Oregon issues driver’s licenses for eight-year periods, regardless of age. There is no maximum age limit for renewal, and seniors are not automatically disqualified from driving due to age alone. However, special requirements apply to drivers aged 50 and older. If you will be 50 or older when your license expires, you must pass a vision screening as part of your renewal process.
This vision test checks both your visual acuity (with corrective lenses, if needed) and your field of vision. To renew, you must demonstrate at least 20/70 vision and a field of vision of at least 110 degrees.
Renewal Methods: In Person and Online
You can renew your Oregon driver’s license either in person or online, provided you meet certain eligibility criteria. For in-person renewals, you must bring proof of identity and Oregon residency, complete the renewal application, pass the vision test if you are 50 or older, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. You will be issued a temporary license on the spot, with your permanent card arriving by mail within a few weeks.
Online renewal is available if you do not need to change your address, photo, height, or weight, and if you are not seeking a Real ID or have certain endorsements. For drivers 50 and older who renew online, the vision test requirement is postponed until your next in-person renewal. This allows more seniors to use the online system, but you will need to pass the vision screening at your next in-person renewal.
Special Rules and Restrictions for Older Drivers
While Oregon does not impose additional road or knowledge tests solely based on age, the DMV can place restrictions on your license if deemed necessary for safety. The most common restriction is the requirement to wear corrective lenses while driving. Other restrictions may be applied based on your health or driving ability, as determined by the DMV.
Potential Federal Changes in 2025
There are discussions of a new federal law taking effect in July 2025 that could impact license renewal for seniors nationwide. If enacted, this law would require drivers aged 70 and older to renew their licenses more frequently and undergo additional testing, including vision, cognitive, and potentially road tests.
The proposed system would require renewals every four years for those aged 70–80, every three years for those aged 81–86, and annually for those 87 and older, with increasing test requirements at each stage. However, as of now, these changes are not yet in effect in Oregon and state rules remain as described above.
Grace Period and Late Renewals
Oregon allows you to renew your license up to 12 months before or after its expiration date. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must apply for a new license, pay all original fees, and retake the required tests.
Key Takeaways
Seniors in Oregon must renew their driver’s license every eight years and pass a vision screening if they are 50 or older. Online renewal is possible under certain conditions, with the vision test deferred until the next in-person renewal for older drivers. There is no automatic loss of driving privileges due to age, but safety-based restrictions may be applied individually. Stay informed about potential federal.
Sources
[1] https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/oregon-driving-laws-seniors-older-drivers.html
[2] https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/online_quick_tips/driver_information.aspx
[3] https://helloskip.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-renewing-your-oregon-driver-license
[4] https://zutobi.com/us/or-car/driver-guides/oregon-drivers-license-renewal
[5] https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORDOT/bulletins/2c82677
