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How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Texas

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

HOW TO RENEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

A Texas Motorcycle License can be renewed online, by phone, by mail or in person at any Driver's License Office in the State. The Texas Department of Transportation notifies owners of the expiration date of their motorcycle license by mail, approximately six weeks in advance.

WHEN TO RENEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

Your Texas motorcycle license's expiration depends on your age when the expiring license was issued or renewed. For drivers under 18, the license expires on the next birthday, for drivers aged 18-84, the license is valid for 6 years, and for drivers aged 85 and older, the license expires on the second birthday after application date. You can renew your motorcycle license up to a year prior to its expiration. Texas does not have a grace period, so it is advisable to renew your license before it expires.

TO RENEW IN PERSON

You must bring:

  • Your current motorcycle license or proof of identity.
  • Your Social Security Number.
  • Renewal fee .
  • You also need to pass the vision test.

TO RENEW VIA THE INTERNET

To renew your motorcycle license online, you must meet the following criteria:
  • Your last renewal was done in person.
  • Your motorcycle license expires within a year.
  • Your license did not expire more than two years ago.
  • You do not hold a commercial driver license.
  • There is no change in your name. (You can change your address online or by phone)
  • Your mental, physical condition and vision have not changed since your last renewal and would not hamper your ability to drive a vehicle.
  • Your license hasn't been suspended, revoked or cancelled and you do not have outstanding tickets or warrants.
  • You are a Texas resident.
You will need:
  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your current Texas motorcycle license.
  • You need a credit card (Visa, Master card, Discover or American Express card) to pay for the renewal.
An additional $1 (apart from the renewal fee) is charged for online renewals.

TO RENEW BY TELEPHONE

To renew by phone, call (866) 357-3639. In order to renew your license by phone you must meet the following criteria:
  • Your last renewal was done in person.
  • Your motorcycle license expires within a year.
  • Your license did not expire more than two years ago.
  • You do not hold a commercial driver license.
  • There is no change in your name. (You can change your address online or by phone)
  • Your mental, physical condition and vision have not changed since your last renewal and would not hamper your ability to drive a vehicle.
  • Your license hasn't been suspended, revoked or cancelled and you do not have outstanding tickets or warrants.
  • You are a Texas resident.
You will need:
  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your current Texas motorcycle license.
  • You need a credit card (Visa, Master card, Discover or American Express card) to pay for the renewal.
An additional $1 (apart from the renewal fee) is charged for telephone renewals.

TO RENEW BY U.S. MAIL

The criteria for eligibility to renew by mail are the same as those for online and telephone renewal. Texas Department of Public Safety gives military as well as non-military residents the option to renew their license by mail even if out of state. In order to renew by mail, you have to submit
  • Your full name, Texas motorcycle license number and current mailing address to license.issuance@txdps.state.tx.us or call (512) 424-2600.
  • You will also need to submit proof of Social Security Number.
  • Eye test results at a local driver's license office or by a doctor on DL63 form.
  • If renewing your License from out of state or country then you also need to submit Scan card (LI 50)
  • Applicable fee by way of a check or money order made payable to Texas Department of Public Safety.
All documents need to be mailed to: 
Texas Department of Public Safety
P. O. Box 15999
Austin Texas-78761-5999
The renewed motorcycle license should reach you in 4 to 6 weeks.

HOW TO REPLACE YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

A Texas Motorcycle License can be replaced in person at any Driver's License 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 Texas requires that you present one piece of primary ID when applying for a duplicate motorcycle license. Alternatively, you can bring one piece of secondary ID AND two pieces of support ID, or two pieces of secondary ID.
  • 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's License 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 apply to renew your license instead of a obtaining a duplicate.
Note: Texas residents who are temporarily out of state and unable to apply in person may apply for a duplicate motorcycle license through the mail. 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, Texas 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 90 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. Mail the completed forms and proof of Social Security Number, along with your payment to: 
Texas Department Of Public Safety
P O Box 15999
Austin TX 78761-5999
The duplicate motorcycle license will be processed and mailed to you in approximately 45 days.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION