How to Get an Oregon Driver’s License Reinstatement

To have your Oregon driver’s license reinstated, you must pay a fee of $75 and meet any other requirements set out by the court.
Written by Holden Easterbrook
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
background
If you need to get your driver’s license reinstated in Oregon, you’ll need to pay a fee of $75. Be sure to fulfill any additional requirements mandated by the court as well.
When your driver’s license is suspended, it can feel like the world has been turned inside out—getting to work on time becomes an endeavor and simple errands eat up most of your day. To set things right, you’ll need to get your license reinstated, but that’s easier said than done.
If you’re confused by Oregon’s reinstatement process, have no fear. The
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Why you might need a license reinstatement in Oregon

The
Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles
has the power to revoke or suspend your driver’s license for many reasons—failure to appear in court, multiple traffic offenses, even missing child support payments. Regardless of the reason, you’ll likely want to get your driving privileges reinstated as soon as possible.
Though you will need to serve the duration of your license suspension and pay a $75 fee in all cases, there are additional requirements for specific infractions. Understanding what’s expected of you and the steps you must take is vital for getting your license reinstated promptly.
If you’re unsure of the current status of your Oregon driver’s license, you can
check it online
through the state’s DMV website.

How to get a license reinstatement in Oregon

The first step toward getting your Oregon driver’s license reinstated is to thoroughly read your Suspension Notice. This should have been delivered to the mailing address on file with the Oregon DMV. Making sense of the notice can be difficult, so it’s a good idea to check out the
official guide
for help interpreting it.

Failure to appear reinstatement

If you’ve missed a required court appearance in either Oregon or Washington, you could have your license suspended for 10 years or until the DMV receives evidence that the court has cleared your case.
If this happens, you can only get your license reinstated by:
  • Returning your driver’s license to the local DMV
  • Contacting the court that issued the suspension and rescheduling your appearance
  • Appearing in court and obtaining an official clearance document to be given to the DMV (document may be sent electronically)
  • Paying your reinstatement fee of $75
If you’ve fallen behind on child support payments, the Oregon Child Support Program will have the DMV suspend your driver’s license.
To get your license reinstated, you’ll need to:
  • Surrender your driver’s license to the DMV
  • Contact the
    Oregon Child Support Program
    to discuss your options for getting your license reinstated
  • Pay a $75 reinstatement fee
If you’re charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII), your driver’s license will often be suspended for some time. The exact period will be determined by the severity of your offense.
To have your license reinstated, you’ll have to:
  • Turn your driver’s license over to the DMV
  • Serve out the period of your license suspension
  • Pay your reinstatement fee of $75
  • Have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle (may or may not be required by the court)
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How to get a hardship permit in Oregon

Though it’s important to accept the consequences of your actions, life goes on whether or not you have a driver’s license. If you need a vehicle for work or something else, you may be granted a hardship permit that will allow you to drive—so long as you follow certain restrictions.
If you want to find out if you’re eligible for a hardship permit,
contact the Oregon DMV
for more information. Be aware, however, that you cannot receive a hardship permit if your license was suspended due to a traffic crime.

How to apply for a hardship permit

To receive a hardship permit, you must wait to apply until the license suspension is in effect. Once it is, you’ll need to:
  • Attach all the required documentation
  • Include a fee payment (check or money order)
  • Mail the application, documents, and fee payment to: DMV - Driver Suspension Unit, 1905 Lana Avenue NE, Salem, OR 97314
In some cases, you may be required to serve out your mandatory suspension period before you can apply.

What is an SR-22 certificate?

While it is not always required, you may need to purchase SR-22 auto insurance as part of your driver’s license reinstatement process.
The purpose of SR-22 coverage is to provide proof that you are meeting the requirements of
Oregon’s minimum liability insurance laws
. This will be given to the DMV to fulfill your reinstatement requirements.
It’s important to note that adding SR-22 coverage to your car insurance will cause your rates to skyrocket. So be ready.
MORE: How to fill out and file an SR-22

How to find affordable car insurance in Oregon

When you get your driver’s license reinstated, don’t think that life will go back to how it was. While you may be able to drive again, your car insurance provider will remember this blemish on your driving record and factor it in when determining your rates. To avoid overpaying for your car insurance, download
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As a licensed insurance broker and
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If that’s not enough to convince you, then check this out: The average Jerry user saves over $800 a year on car insurance. Go to Jerry and start raking in the savings today!
“My speeding ticket raised my insurance to $310/month.
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