Usually a drivers license or ID card renewal in Oregon requires a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Starting as soon as May 5, the agency says, most Oregonians will be able to renew these documents online.
The DMV will use the photo that’s on file and mail out the physical card in about two weeks.
Spokesperson David House said the new process will help the agency work through its backlog of other kinds of transactions that have been slowed due to the coronavirus.
“It frees up appointment times at DMV offices, which are still limited by the COVID-19 restrictions,” he said. “And so this will help everybody, not just the people taking advantage of the convenience but also every other DMV customer as well.”
People who want to upgrade to a so-called “Real ID” license will still need to make an in-person visit, as will drivers who want to add a motorcycle or farm endorsement.
“We don’t know if this will be a permanent change,” House said. But regardless of whether or not the Oregon DMV offers this long-term, “if you renew online this time, then the next time you renew you’ll have to come in person, because your photo will be 16 years old by that time.”
Copyright 2021 Oregon Public Broadcasting
