State to Allow ‘Grace Period’ for Expired Driver Licenses and More

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To reduce Oregonians’ need to visit a DMV office during the current public health emergency, the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Driver and Motor Vehicles Division has partnered with Oregon law enforcement agencies to exercise discretion in their enforcement of driver licenses, vehicle registrations and trip permits that expire during the COVID-19 emergency declared by Gov. Kate Brown.

The Oregon State Police, Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, and Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association have all agreed to support this “grace period” for enforcing expired credentials.

“Our top priority is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and maintaining the health and safety of the public and our employees,” said ODOT Director Kris Strickler.

“During this current public health emergency, times are hard enough,” said OSP Superintendent Travis Hampton. “The added stress of driving without a valid license or registration is one barrier we can eliminate. Our mission is to protect, not unnecessarily penalize, Oregonians.”

Transactions falling within this request include the following that would expire during the COVID-19 emergency declared by Brown on March 8, 2020:

  • Driver license and identification cards
  • Passenger vehicle registrations
  • Commercial vehicle registrations
  • Trip permits
  • Disabled parking permits

Until the emergency is over, Oregon law enforcement agencies and associations have agreed to exercise flexibility and discretion when reviewing driver licenses, ID cards, and vehicle registrations during this time of public health emergency.

DMV also accepts many transactions through the mail, and have phone agents (503-945-5000) for assistance