A motorcycle license renewal is an essential process ran by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Nebraska that enables motorcyclists to maintain their riding privileges after their license expires. To renew motorcycle license documents, riders must understand what information they need to provide and the renewal methods available to them. Currently, only online and in-person renewals are offered to residents of the state based on their age, citizenship and other factors. However, in-person renewals are always available to Nebraska motorists regardless of their eligibility for online renewals.

Because all riders must keep their license updated and valid in Nebraska, renewing motorcycle license information is a skill that all riders will need to learn. The following sections explain the renewal notification process (and how they may conduct a renewal in full. If you have a motorcycle license and want to learn how to renew motorcycle license documents, when you are permitted to do so and the methods involved, you are encouraged to review the sections below.

When to Renew a Motorcycle License in Nebraska

According to the Nebraska DMV, license holders, including those with class M licenses and permits, will receive a license renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before their current license expires. To renew motorcycle permit or license documents, you will need to reference this notice postcard, unless it has yet to be delivered.

In Nebraska, you may renew bike license information up to 60 days prior to its date of expiration (i.e., your 21st birthday) if you are 20 years old or younger and up to 90 days prior to the expiration date (i.e., five years after its issuance on your birthday) if you are 21 years old or older. However, when you should renew you motorcycle license depends on its duration. Your motorcycle endorsement may only be valid for a year. Still, you may qualify for an early renewal in one of the following situations:

  • You will be out of state during your scheduled renewal period. This period is 60 days before your 21st birthday if you are younger than 21 years old or 90 before your license expires if you are 21 years old or older. You may be asked to provide proof that you will not be in Nebraska during that period.
  • You are on active military duty and stationed outside of Nebraska. You may be eligible to renew your license online or by mail to keep your current license, if possible, or follow the out-of-state renewal procedure.

Remember, you must complete your motorcycle license renewal before it expires to avoid having to reapply for licensure since there is no grace period in the state.

Eligibility for Motorcycle License Renewal in Nebraska

To be eligible for a bike license renewal, you must have a valid Nebraska driver’s license, be a resident of the state and have the appropriate documents and information necessary to complete the renewal request. Additionally, you can only renew bike license information if you are 21 years old or older as this is when most licenses originally expire. However, motorcycle renewal requirements differ depending on the renewal method you use.

Required Documents

Documents required to renew a motorcycle license include proof of identify, residency and age. You can refer to the following list of required documents for performing motorcycle license renewals to ensure you have collected all the documents you need:

  • Your renewal notice from the DMV
  • Your current class M driver license or permit
  • Proof of identification
  • Proof of address (up to two forms)
  • Method of payment for licensing fees
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship (for commercial drivers only)

You may also be asked to present your social security card if a social security verification is required.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Motorcycle License in Nebraska

You may be prohibited from renewing motorcycle license documents in some instances that may affect the ability of the DMV to issue a new license or endorsement. For example, you cannot renew motorcycle license documents if your current license has been suspended or revoked in Nebraska or another state.

Additionally, you may not renew a motorcycle license if your license or permit has already expired. Once you are no longer eligible for a renewal, you may reapply for licensure, bearing in mind that you will need to retake all written and road tests associated with the expired license and endorsements.

How to Renew a Nebraska Motorcycle License Online

Various eligibility guidelines apply to riders requesting a motorcycle license renewal online since the online system cannot perform as many functions as a DMV office can. A list of all the motorcycle renewal requirements in place for online renewals is as follows:

  • Your current license or permit must be expiring before your 72nd birthday
  • You do not wish to change your CDL certification category type (for commercial drivers only)
  • You have not received more than two new licenses online within the last five years (for commercial drivers only)
  • You do not have a Hazmat endorsement (for commercial drivers only)
  • Your name must not have changed since the issuance of your previous permit or license
  • Your physical description (i.e., your hair color, race, height and weight) cannot have significantly changed because the current photo used on your license will be used on your new license
  • You have not used the online renewal form in the last ten years

Other online considerations pertain to your age and other license supplements you may require. In Nebraska, motorcyclists younger than 21 years old may not renew their license information online, but they renew motorcycle permit information in some circumstances. To do so, they must have held a permit for at least six months and be a minimum of 60 days from their 16th birthday and younger than 18 years old.

To complete the online request, you will need access to a MasterCard, Visa or Discover credit card, a valid email address and phone number, proof of your current address and proof of citizenship (for commercial drivers only). If you are wondering, “Can I renew my motorcycle license online?” then you should fully review the above eligibility requirements before reading the renewal steps. The steps involved in making an online renewal request are outlined below:

  1. Visit the Nebraska DMV’s official website.
  2. Agree to the terms and conditions of the online renewal form.
  3. Enter your information and provide documents upon request.
  4. Sign and date the renewal form electronically.
  5. Wait for a new license or permit to be delivered to you.

New licenses and permits may take up to 20 days to be delivered to you.

Note: You may now change the address on your license when renewing online.

How to Renew a Nebraska Motorcycle License in Person

Requesting a motorcycle permit renewal, or license renewal, in person in Nebraska involves visiting a local county treasurer office or driver licensing office. This must be done before the motorcycle license expiration date passes to ensure you can obtain a new license or permit in a timely manner. If you are interested in renewing your license or permit in person, you are advised to read the following steps:

  1. Download and complete an Operators License-ID data form or Commercial Drivers License data form. If you would prefer to do so, these forms may be printed and completed in person at the office instead of electronically.
  2. Provide acceptable proof of identification. Nebraska requires you to show one form of ID featuring your name and birthdate.
  3. Provide two forms of proof of address. These forms may only be needed if your address has recently changed or if you have not yet verified your address.
  4. Pay the appropriate license fees. Payments may only be accepted in certain forms. Contact the office before visiting to ensure you have the right payment method available.
  5. Wait for processing and receive a 30-day receipt. Sometimes, county treasurers may grant you temporary driving privileges while you wait for your new license or permit.

Your new license or permit will be mailed to you within 14 business days. If not, you should contact Nebraska Driver License Services at 402-471-3861. If you are wondering where to renew motorcycle license documents near you, you can refer to the DMV list of office locations by county online.

Nebraska Motorcycle License Renewal Costs

The motorcycle license renewal cost is $11 along with a $2.50 fee that is charged for each document issued online or in person by the DMV in Nebraska. However, the motorcycle license renewal fee may vary if you plan to change the class, endorsement or restriction of your license. The total cost for changing class, endorsement or restriction may cost up to $7.50.

When determining the answer to the question, “How much does it cost to renew a motorcycle license in Nebraska?” you should also consider the duration of the motorcycle license or permit. Overall, licenses and permits are all issued in five-year periods unless you will be 21 years old in less than five years, you have a restriction requiring yearly renewal, you are a CDL holder with a Hazardous Material endorsement or you have a USCIS document indicating you need a shorter or longer license duration.

Last updated on Wednesday, March 4 2020.