Debt Cleared? How to Get Your Oregon Driver's License Back
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 Oregon driver's license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, but your debt has been paid off, cleared, or forgiven, you're one step closer to getting your license back. But you won't get it back automatically.
Follow the steps below to complete the process.
- Check if the courts have sent notice to the DMV
- Understand what your license status means
- Pay your "reinstatement" fee
- Check whether you need to take any tests
- Once you have your license back
- If you've done everything, but it still says suspended (or you need other help)
Check if the courts have sent notice to the DMV
If you owed debt to a court, and the debt was cleared either through a government order, a court order, or because you paid or worked it off, the court must tell the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that your case is cleared. This can take a few weeks.
Option 1: Check the status of your license online at dmv2u.oregon.gov.
- Scroll down to "Status Check Tools."
- Select "Check my driving privilege."
Option 2: Call the DMV at 503-945-5000.
Understand what your license status means
If your license status says suspended:
- Some courts might not have told the DMV that your fines are cleared. Wait a few days and check again.
- If it's still suspended, ask the DMV which court hasn't cleared your record, and call that court.
If your license is in one of the three categories below, that means it is not suspended:
- Valid: This means you can currently use your license to drive. If you lost yours or need a replacement, you can order one.
- Eligible: This means you can apply now for a new license.
- Expired: If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it online. If it's been more than two years, you must apply for a new license.
Pay your "reinstatement" fee
Most people must pay an $85 fee called a reinstatement fee to get their license back.
- Go here to pay online through DMV2U, or
- Call the DMV at 503-945-5000 and ask how to pay.
Check whether you need to take any tests
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to take a vision test, knowledge test, or driving test.
- Go to this DMV page to learn more about current requirements for getting a new driver's license.
Once you have your license back
- Always carry a valid driver's license or printed receipt when driving.
- Driving without proof of a valid license can lead to more fines or new charges.
If you've done everything, but it still says suspended (or you need other help)
- Call the DMV at 503-945-5000, or use the "Ask a Question" form on the DMV website.
- Talk to a lawyer. Search our legal directory for free or low-cost legal services in your area.