How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Massachusetts

HOW TO RENEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

A Massachusetts Motorcycle License can be renewed online or in person at any RMV Full Service office in the State. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles notifies owners of the expiration date of their motorcycle license by mail, approximately two months in advance.

WHEN TO RENEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

Your Massachusetts motorcycle license is valid for five years and expires on your birthday. It is advisable to renew your license before the birthday on which it will expire. You can renew your motorcycle license up to a year leading up to its expiration.

TO RENEW IN PERSON

You must:

Bring a completed application form.
Bring your current motorcycle license.
Pass a vision screening test.
Provide your SSN or updated Social Security Denial Notice (not more than 30 days old).
Pay the renewal fee.

You will be issued a temporary motorcycle license during renewal which is valid for 30 days but it cannot be used for identification purposes. Your new Photo-Imaging License will be mailed to you within five to seven days.

TO RENEW VIA THE INTERNET

You can renew your Massachusetts motorcycle license online, but only every other renewal period, i.e., only every ten years.

You will need a valid e-mail address, your current motorcycle license and appropriate documentation to renew online. Payment can be charged to your Visa, MasterCard or Discover.

You are not eligible for online renewal if:

Your license photo is more than nine years old or was taken before your 21st birthday.
You do not have an SSN.
You hold a commercial driver's license.
You have initiated an online Change of Address transaction but have not received a confirmation e-mail yet.
You need to change your name.
You want to change your organ donor status as indicated on your current motorcycle license.
You want to register to vote.
Your motorcycle license is currently under suspension or has been revoked in any other state.
You have a medical condition which may affect your ability to safely drive a motor vehicle. For more information refer to the medical affairs section of the RMV website.

Outstanding parking tickets and warrants, unpaid child support, fast lane violations and unpaid excise taxes, etc. can also be reasons for rejection of your motorcycle license renewal application in Massachusetts.

HOW TO REPLACE YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

A Massachusetts Motorcycle License can be replaced online, on the phone by calling the RMV telephone center, or in person at any RMV office 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 proper identification. The state of Massachusetts requires that you present at least four documents that should include your Social Security card or valid current passport, proof of date of birth, signature, and residence. Identification is not required if your motorcycle license is photo-imaged. Persons under the age of 18 need not present proof of residence or signature.
Bring the correct fee. Please contact your local RMV office to confirm the fee before applying in person, since fees may vary.
If your motorcycle license will expire within the next one year, you can renew your instead of applying for a replacement.

Note: Massachusetts residents who are temporarily out of state and unable to apply in person may apply for a duplicate motorcycle license by calling (617) 351-4500 or through the mail. Such persons may include military personnel or students who are either out of the state or country, among others.

Download and complete the application form from the Massachusetts RMV website.
Obtain a check or money order in the correct amount, made payable to: Registry of Motor Vehicles. Please contact the RMV Telephone Center to confirm the correct fee, as fees may vary.
Mail the completed form with your name, motorcycle license number, out of state address and telephone number, along with your payment to:
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Registry of Motor Vehicles
Customer Assistance Bureau

P.O. Box 55889

Boston, MA, 02203    
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The duplicate motorcycle license will be processed and mailed to you in approximately 10 business days.

TO REPLACE VIA THE INTERNET

If you have a Massachusetts photo-imaged motorcycle license, you can apply for a duplicate online at the RMV website. You will need to provide your Social Security number, name and date of birth. A major credit card will be needed to make the payment of the replacement fee.

Note: If you do not have a photo-imaged license or a credit card, you have to apply for a replacement in person.

TO REPLACE BY TELEPHONE

If you have a Massachusetts photo-imaged motorcycle license, you can apply for a duplicate on the phone by calling the RMV telephone center. You will need to provide your Social Security number, name and date of birth. A major credit card will be needed to make the payment.