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How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Tennessee

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

HOW TO RENEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

A Tennessee Motorcycle License can be renewed online, by mail or in person at any Driver License Station in the State. The Tennessee Department of Revenue notifies owners of the expiration date of their motorcycle license by mail, approximately four to six weeks in advance.

WHEN TO RENEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

Your Tennessee motorcycle license is usually valid for five years and will expire on your birthday. The expiration year depends on your age. Tennessee has adjusted it so that it is a number divisible by 5 like 25, 30, 35, and so on, which makes it easy for you to remember. You can renew your Tennessee license anytime in the year leading up to its expiration. Tennessee does not give you any grace period. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive on Tennessee roads.

TO RENEW IN PERSON

You must:

  • Bring your expiring motorcycle license or two Proofs of Identity if the expiring license is not available.
  • In case you hold a Temporary Driver License or Certificate For Driving, you need to bring documentation proving your right to stay in the US and two proofs for your current address.
  • Have a new photo taken. License holders who are 60 years or older may opt for a non-photo license.
  • If your name has changed, legal documentation of the name change is required.
  • Appropriate renewal fee payable in cash, check or credit card (Visa, Master card, Discover, American Express).

TO RENEW VIA THE INTERNET

You can renew your Tennessee license online if your license was issued before January 1, 2001, or if you are over 60 and are requesting a non-photo license.

You would need:

  • A credit or debit card (Visa, Master card, American Express or Discover Card) to make the payment online.
  • Your Motorcycle license number and your Social Security number.

You cannot renew online if:

  • You renewed online or by mail the last time around. (That is, if there is a renewal sticker affixed to the back of your license).
  • You have a Commercial driver license.
  • Your license expired more than five years ago.
  • There has been a change in your name.

TO RENEW BY U.S. MAIL

Renewal by mail is available only to legal permanent residents or legal citizens of the USA who renewed their current motorcycle license in person and are out-of-state, and to military personnel and their dependents. License renewal for the first time has to be done in person.

When you renew by mail, you should prepare and/or complete:

  • A letter containing your full name, address to which the license should be mailed, date of birth, Tennessee motorcycle license number along with a reachable contact number.
  • A check or money order for the appropriate renewal fee, which can be confirmed by calling the Department of Safety at (866) 849-3548.
  • Clear photocopies of two proofs of identity (must be notarized).
  • Proof verifying inability to apply in person (like military ID for people in the armed forces, or letter from church for missionaries).
  • Renewal requirements for the people on active duty in the armed forces can be found here.

Mail all the documents to:

Tennessee Department of Safety

Cashier's Office



P.O. Box 560



Nashville, TN 37249-1000.

The renewed motorcycle license will arrive by mail within 20 days.

HOW TO REPLACE YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

A Tennessee 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 proper identification. The state of Tennessee requires that you present a proof of permanent resident status or of US citizenship, one piece of primary ID when applying for a duplicate motorcycle license. You also need to bring one piece of secondary ID AND two proofs of Tennessee residency.
  • Bring proof of Social Security Number. Persons who are not eligible for the issuance of a Social Security Number must complete a Social Security Affidavit.
  • Bring the correct fee. Cash, personal checks, and money orders are accepted but credit cards and debit cards are not. Please contact your Driver License Station to confirm the fee before applying in person, since fees may vary.

Note: Tennessee residents who are temporarily out of state and unable to apply in person may apply for a duplicate motorcycle license through the mail or online. Such persons may include military personnel or students who are either out of the state or country, among others.

In the case of military personnel, Tennessee law specifically states that as long as the person remains in service and out of state, the motorcycle license will continue to remain valid. The validity will last up to 60 days after the person has been honorably discharged from service or returns to the state, unless the license is revoked earlier due to another lawful reason.

You need to mail the following information or documentation:

  • Complete Name.
  • Tennessee Motorcycle License Number.
  • Date of Birth.
  • Notarized copies of identity proof.
  • Your address and contact number.
  • Verification for inability to be present in person.
  • Obtain a check or money order in the correct amount. Please contact the Tennessee Department of Safety at (866) 849-3548 to confirm the correct fee, as fees may vary.

Mail the complete set of documents along with your payment to:

Tennessee Department of Safety 

Cashier's Office



PO Box 560



Nashville, TN 37243-1000

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION