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How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Michigan

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

HOW TO RENEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

A Michigan Motorcycle License can be renewed by mail or in person at any SOS branch office in the State. The Michigan Secretary of State notifies owners of the expiration date of their motorcycle license by mail, approximately 45 days in advance.

WHEN TO RENEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

Your Michigan motorcycle license is valid for four years and will generally expire on your birthday. If you are under 21 years of age, your license will expire on your 21st birthday. It is advisable to renew your motorcycle license before it expires. You can renew your license up to one year before expiration.

TO RENEW IN PERSON

You need to renew your motorcycle license in person if:

  • You have developed any physical or mental condition that could affect your driving since your last renewal.
  • Any changes have to be made to your name, license type or endorsement.
  • You renewed by mail on the previous occasion.
To renew in person, you must:
  • Bring your expiring motorcycle license or acceptable proof of identity.
  • Pay the renewal fee in cash, check or money order at all Secretary of State Offices.
  • Pass a vision test (you may also be asked a few general health-related questions).
  • Have your picture taken.
  • Provide your Social Security Number (If you do not have an SSN, provide a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration and proof of legal presence).
Note: You cannot renew your motorcycle license if it has been revoked or suspended, or if your driving record shows six or more unpaid parking tickets.

TO RENEW BY U.S. MAIL

You are eligible to renew your motorcycle license by mail if you did not renew by mail on the previous occasion, possess a non-CDL license and are not on the sex offender registry. Whether you are eligible to renew by mail or not will be clearly stated in your renewal notice. A vision test is not necessary when renewing by mail. When you renew by mail, you should:
  • Provide your Social Security Number.
  • Write down your eye color, height and weight.
  • Update change in address, if any.
  • Make your money order or check payable to the State of Michigan. You can also pay by VISA, MasterCard or Discover.
  • Sign the renewal notice.
Mail the documents to: 
Michigan Department of State
7064 Crowner Dr
Lansing, MI 4890-0001
Your renewal application will be processed and a new photo motorcycle license mailed to you in about 15 days.

HOW TO REPLACE YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

A Michigan Motorcycle License can be replaced in person at any SOS branch 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 Michigan requires that you present an approved document as proof of identification. Approved documents could be a US birth certificate, US or Canadian passport, a Michigan government-issued photo identification card or marriage license. More than one document may be required.
  • Bring the correct fee. Please contact your local SOS branch 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 license instead of applying for a replacement.
Note: Michigan residents who are temporarily out of state and unable to apply in person may contact the Out-of-State Resident Services Unit at (517) 322-1473 to request a driver extension or information about an alternate procedure. You will have to provide your out-of-state mailing address, Social Security Number and proof of Michigan residency. A temporary motorcycle license along with an out-of-state license application form will be mailed out to you. You will have to return the completed form with the required information and the correct fee, following which a replacement license will be mailed to you in about 15 days. For further information, out of state Michigan residents may contact: 
Michigan Department of State
Out-of-State Resident Services Unit
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918
Phone: (517) 322-1473
Fax: (517) 322-5438

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION