Oregon DMV
ID cards and a shelter letter option for proof of address. Fee waiver for people experiencing homelessness with a form from a qualifying nonprofit.
Official page: oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/driverid/idproof.aspx
Getting an ID and Documents Back in Oregon: DMV, Birth Certificate and Mail
How to get an Oregon ID card with no fee if you are homeless, use a shelter letter as proof of address, order a free birth certificate through a provider, and get a mailing address.
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Hi friend. Losing your ID makes everything harder. Oregon has special rules that can help people who are homeless get ID and papers back, often for free.
Quick answers
Can I get an Oregon ID card with no fee if I'm homeless?
Oregon law says the DMV may not charge a fee to issue or renew an ID card, or to give two replacements, for a person experiencing homelessness. You show a form that says you qualify, from a nonprofit that serves people experiencing homelessness. The waiver does not cover driver license fees.
Official page: apps.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB3026
What can I use as proof of where I live?
A homeless shelter can give you an approved letter that certifies your residence address. It must be dated within 60 days of your application. The DMV accepts similar letters from transitional service providers, halfway houses and Oregon State Hospital. Accepted documents can change, so check with the DMV.
Official page: oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/driverid/idproof.aspx
How do I get my birth certificate for free?
Since July 1, 2018, people experiencing homelessness can contact a participating Oregon homeless service provider to order their own birth certificate at no cost. Go to a provider first, because you can't get the free certificate by going straight to Vital Records. The provider helps with the form and documents.
Official page: oregon.gov/OHA/PH/BIRTHDEATHCERTIFICATES/GETVITALRECORDS/Pages/homeless-resources.aspx
Where can I get mail while I'm homeless?
The Transition Projects Resource Center in Portland holds mail Monday to Friday, with a Transition Projects ID card. Address it to 650 NW Irving Street, to the attention of the person. The Oregon Department of Justice also has a free mail forwarding service for survivors of domestic violence.
Official page: tprojects.org/resource-center
Where do I call the DMV?
The Oregon DMV phone number is 503 945 5000. Make checks and money orders payable to Oregon DMV.
Official page: oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/fees/index.aspx
Your next steps
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All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: start with the birth certificate. Many other papers, like the ID card, are easier once you have it in hand.
Who to call in Oregon
Here are official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Oregon Health Authority, Free Birth Certificate Program
Contact a participating homeless service provider. The page links to a map and a list of providers.
Official page: oregon.gov/OHA/PH/BIRTHDEATHCERTIFICATES/GETVITALRECORDS/Pages/homeless-resources.aspx
Transition Projects Resource Center
Mail pickup on weekdays with a Transition Projects ID card. The county also lists ID support at the Resource Center.
Official page: tprojects.org/resource-center
211info (Oregon 211)
Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to ask for a service provider who can give you the fee waiver form.
Official page: oregon.gov/odhs/pages/office-finder.aspx
1 800 RUNAWAY
Can help connect youth to the Vital Document Legal Hotline for IDs and birth certificates.
Official page: 1800runaway.org
More help in Oregon
Housing help in Oregon (rent, eviction, utilities)Find Help in Oregon: Where to Start with 211, SNAP, OHP and IDEmergency Shelter Tonight in Oregon: Portland, Eugene and How to Get HelpNo cost Food Help in Oregon: SNAP, WIC and Food BanksNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in OregonJobs and Job Training in Oregon: WorkSource, Job Corps and Free HelpFree and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Help in OregonDomestic Violence Help in Oregon: Safety, Shelter and Legal HelpHelp for Veterans in Oregon: Housing, Health and BenefitsHelp for Youth and Young Adults in Oregon: Shelter, Food and SupportFree and Low Cost Phones and Internet in Oregon: Oregon Lifeline and LibrariesFree Legal and Tenant Help in Oregon: Eviction, Benefits and CourtHow to Make Blessing Bags in Oregon: Safe Food, Water and Weather Tips
Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.