How to Check If Your Traffic Debt Was Forgiven

This article is part of a guide to getting your license back if it was suspended for unpaid traffic fines. Go here to start at the beginning.

If your driver's license is suspended because of unpaid court fines or fees, you may be able to fix the problem and get back on the road. 

• Oregon's government automatically forgave the traffic debt of thousands of Oregonians, clearing the way for many to start legally driving again.
• This article will help you find out if your debt was forgiven and what you can do next to get your license back.

Who qualifies for debt forgiveness? You may qualify if all of the following are true:

• You had a traffic violation in Oregon (not a traffic crime or felony).
• Your license was suspended for not paying the ticket (Failure to Comply) or for not appearing in court (Failure to Appear).
• The violation happened before October 1, 2020.
• You had an Oregon address on file with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
• Your license is currently suspended or you now have an Oregon ID or hardship permit.

Watch this 5-minute video for more on how these orders work and how to get help from the DMV or a lawyer. 

How to check if your fines were forgiven

Governors Kate Brown and Tina Kotek forgave millions in unpaid traffic fines in two special orders called remission orders. These orders list the names of everyone whose debt was forgiven.

You have two ways of finding out whether you were included:

Check the orders online.

1. Go to the DMV's "Fine Remittance" page here.
2. Open both Governor Brown's and Governor Kotek's remission orders, which are linked on that page. 
3. Each order has a long list of names and case numbers. Search for your name using Ctrl+F (or Command+F on a Mac). 
4. Try searching first for your last name. If you had tickets in different courts, your name might be listed more than once. Check different spellings, in case court records have it wrong.

Call the DMV.

• Call the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at 503-945-5000 if you have trouble searching the lists or you're not sure what to look for. 
• Ask if you were included in the Governor's remission orders and whether you have any active license suspensions.

What to do if your name is on the list

If you found your name, that means your traffic court debt in that case was forgiven.

• Remember, your name may appear more than once if you have traffic debt with multiple courts.
• You don't need to do anything to get the fine removed. The court should have already sent a notice to the DMV that your case was cleared.

But this doesn't mean you can automatically start driving. You still need to check with the DMV and follow their steps to get your license back.

How to check the status of your license:

• Go to the DMV's website here. Scroll down to "Status Check Tools" and go to "Check my driving privilege."
• You can also call the DMV at 503-945-5000.

If the DMV says your license status is:

• Eligible: You can apply for a license.
• Valid: Your license is active. If you need a replacement card, you can order one.
• Expired: You can renew it online if it has been expired for less than 2 years. If it has been more than 2 years, you may need to apply for a new license.
• Suspended: Courts may not have updated the DMV about all cases yet. Wait a few days and check again. If your status stays suspended, contact the DMV and ask which courts have not cleared your suspension.

If your name is not on the list

You may still be able to get help. Many courts in Oregon are willing to help people get their license back, even if they can't pay all their traffic fines. You can ask the court to reduce or forgive your debt, or set up a payment plan.

Need help?

• Search our legal directory to find free or low-cost legal help in your area.
• You can also call the DMV at 503-945-5000 or contact a customer service representative using the "Ask DMV a Question" on the DMV website.

Next Steps: