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How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Virginia

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

HOW TO RENEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

A Virginia Motorcycle License can be renewed online, by phone, by mail or in person at any DMV customer service center in the State. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles notifies owners of the expiration date of their motorcycle license by mail in advance.

WHEN TO RENEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

Your Virginia motorcycle license will generally expire on your birthday, and is usually valid for eight years. If you are 16 or 17 years old, it will expire on your 20th birthday. If you are listed in the Virginia State Police Sex Offender and Crimes Against Children registry, your license will be valid for five years. It is advisable to renew your motorcycle license before the birthday on which it will expire. You can renew your license any time in the six months leading up to its expiration. Your driving privileges expire on midnight of your birthday if you do not renew. However, you will still have an additional one year to renew your license without any additional testing requirements. If you are under 20 years old when renewing and have any traffic convictions, you will be required to take the knowledge test.

TO RENEW IN PERSON

You must renew in person at least every alternate renewal period. You must also renew in person if you have to prove legal presence, if your license has expired or any of these conditions apply.

To renew in person, you must bring:

  • Your expiring motorcycle license or proof of identity if the expiring license is not available.
  • If your name has changed, documentation of the name change is required.
  • Proof of legal presence is required if your license has expired or if you are a non-US citizen.
  • The renewal fee payable in cash, money order, check, check card or major credit card.

TO RENEW VIA THE INTERNET

You cannot renew your license online if these conditions apply. To renew online:
  • Visit the Virginia online services website.
  • Enter the PIN that you received in the renewal notice mailed to you, and follow instructions.
  • Have a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), debit card (Visa or MasterCard) or your checking account number and bank routing number handy to pay for the renewal.
The renewed motorcycle license will be mailed to you in about 15 days.

TO RENEW BY TELEPHONE:

You cannot renew your license by telephone if these conditions apply. To renew by telephone using a touchtone phone:
  • Check the renewal application received in the mail for any errors. For corrections only, call DMV toll free at (866) DMV-LINE or (866) 368-5463 or (800) 435-5137.
  • Have the renewal application received in the mail and a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover) handy.
  • Dial (888) 337-4782 and follow instructions to renew your license.
The renewed motorcycle license will be mailed to you in about 15 days.

TO RENEW BY U.S. MAIL

You cannot renew your license by mail if these conditions apply. To renew by mail:
  • Check the renewal application received in the mail for any errors. For corrections call DMV toll free at (866) DMV-LINE or (866) 368-5463 or (800) 435-5137.
  • Complete the application and sign it.
Mail it along with your payment to: 
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 26506
Richmond, VA 23260-6506
The renewed motorcycle license will be mailed to you in about 15 days.

HOW TO REPLACE YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENSE

A Virginia Motorcycle License can be replaced online, by mail or in person at any DMV customer service center 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:
  • Download, complete and bring the Driver's License and Identification Card Application. You can also obtain the form at the DMV office.
  • Bring proper identification. The State of Virginia requires that you present two pieces of primary ID. Persons under the age of 19 are only required to present one primary ID.
  • Bring proof of legal presence in the US, unless previously provided by you and if it has not expired.
  • Bring the correct fee. Cash, checks, e-checks, money orders, check cards and major credit cards are accepted. Please contact your DMV customer service center to confirm the fee before applying in person, since fees may vary.
  • If your motorcycle license will expire within the next two years, you can renew your license instead of applying for a replacement.

TO REPLACE VIA THE INTERNET

You can choose to obtain a replacement motorcycle license online, using a PIN issued by the DMV. However, certain conditions can restrict you from obtaining a duplicate online. Payment can be made via debit or credit card. The duplicate license or identification card will be processed and mailed to you in approximately 5-10 business days.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION