your Social Security number
  • Proof of your OR residency
  • Payment for all applicable fees

You must also pass the following exams and tests:

  • Class C driver’s license knowledge test
  • Road test
  • Vision exam

If you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, your OR driving exam may be waived. You must surrender your out-of-state driver’s license. After you pass the required exams, you will need to have your photo taken, so the OR DOT can issue your new Oregon driver’s license.

Acceptable Identification Documents in Oregon

There are different documents you can use to prove your identity when you’re applying for your OR driver’s license, such as the following:

  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • Armed forces ID cards
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Permanent resident card
  • Foreign passport with a valid I-94 (the expiration date of the I-94 must be more than 2 months from the date you visit the office)

Acceptable documents you can use to verify your true full name include the following:

  • Certificate of registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
  • Marriage certificate
  • A dissolution of marriage document that contains your legal name as a result of the court order
  • Name change documents containing your legal name before and after
  • Adoption documents that contain your legal name as a result of the adoption

Examples of acceptable residency documentation can include the following:

  • Insurance documents
  • Oregon vehicle or vessel title or registration
  • Resident utility bills (cell phone bills are also accepted)
  • A record of financial institution (bank statement)

Receiving an Oregon Driver’s License Under the Age of 18

If you’re a teenager who is applying for your first driver’s license, you must meet the young driver requirements of the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (OR DMV). The steps you are required to complete will help you develop the necessary skills to become a safe driver and pass the OR DMV road test.

Oregon Teenager Licensing Program and Restrictions

If you are a teenager who is younger than 18 years old, you must complete the young driver requirements of the OR DMV. As a new driver, you must complete the following phases:

  • Instruction permit/learner’s permit – allows you to operate a motor vehicle with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years of age and sitting in the passenger seat.
  • Provisional license (first 6 months) – allows unsupervised driving, but prohibits the following:
    • Driving with a passenger who is younger than 20 years old, unless he/she is an immediate family member
    • Driving between the hours of 12 AM and 5 AM (unless for work or school purposes, or while you’re accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 25 years of age.
  • Provisional license (second 6 months) – allows unsupervised driving, but prohibits the following:
    • Driving with more than 3 passengers who are younger than 20 years old, unless they are immediate family members
    • Driving between the hours of 12 AM and 5 AM unless for work or school purposes or you are accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 25 years of age.

Oregon Age Requirements

The minimum ages to begin each phase of the OR DMV teenage driver program are as follows:

  • Learner’s permit – 15 years old
  • Provisional license – 16 years old
  • Unrestricted driver’s license – 18 years old

Oregon Learner’s Permit

When you turn 15 years old, you can start the steps toward obtaining your initial driver’s license by applying for your Oregon learner’s permit. To apply for your OR learner’s permit, you must visit your local OR DOT branch and do the following:

  • Submit a completed Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (Form 735-173) – must be completed at an OR DOT branch
  • Provide proof of your school enrollment, completion, or exemption
  • Provide proof of your identity, birth date, residency, legal presence, and Social Security number
  • Pass the OR vision exam
  • Pass the OR DMV written test
  • Have your picture taken
  • Pay the $5 written test fee and the $23 learner’s permit fee

Your OR learner’s permit allows you to drive ONLY with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years of age.

Behind-the-Wheel Practice

To proceed to the next steps of the teenage licensing process, you must practice with your permit for at least 6 months and complete a total of 100 hours of supervised driving or complete a total of 50 hours of supervised driving and an approved driver’s education course.

Oregon Provisional License

Once you obtain your OR learner’s permit, you will be eligible to move on to your OR provisional license once you do/be the following:

  • You are at least 16 years of age
  • Have attained your learner’s permit for at least 6 months
  • Have completed 100 hours of supervised driving practice or 50 hours of supervised driving practice and Driver’s Education (Driver’s Ed)

To apply for your OR provisional license, you must visit your OR DMV and do the following:

  • Pass a driving test or present a hard plastic Driver’s Ed completion certificate
  • Pass the safe driving practices written test
  • Surrender your learner’s permit
  • Provide proof of school enrollment, completion, or exemption
  • Submit proof of identity, birth date, Social Security number, OR residency, and legal presence
  • Pay the $9 driving test fee (if applicable)
  • Pay the $60 OR driver’s license fee

Oregon Driving Restrictions

With your Oregon provisional license, you will be eligible to begin driving by yourself. For the first 6 months, you can NOT:

  • Drive with a passenger who is younger than 20 years old, unless he/she is an immediate family member
  • Drive between the hours of 12 AM and 5 AM, unless it’s for work or school purposes or you are accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old

For the second 6 months, you can NOT:

  • Drive with more than 3 passengers who are younger than 20 years old, unless they are immediate family members
  • Drive between the hours of 12 AM and 5 AM, unless it’s for work or school purposes or you are accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 25 years of age

The above restrictions will be lifted after 1 year or when you turn 18 years of age.

Full Unrestricted Oregon Driver’s License

The restrictions of your provisional driver’s license will help you further practice and develop the skills of a safe and responsible driver. You will receive your unrestricted driver’s license with no passenger or driving time restrictions after you have attained your provisional license for at least 1 year or turn 18 years old.

The Oregon Written Exam and Road Test

Taking the Oregon Written Exam

The Oregon written exam has a total of 35 questions, 28 of which you must answer correctly to pass with a minimum passing score of 80%. The minimum age to complete the written exam is 15.

Taking the Oregon Road Test

The Oregon road test is the behind-the-wheel driving exam. You must pass this test to receive your Oregon driver’s license. This road exam is used to determine your ability to safely maneuver a vehicle while adhering to Oregon traffic laws and road signs. You will be tested on your ability to turn, start and stop the vehicle, park, and more.

Married, Divorced, or Name Change?

If you are applying for an Oregon REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, or your name is different from the name you provided on your application, you must provide documents that verify your legal name change.

To prove your true full name, you can provide one of the following documents:

  • Adoption documents that contain your legal name as a result of the adoption
  • A marriage certificate
  • A certificate, declaration, or registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
  • A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change
  • A dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action

Does the REAL ID Act Impact Residents of Oregon?

Starting May 7, 2025, residents of Oregon must provide a different form of ID to get through airport security. At this time, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept standard OR driver’s licenses or ID cards. This new ID requirement also applies at other federal facilities and military bases.

To receive an Oregon REAL ID version of an Oregon credential, you must visit an OR DMV branch. Residents of OR are encouraged to consider if they would like to switch to a REAL ID credential when it’s time to renew their license or replacement their license or identification card, especially if they have plans of traveling by plane in the future.

If you would like a REAL ID credential, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. You will receive your new card in the mail. You should plan at least 4 months ahead.

Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in Oregon?

Obtaining an Oregon REAL ID is OPTIONAL. If you have valid documents that are accepted by the TSA, you can use them to pass TSA checkpoints at airport terminals nationwide and visit secure federal buildings or military installations at any time.

If you will NOT be boarding a domestic flight or visiting a secure federal facility or military base, you are NOT required to have a REAL ID-compliant Oregon driver’s license or identification card.

You are NOT required to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card in Oregon to perform any of the following actions:

  • Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services
  • Enter a federal facility that does NOT require ID (such as a post office)
  • Operate a motor vehicle
  • Vote
  • Apply for or receive federal benefits (Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Affairs, etc.)

How Do You Prepare to Apply for an Oregon REAL ID Card?

Oregon REAL IDs have a start in the upper right corner of the front of the driver’s license or ID card. You must visit your local OR DMV branch to obtain your REAL ID credential. If you choose to upgrade to a REAL ID earlier than 1 year before the expiration of your current card, you will be charged a replacement license or ID fee and your license or ID will NOT be renewed.

You need to visit your local OR DMV with the following:

  • Proof of identity, which can be your:
    • U.S. passport
    • U.S birth certificate
    • Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
  • Proof of your Social Security Number, which can be:
    • Social security card
    • W-2 or 1099 tax form
    • Paystub
  • 2 documents that prove your Oregon residency, which can include your:
    • License or ID that has NOT expired more than 1 year
    • Utility statement (electric bill, gas bill, etc.)
    • Document issued by an insurance company or educational institution
  • Proof of name change (if applicable), which can include a:
    • Marriage or divorce certificate
    • Death certificate of a spouse
    • Court-issued adoption decree
    • Payment for the applicable license or ID fee

Oregon REAL ID Fees

The fee for a REAL ID in Oregon is an additional $30 added to the cost of your OR license or ID. This fee will be owed each time your REAL ID is renewed.

  • First-time driver’s license: $60 + $30 REAL ID fee =$90
  • Renew a non-commercial license: $40 + $30 REAL ID Fee =$70
  • Renew a non-commercial license with a motorcycle endorsement: $68 + $30 + REAL ID fee = $98
  • Renew a non-driver ID: $40.50 + $30 REAL ID fee = $70.50
  • Renew a commercial license: $61 + $30 REAL ID fee = $91
  • Renew a moped license: $40 + $30 REAL ID fee = $70

If you upgrade to a REAL ID earlier than 1 year before your card expires, you will be charged for a replacement card AND the REAL ID fee. Be advised that replacing your card will NOT extend the expiration date.

  • Replace a non-commercial license: $26.00 + $30 REAL ID fee = $56
  • Replace a moped license: $26 + $30 REAL ID fee = $56
  • Replace a non-driver ID $39.50 + $30 REAL ID fee = $69.50

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Oregon

If you want to operate a commercial vehicle, you must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The Oregon DMV requires a CDL for the operation of vehicles that weigh at least 26,001 lbs., vehicles carrying at least 16 passengers including the driver, and vehicles that are used to transport hazardous materials.

Exceptions for Farm Vehicles and Emergency Personnel

There are CDL exceptions for farm vehicles, police, and other emergency personnel, including the following:

  • Recreational vehicles (RVs) operated only for personal use
  • Certain farm vehicles when the driver is operating within a farm property
  • Emergency fire vehicles that are operated by firefighters
  • Emergency vehicles operated by emergency service workers

Can I Get an Oregon CDL if I Have a CDL From a Different State?

A driver who is new to OR must obtain the Oregon Driver’s Manual (found here), provide proof of identification and OR residency, pass the Class C non-commercial general knowledge test, pass the vision screening test, submit their out-of-state CDL, and pay the applicable fees.

The OR DMV may waive the driving test if the same driving privileges are being granted in Oregon as in the previous state. To retain a hazardous materials endorsement, drivers are required to pass a TSA criminal background check.

What If I Lose My Oregon CDL?

If you’ve lost your OR CDL, you can visit a standard or full-service OR DMV and have it replaced for a fee of $26.50, given you have a photo on file, or you present acceptable identification.

How Much Does It Cost to Obtain a CDL in Oregon?

Individuals who want to obtain an OR CDL must pay for the basic and other appropriate knowledge tests.

  • Knowledge tests: $10 each
  • Driving test: $70
  • The Certificate of Test Completion: $40
  • License fee: $75.50 (if you already have an OR driver’s license)
  • CDL renewals: $61.50 (replacements: $26.50)
  • Test to remove the air brakes restriction: $56

Oregon CDL Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an Oregon CDL, you must do the following:

  • Have a valid, non-CDL driver’s license
  • Have at least 1 year of driving experience
  • Be the proper age for the type of driving you wish to do:
    • At least 18 years of age to drive intrastate (within Oregon ONLY)
    • At least 21 years of age (between state lines)
  • Provide the OR DMV with proof of the following:
    • Your full legal name
      • U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency
      • Identity
      • Date of birth
      • Oregon residency

Oregon Commercial Learner’s Permit

To obtain your Oregon commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must first obtain your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). This process can be complicated, so you may want to consider taking a CDL educational course to help you be as successful as possible.

When you’re ready, you must schedule an appointment with your local OR DMV branch and be prepared to do the following:

  • Bring the proper identification documents
  • Have your medical paperwork ready
  • Complete a Commercial Driver’s License Application (click here)
  • Pay the $23 CLP application fee
  • Pass the OR vision screening
  • Agree to a driving record check

You must also pass all written exams at this time for the class of CDL you want, plus any endorsement you want to add to your license. There will be additional fees, including:

  • $10 knowledge test fee
  • Endorsements (fees vary)

Once you complete the above-listed steps, you will officially have your commercial learner’s permit. Congratulations!

Commercial Learner’s Permit Restrictions in Oregon

The saying that practice makes perfect is true in this situation. There are rules you must follow while you have your CLP. You are restricted to only operating your vehicle on public roads, and you must be accompanied by a full CDL holder who is at least 21 years of age and licensed to operate the same class of commercial vehicle.

You must wait at least 14 days before you can take the skills test that is required to earn your full CDL in Oregon. If you need more time, that’s fine. Your CLP will be valid for 1 year, but it is NOT renewable, so make sure you don’t wait too long to complete the skills test.

Obtaining Your Oregon CDL

The last step you must take to receive your official CDL is to complete the skills exam. Third-party testers have their own set of rules and individual testing fees. If you choose to take your test through the Oregon DMV, you must schedule an appointment and visit your local OR DMV and do the following:

  • Present your medical information
  • Have your OR driver’s license with you
  • Bring your CLP
  • Pay the $70 skills exam fee (additional test completion fees may apply)

Make sure you arrange to take the exam in the same class of vehicle you want to operate with your CDL. Otherwise, you risk having a restriction placed on your CDL until you re-test to remove it. This test consists of different parts, including:

  • Pre-trip vehicle inspection
  • Basic control skills
  • On-road driving test

Once the above steps are complete, you will officially be a full CDL holder. Congratulations!

Oregon CDL Fees

The OR DMV currently charges the following fees for CDLs and related services:

  • Commercial learner’s permit application: $23
  • Knowledge test: $10
  • Skills test (if taken with the OR DMV): $70
  • Certificate of test completion: $40
  • Commercial driver’s license: if converting an Oregon license: $75 – if you’re converting an out-of-state license: $135

The fees for an endorsement vary. Make sure you have the correct payment if you’re applying for an endorsement.

CDL Medical Requirements

All applicants for an Oregon CDL must be deemed physically fit before they can operate a commercial vehicle that requires a CDL. To be considered medically certified, you must complete the following forms:

  • Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) – this form must be completed by an FMCSA-approved physician

You must take care of your medical paperwork requirements BEFORE you apply for your CLP. You need to have your CLP with you when you go to your DMV appointment.

Military CDL Testing Waivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the OR DMV Services Division developed a plan to help specific service members receive a CDL easily by waiving the skills test. To qualify, you must be currently enlisted in a position where you primarily drive military commercial vehicles or have been discharged from the said position within 12 months of applying.

To apply, you need to complete the Oregon Application for Military Skills Test Waiver (Form 735-7390). Your commanding officer will also need to sign your application. Bring this form with you when you apply for your CLP.

Be advised that eligible applicants must still pass all written exams and pay all applicable fees. Road tests for passengers and school bus endorsements are NOT excepted.

Federal Self-Certification Requirements

You must self-certify the type of vehicle you’ll be operating with the OR DMV, which means you are required to self-certify one of the following driving categories:

  • Non-excepted interstate
  • Excepted interstate
  • Non-excepted intrastate
  • Excepted intrastate

Applying for an Oregon Motorcycle License

In Oregon, if you want to drive a motorcycle on the roads and highways of Oregon, you’ll need to obtain a motorcycle license.

New Residents of Oregon

As a new resident of Oregon, if you already have a motorcycle endorsement or license from a different state, you can transfer it by visiting your local OR DMV branch by doing the following:

  • Surrendering your out-of-state motorcycle license
  • Provide proof of the following:
    • Full name and birth date
    • Legal presence in the U.S.
    • Social Security number
    • Oregon residency
    • Pay the $144 motorcycle licensing fee

What Counts as a Motorcycle?

If you currently possess any class of driver’s license, you are NOT required to obtain a motorcycle endorsement or permit for the following:

  • Autocycles
  • Mopeds
  • Electric-assisted bicycles

Oregon Motorcycle License Eligibility

To be eligible to receive an Oregon motorcycle endorsement, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Attain an Oregon driver’s license
  • Complete a TEAM OREGON motorcycle education course
  • Pay all the applicable motorcycle endorsement fees

Once you complete each of the eligibility requirements above, you will be on track to receiving your OR motorcycle endorsement. You can also apply for a motorcycle instruction permit, which gives you the ability to practice riding your motorcycle before you receive your motorcycle endorsement.

You must have a motorcycle endorsement or permit to operate a motorized bike that can travel at least 30 mph on level ground and/or has an engine displacement of more than 50CC. Be advised that in Oregon, you are NOT required to have a motorcycle endorsement to ride a moped, electric-assisted bike, or an autocycle that has 3 wheels, a steering wheel, a non-straddled seat, and a manufacturer-installed 3-point safety harness or belt IF you currently have any class of driver’s license. Any other type of motorcycle requires an endorsement.

Oregon Motorcycle Instruction Permit

Although it is not required before obtaining your motorcycle endorsement, you can choose to receive an Oregon motorcycle instruction permit to receive supervised practice riding your motorcycle. You must be at least 16 years of age to do so.

You need to visit your local OR DMV branch and do the following:

  • Present your current OR driver’s license
  • Provide proof of the following:
    • Your full legal name
    • Oregon residency and legal U.S. presence
  • Pass the written motorcycle knowledge test and vision test
  • Pay the $23 motorcycle permit fee

Your Oregon motorcycle instruction permit is valid for 1 year. You can now receive supervised practice riding your motorcycle before applying for your endorsement.

Oregon Motorcycle Permit Restrictions

Before you head out and have a night on the town on your motorcycle, there are restrictions you must follow. As a motorcycle permit holder, you are prohibited from riding:

  • Without a supervisor who is at least 21 years old and holds a valid motorcycle endorsement. Your supervisor must ride on a separate motorcycle while closely monitoring you.
  • During the night or when lighting is not ideal
  • With passengers
  • Without an OR DMV-approved motorcycle helmet

Oregon Motorcycle Education

A TEAM Oregon motorcycle education course is required for all Oregon motorcycle endorsement applicants UNLESS you’ll ONLY be riding a motorcycle with 3 wheels. TEAM Oregon offers classes for all levels of experience, and if you are a beginner, the Basic Course will teach you valuable skills, such as:

  • Turning, shifting, and stopping
  • Assessing risky paths for riding
  • Communicating with other drivers
  • Dealing with emergencies

How to Get an Oregon Motorcycle License

After you’ve completed the required motorcycle education course and meet the Oregon licensing eligibility requirements, you can visit your local OR DMV branch and present the following:

  • Certificate of TEAM Oregon course completion (this is not required if your motorcycle/bike has 3 wheels)
  • Current Oregon driver’s license
  • Proof of the following:
    • Identity, legal name, and date of birth
    • Social Security number
    • Oregon residency and legal presence
  • Payment for the applicable OR motorcycle endorsement fee

Once you complete these steps, you will receive your OR motorcycle endorsement. Congratulations! This endorsement will expire when your standard OR driver’s license expires.

Oregon Motorcycle Endorsement Fees

The fees that are associated with receiving your Oregon motorcycle endorsement are as follows:

  • Motorcycle instruction permit: $23
  • Motorcycle endorsement on an existing Oregon driver’s license: $87
  • New Oregon driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement: $144

Oregon DOT and DMV Locations

In Oregon, you may be required to visit the Department of Transportation and/or the Department of Motor Vehicles location to handle your licensing transactions, so we’ve listed a DOT location and a few DMV locations.

Oregon Department of Transportation

123 NW Flanders St.
Oregon, OR 97209
(503) 731-8200
Call for business hours

DMV – Portland Branch
10280 SW Park Way
Portland, OR 97225
(503) 299-9999
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Wednesday (10 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

DMV – Salem Branch
1905 Lana Ave NE.
Salem, OR 97314
(503) 945-5000
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

DMV – South Salem Branch
4825 Commercial St. SE.
Ste. 120
Salem, OR 97302
(503) 945-5000
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Wednesday (10 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

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