It is important to replace a motorcycle license following any event that may render your current license lost, stolen or damaged. In most states, it is unlawful to operate a motorcycle without a valid license or permit. In many states, you may receive severe consequences for doing so. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the most common ways that a replacement can be requested, as well as the documentation that you may need to provide and the fees that you can likely expect.

A motorcycle license replacement may be requested online, by mail, over the phone or in person, depending on the state that you reside in. While some states limit the amount of replacement methods that they provide to residents, a number of states provide most of these methods. Additionally, a variety of states will provide extra options to residents that are temporarily located outside of the state.

Documents Required to Replace a Motorcycle License

Motorcycle license replacement documents are not uncommon in the United States. While a handful of states will attempt to verify your identity using your personal information, signature and previous license photo, other states will ask you to provide documentation to prove your identity. Commonly accepted proofs of identity include, but are not limited to:

  • A certified United States birth certificate.
  • A valid U.S. or foreign passport.
  • A valid permanent resident card.
  • A certificate of naturalization.
  • A certificate of citizenship.

When replacing a motorcycle license, some states may instead ask you to provide proof of your legal signature or proof of address. However, proof of address is generally only required if you have changed residential addresses since the last time your license was issued. If your name no longer matches the name that was on your previous license, you will also be required to provide proof of a name change.

How to Replace a Motorcycle License Online

In order to learn how to replace a motorcycle license, it is important to recognize the most common ways that states provide duplicate licenses. Where it is provided, an online request is the most convenient as it can be completed in the comfort of your own home and on your own time. In most cases, an online transaction will provide you with a temporary license that you may use until your new license is delivered to you by mail.

How to Replace a Motorcycle License by Mail

While the duplicate motorcycle license fee is generally the same if submitting a request by mail, your state may limit the type of payment methods that you can use, typically to check or money order. While a by-mail request is a commonly provided replacement method, it is generally used by those who are currently out of state due to the lengthy amount of time that it can take to obtain a new license.

With a mail-in option, there is generally not a way for you to obtain a temporary permit while you await your new license. However, some states do provide the option of receiving a temporary license by email or fax after your request has been processed.

How to Replace a Motorcycle License in Person

You can always replace a motorcycle license in person, regardless of what state you reside in. Most states will have you visit your local driver license station, but other states may require you to visit a third party provider. Generally, when requesting a replacement in person, you will need to provide proof of identity, your fee and complete an application.

Several states allow you to complete an application ahead of time if you print out an application online or request one by phone or mail. Some states permit appointments to help reduce the amount of time that you can expect to wait.

How to Replace a Motorcycle License by Phone

In some states, you can apply for a duplicate motorcycle license over the phone by providing your local driver licensing office with personal information that verifies your identity. When this option is available, it can be a convenient method to submit your request quickly, but you will likely not receive a temporary license while you await your new license. Some DMVs will allow you to call the office and request an application for a replacement license by phone.

Out-of-State Motorcycle License Replacement

If you need to replace a motorcycle license but you are currently temporarily out of the state or country, your state may provide additional options for you. The most common out-of-state replacement methods include by mail, fax and email. In some cases, these options may be available to you, even when they are not generally available to residents within the state.

How to Replace a Motorcycle Permit

In many cases, you can replace a motorcycle license permit in the same manner as you can replace a license. However, some states will restrict permit replacements to certain methods, such as visiting your local office in person. Additionally, fees can sometimes differ as replacement permits are often cheaper that a duplicate license.

How to Report a Lost Motorcycle License

In the event of a lost motorcycle license, you are strongly encouraged to file a report with your local law enforcement agency. There are several states that will require you to do so before a new license can be issued and a handful of states will even waive your duplicate license fee if you provide a copy of your police report. Even when a police report is not required, filing a report can help protect you from identity theft. In the event of fraudulent chargers, a police report will satisfy most creditors.

Motorcycle License Replacement Fees

It is important to ask, “How much does it cost to replace a motorcycle license?” as each state may have its own fees associated with duplicate licenses and permits. Generally, a duplicate motorcycle license fee will be a flat fee that does not change based upon the amount of time that your license will remain valid.

In some cases, it may be more cost effective to apply for a license renewal instead of a duplicate license, if you are eligible to do so. While each state sets its own fees for duplicate license, that amount is generally between $10 and $30. Additionally, a number of states will charge an additional fee for any payments made with a credit or debit card.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 5 2019.

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