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How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Iowa

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

HOW TO RENEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

An Iowa Motorcycle License can be renewed in person at any driver license station in the State. The Iowa Department of Transportation notifies owners of the expiration date of their motorcycle license by mail in advance.

WHEN TO RENEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

Your Iowa motorcycle license is valid for five years and will generally expire on your birthday. If you are above 70 or below 18 years of age you are only issued a two year license. An Iowa motorcycle license is valid for another 60 days after expiry. It is advisable to renew your motorcycle license before the 60 day grace period is over, as after that you will have to take the knowledge test again. You can renew your license 30 days prior to expiration. (You may even renew it up to a year prior to expiration, but then you will have to explain your reasons). If you are renewing more than a year after your license expired, then you have to take the knowledge test, vision screening and the driving test.

TO RENEW IN PERSON

You must bring:

  • Your expiring motorcycle license or proof of identification if the expiring license is not available.
  • If your name has changed, documentation of the name change is required.
  • Appropriate renewal fee, payable by cash or check (credit or debit cards not accepted).
  • A vision screen is required for renewal.
Note: If you are temporarily out-of-state, an extension not to exceed six months can be requested by mailing An Application for Temporary Extension of Motor Vehicle License Form # 430027 to the address given below: 
Iowa Department of Transportation
Office of Driver Services
P O Box 9204
Des Moines, IA  50306-9204

HOW TO REPLACE YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

An Iowa Motorcycle License can be replaced in person at any driver license station in the State.

WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

You must replace your motorcycle license if your original license has been lost, stolen or destroyed.

TO REPLACE IN PERSON

You must:
  • Bring appropriate identification. The state of Iowa requires that you present one piece of primary ID and one piece of secondary ID when applying for a duplicate motorcycle license.
  • Bring the correct fee. Please contact your driver license station to confirm the fee before applying in person, since fees may vary.
  • If your motorcycle license will expire within the next 30 days, you can renew your license instead of applying for a duplicate.
Note: Iowa residents who are temporarily out of state and unable to apply in person may apply for a duplicate motorcycle license by calling the Office of Driver Services at (800) 532-1121. A temporary paper license will be mailed to you which can be used till you are able to visit an Iowa driver's license station in person to apply for a duplicate.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION